[Images above] Credit: NIST
NANOMATERIALS
The secret of ultralight but stiff sandwich nanotubes
Researchers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory noticed that materials based on sandwich nanotubes retained their stiffness at lower densities. Modeling by materials scientists from the University of Groningen revealed how this could happen.
Carbon fibers have directional electrical properties
The electrical properties of a carbon fiber are very different when measured across its width or along its length, according to researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Using a technique designed to probe the electrical resistivity of 2D materials, they showed that the fibers are significantly less conductive in the transverse direction.
Squashed carbon nanotubes make smooth nanoribbons
By squashing carbon nanotubes in a diamond anvil cell, researchers in China and the U.S. produced sub-10-nm-wide semiconducting graphene nanoribbons with atomically smooth closed edges and few defects, potentially paving the way to a more widespread adoption of the material.
Researchers move closer to manipulate the flow of electricity in graphene
An interdisciplinary team of researchers describe a clean technique to dope graphene via a charge-transfer layer made of low-impurity tungsten oxyselenide. They generated the new clean layer by oxidizing a single atomic layer of another 2D material, tungsten selenide.
On-water creation of conducting MOF nanosheets
Researchers from Osaka Prefecture University, Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, and University of Tokyo spread a solution containing organic linkers on an aqueous solution of metal ions. Once in contact, the substances assembled their components in a hexagonal arrangement to form nanosheets where the liquid and air meet.
BIOMATERIALS
Graphene transistor detects SARS-CoV-2 in less than a minute
Fudan University researchers developed a transistor made of graphene that can accurately detect tiny traces of RNA from SARS-CoV-2. The detection limit of the method is also very low, detecting about three molecules of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in 100 µL of solution.
Carbon nanotube-based sensor can detect SARS-CoV-2 proteins
Using specialized carbon nanotubes, Massachusetts Institute of Technology engineers designed a novel sensor that can detect SARS-CoV-2 without any antibodies. Their approach, known as Corona Phase Molecular Recognition (CoPhMoRe), takes advantage of a phenomenon that occurs when certain types of polymers bind to a nanoparticle.
ENVIRONMENT
Energy-efficient separation of a greenhouse gas
Pusan National University researchers used a multi-scale approach to pick the best metal-organic frameworks for isolating the greenhouse gas sulfur hexafluoride from systems like electrical switchgears before entering the environment.
MANUFACTURING
Magnetic material 3D printed from nonmagnetic powder
Scientists from Skoltech and their colleagues used a 3D printer to fuse two materials in an alloy whose composition continuously changes from one region of the sample to the other, endowing the alloy with gradient magnetic properties.
Unlocking the technology to produce unbreakable screens
Researchers at the University of Queensland found a way to wrap or bind perovskite nanocrystals in porous glass, thus stabilizing the materials and enhancing their efficiency.
Carbon nanotubes could help electronics withstand outer space’s harsh conditions
Researchers showed that transistors and circuits made with carbon nanotubes can be configured to maintain their electrical properties and memory after being bombarded by high amounts of radiation.
OTHER STORIES
Flexible device could treat hearing loss without batteries
As a step toward an advanced artificial cochlea, researchers reported a conductive membrane that translated sound waves into matching electrical signals when implanted inside a model ear, without requiring external power.
New synthesis process paves way for more efficient lasers, LEDs
Researchers from North Carolina State University developed a new process that makes use of existing industry standard techniques for making III-nitride semiconductor materials, but results in layered materials that will make LEDs and lasers more efficient.
Researchers discover predictable behavior in promising material for computer memory
Researchers led by Georgia Institute of Technology discovered that as the microstructure of the antiferroelectric material zirconium dioxide is reduced in size, it behaves similarly to ferroelectric materials.
Library in a glass chip: laser-writing trick can store vast amounts of data
A team of U.K. researchers figured out a laser-writing technique that can store vast amounts of data in glass. So-called 5D data storage uses molecule-sized nanostructures created in silica glass to store information.
Superconductivity: New tricks for finding better materials
Two years ago, a new class of promising superconductors was discovered: so-called layered nickelates. Now, TU Wien researchers succeeded in determining important parameters of these novel superconductors by comparing theory and experiment.
An article by MRF overviews the main types of heating elements used in industrial furnaces, including metal, graphite, and ceramic heating elements.