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[Images above] Credit: NIST


NANOMATERIALS

Quenching by laser increases graphene quality

Researchers at the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology found out why, instead of simply burning down at high temperatures, graphene oxide opens the door to a promising and inexpensive graphene production method.

Carbon monoxide turns into large defectless graphene crystal under ambient pressure

Researchers from Skoltech, MIPT, the RAS Institute of Solid State Physics, Aalto University, and elsewhere proposed the first graphene synthesis technique that uses carbon monoxide as the carbon source. The method benefits from the principle of self-limiting.

Light derails electrons through graphene

Researchers experimentally caused electrons to bend in bilayer graphene with the use of light. The way electrons flow in materials determine its electronic properties.

Don’t underestimate undulating graphene

Rice University researchers put forth the idea that growing atom-thick graphene on a gently textured surface creates peaks and valleys in the sheets that turn them into “pseudo-electromagnetic” devices.


ENERGY

Light may increase performance of fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries

Researchers led by Technical University of Munich and Massachusetts Institute of Technology showed that light can be used to increase the mobility of ions at ceramic grain boundaries and improve the performance of fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries.

Carbon-coated nickel enables fuel cell free of precious metals

Cornell University researchers found a nitrogen doped carbon-coated nickel anode can catalyze an essential reaction in hydrogen fuel cells at a fraction of the cost of the precious metals currently used.

Review: Latest progress in wearable energy harvesting and storage

In a recent review, Pusan National University researchers take stock of the latest developments in energy harvesting and storage technology for wearable devices, with a focus on nanomaterials and their assembly into various macroscale structures.

A solar power station in space? Here’s how it would work—and the benefits it could bring

An article on The Conversation looks at how a solar power station in space would work and the advantages and drawbacks to this technology.


BIOMATERIALS

Dentistry with sol-gel synthesized bioactive glasses

A new study published in the journal Dental Materials addresses the foundations of sol-gel-generated bioactive glasses and their usage as dental cell substitute material.

Ultraviolet light can clean N95 masks for reuse without hindering performance

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology showed that N95 masks can be disinfected using ultraviolet light with little impact on their form or function.


ENVIRONMENT

Faster-acting graphene sensor detects opioid metabolites in wastewater

Researchers developed a graphene-based sensor that detects opioid byproducts in wastewater faster and cheaper than current commonly used methods.

The race to upcycle CO2 into fuels, concrete, and more

A Nature news feature looks at the race by companies to turn carbon dioxide into useful products—but will that slow climate change?

A nature-friendly way to defend coasts from rising seas

Concrete sea walls are designed to protect people from the consequences of global heating but also contribute to it. An article on The Conversation talks about several ways to achieve more sustainable concrete designs.


OTHER STORIES

Keeping the light from fading

Researchers led by Nara Institute of Science and Technology created a new approach to compensate for variations in illumination while scanning cathedral stained glass windows.

Tiny magnets could hold the secret to new quantum computers

Argonne National Laboratory researchers achieved efficient quantum coupling between two distant magnetic devices, which can host a certain type of magnetic excitations called magnons. This kind of coupling may be useful for creating new quantum information technology devices.

Photovoltaic pavement based on transparent resin-concrete protective layer

Researchers in China developed a prototype of a photovoltaic pavement for road applications. The pavement was built with a transparent resin-concrete material made with waste glass and unsaturated polyester resin, as well as a curing agent and accelerator. The system was equipped with built-in amorphous silicon solar modules.

‘Quad Fellowship’ accepting applications from STEM students

The Quad Fellowship, an educational exchange program supported by the governments of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, is accepting applications for its inaugural cohort. Applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field by August 2023, and applications are due June 1.

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