[Images above] Credit: NIST
NANOMATERIALS
Scientists observe effects of heat in materials with atomic resolution
Using cutting-edge electron microscopes and novel techniques, researchers led by University of California, Irvine, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology found a way to map phonons (vibrations in crystal lattices) in atomic resolution, enabling deeper understanding of the way heat travels through quantum dots.
Real-time imaging of dynamic atom-atom interactions
Tokyo Tech researchers managed to observe and characterize dynamic assembly of metallic atoms using an ingenious combination of scanning transmission electron microscopy and a video-based tracking.
ENERGY
Lithium-ion batteries that last longer in extreme cold
To improve electrical performance of lithium-ion batteries in extreme cold, researchers replaced the traditional graphite anode with a bumpy carbon-based material, which maintains its rechargeable storage capacity down to -31°F.
Lifespan of solid-state lithium batteries extended
University of Surrey researchers increased the lifespan and stability of solid-state lithium-ion batteries. They injected Xenon ions into a ceramic oxide material to create a solid-state electrolyte and found this electrolyte showed a 30-times improvement in lifespan over a battery that had not been injected.
Novel heterostructure catalyst for effective hydrogen generation from water splitting
Chung-Ang University researchers developed a novel heterostructured catalyst consisting of hollow cobalt sulfide and nickel-iron layered double hydroxide nanosheets that simultaneously boosts both the hydrogen evolution reaction and the oxygen evolution reaction.
MANUFACTURING
Glass and the energy reform: Sustainable production thanks to electricity?
Researchers in Germany are aiming to make glass production more sustainable by using electrically operated furnaces. But their method is not suitable for producing brown glass because of the high concentration of oxygen in electric furnaces.
OTHER STORIES
Glass safest packaging for food
Researchers found that nearly 3,000 chemicals can potentially leak from packaging into food, making human exposure to these chemicals highly probable. They stated that of the 2,881 food contact chemicals detected, only 47 were detected in the glass and ceramic food contact materials.
Researchers demonstrate 40-channel optical communication link
Researchers demonstrated a silicon-based optical communication link that combines two multiplexing technologies to create 40 optical data channels that simultaneously moves data. The link consists of tantalum pentoxide waveguides on a silicon substrate fabricated into a ring with a nanopatterned oscillation on the inner wall.
Oxide growth in additively manufactured metals examined in sCO2 environment
A new joint study by Southwest Research Institute and Sandia National Laboratories examined the differences in oxide film growth on additively manufactured metals and wrought stainless steel in a supercritical carbon dioxide environment.
Yolk-shell nanocrystals with movable gold yolk: Next generation of photocatalysts
Researchers led by Tokyo Institute of Technology and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University developed several yolk-shell structures containing a metallic gold yolk with various semiconductor shells. They found these nanocrystals to have electronic interactions favorable for photocatalysis applications.
Can they make graphite from coal? Researchers start by finding new carbon solid
Ohio University researchers presented evidence for a new carbon solid they named “amorphous graphite.” They used ab initio and machine learning molecular dynamic simulations to show that pure carbon networks have an overwhelming proclivity to convert to a layered structure in a significant density and temperature window.
DHS seeking input on STEM visa fields
The Department of Homeland Security is seeking input on fields of study that should be included or removed from its STEM Designated Degree Program List. The list is used to determine eligibility for visa extensions under the Optional Practical Training program. Comments are due August 1.