[Images above] Credit: NIST
NANOMATERIALS
Scientists synthesize 2D monolayer polymeric fullerene
Researchers led by the Institute of Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences developed an interlayer bonding cleavage strategy to prepare 2D monolayer polymeric fullerenes. They prepared magnesium intercalated C60 bulk crystals as the precursor, and then used a ligand-assisted cation exchange strategy to cleave the interlayer bonds.
ENERGY
New approach reduces EV battery testing time by 75%
University of Michigan researchers developed an optimized framework for testing the longevity of new electric vehicle battery designs that could cut the time for both simulation and physical testing of new and better batteries by about 75%.
Scientists unravel working principles of a promising material for fast-charging batteries
Skoltech researchers with the help of their colleagues from Moscow State University unveiled the charge storage mechanisms of NiBTA, a new promising anode material that is a nickel-based coordination polymer derived from benzenetetramine.
Two opposing approaches could give lithium-sulfur batteries a leg up over lithium-ion
A new review paper compares two options for reducing the volume of electrolyte required in lithium-sulfur batteries—highly solvating electrolytes and sparingly solvating electrolytes—and considers the applications for which they are most appropriate.
A rethink of the building blocks for solar panels could help mass production
University of Surrey researchers developed a perovskite ink that allows for a fast and reproducible way to reliably fabricate these solar cell building blocks on a mass scale.
New concentrator could help solar panels capture more sunlight
Researchers developed an axially graded index lens that takes in light and concentrates it at the same position, even as the source changes direction. If placed on solar panels, the panels would no longer need to move to receive light throughout the day.
Thin-film photovoltaic technology combines efficiency and versatility
Working with partners in the EU-funded PERCISTAND project, researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology produced perovskite/CIS tandem solar cells with an efficiency of nearly 25%.
BIOMATERIALS
Optical fiber imaging method advances studies of Alzheimer’s disease
An optical fiber as thin as a strand of hair holds promise for use in minimally invasive deep-tissue studies of patients’ brains that show the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and other brain disorders.
‘Naked’ tellurium dioxide nanoparticles for antimicrobial and anticancer applications
By irradiating a pure tellurium target in deionized water, researchers formed “naked” tellurium dioxide nanoparticles that demonstrated effectiveness against some antibiotic-resistant bacteria (e.g., E. coli) and some types of cancer (e.g., skin cancer).
ENVIRONMENT
Strategies beyond recycling to bolster circular economy for solar and battery tech
In a new comprehensive literature review, researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory discovered that alternatives to recycling may have untapped potential to build an effective circular economy for solar photovoltaic and battery technologies.
Offshore wind farms expected to reduce clam fishery revenue
An important East Coast shellfish industry is projected to suffer revenue losses as offshore wind energy develops along the U.S. Northeast and Mid-Atlantic coasts, according to two Rutgers studies.
There are benefits of growing broccoli beneath solar panels
Chonnam National University researchers showed that shade provided by solar panels helps make broccoli a deeper shade of green, which makes it more appealing for grocery stores and consumers without a significant loss of the crop’s size or nutritional value.
New manufacturing process stores carbon pollution in concrete
Researchers at the National Carbon Capture Center in Alabama tested a process developed by CarbonBuilt and found it can cut the carbon footprint of concrete by more than half.
MANUFACTURING
How does the particle size of sand influence concrete characteristics?
Researchers studied the influence of the morphological properties of manufactured sand and their correlation with particle shape and the properties of concrete. The compressive strength and slump displayed decent correlations with the morphological parameters of the particles. However, the sand’s shape did not affect concrete durability.
OTHER STORIES
A ceramic aerogel for use in thermal insulation applications
Researchers at Harbin Institute of Technology, working with a colleague in the U.S., developed a new kind of aerogel for use in flexible thermal insulation material applications. Their aerogel consists of nanocrystalline bits embedded in an amorphous zircon matrix.
3D model guides exploration for rare earth element deposits in alkaline igneous systems
Researchers from the University of Exeter and the British Geological Survey, alongside a team of institutions across Europe, developed a new 3D geological model designed to guide exploration for rare earth elements in alkaline igneous systems.
Building explainability into the components of machine-learning models
Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers created a taxonomy and outlined steps that developers can take to design features in machine-learning models that are easier for decision-makers to understand.
A closer look into the emergence of antibiotic resistance in bioaerosols and its monitoring
While there are many studies that discuss antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) in soil and water environments, there is currently very little research that focuses on ARG in aerial environments. In a recent review, researchers from South Korea have analyzed current research trends regarding ARG in bioaerosols.