[Images above] Credit: NIST
NANOMATERIALS
3D models of a mysterious medieval nanomaterial hints at a lost art
Paul Scherrer Institute researchers used the latest in nanoscale 3D scanning techniques to reveal some of the finest secrets of a medieval material known as Zwischgold (part-gold): an ultrathin metal foil, consisting of a gold top layer and a silver base, used to gild sculptures. Up until now, only 2D cross-sections of the material had been studied.
New system designs nanomaterials that conduct heat in specific ways
Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers developed an algorithm and software system that can automatically design a nanoscale material that can conduct heat in a specific manner, such as channeling heat in only one direction. The technique could be used to fabricate computer chips that will not get too hot while operating.
A new process to build 2D materials made possible by quantum calculations
Quantum calculations performed by researchers from the University of Surrey aided Graz University of Technology researchers in growing hexagonal boron nitride. They plan to use the method to study the growth of other 2D materials.
Core–shell nanomaterial enhances electrochemical ammonia synthesis
Researchers in China devised electrocatalytic nanomaterials consisting of vanadium oxide cores within a vanadium nitride shell for reducing nitrogen to ammonia. Optimizing the thickness of the nitride shell was an important aspect of the electrocatalyst design.
Scientists count electric charges in a single catalyst nanoparticle down to the electron
Scientists in Japan counted the number of extra—or missing—charges down to a precision of just one electron in single platinum nanoparticles. This new analysis process will aid in the further understanding and development of catalysts for breaking down greenhouse and other harmful gasses,
Graphene boosts flexible and wearable electronics
California Institute of Technology researchers demonstrated that graphene can improve electrical circuits required for wearable and flexible electronics. In one study, they grew graphene directly onto thin 2D copper lines commonly used in electronics. The second study showed gold coated in graphene could better withstand a person’s sweat.
ENERGY
New solar cell generates electricity for more than 1,000 continuous hours
National Institute for Materials Science developed a durable 1-square-centimeter perovskite solar cell capable of generating electricity for more than 1,000 continuous hours at a photoelectric conversion efficiency of more than 20% in exposure to sunlight.
Floating wind turbines face large waves in ‘high energy’ Orkney demonstration
Floating wind turbines will face large waves and high wind speeds in an “energetic offshore environment” that could house a new test and demonstration site. The European Marine Energy Center in Orkney, off the north coast of the Scottish mainland, finished a concept design for the new 100 MW project.
Rooftop wind energy innovation claims 50% more energy than solar at same cost
A new bladeless wind energy unit, patented by Aeromine Technologies, can reportedly produce 50% more energy than rooftop solar at the same cost. The unit requires about 10% of the space required by solar panels.
Australian research finds cost-effective way to recycle solar panels
University of New South Wales researchers outlined a process to collect and extract valuable materials from solar arrays, such as silver and copper. The process involves collecting solar arrays, stripping them of their aluminum frame, shredding the cells, and using an electrostatic separation to collect valuable materials.
Scientists use toxic hogweed to make anode material for cheap sodium-ion batteries
Researchers from Moscow State University and Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology transmuted a pesky poisonous weed into high-grade anode material for sodium-ion batteries.
Watching lithium in real time could improve performance of EV battery materials
Researchers led by University of Cambridge found that the irregular movement of lithium ions in next-generation battery materials could be reducing their capacity and hindering their performance.
ENVIRONMENT
Solar panels and crops can coexist, but more study needed on how and where
A recent study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory confirms that co-locating solar panels and crops can be beneficial but also shows that such co-location can lead to crop or financial losses, including from complications like mold-causing dew accumulation and soil damage from construction equipment.
Historic homes may prove to be more resilient against floods
An emerging movement in the U.S. aims to prove the resilience of older homes as more fall under the threat of rising seas and intensifying storms due to climate change. They hope their research can convince more government officials and building contractors that historic building materials often need cleaning—not replacing—after a flood.
Clay foundation to lower cement emissions
Charles Sturt University researchers discovered that using clay to stabilize peat and softer soil can reduce the amount of cement needed by more than 40%. The next research stage is to work with clay and a large number of soils that are problematic for engineering.
Efficient new catalyst converts mixed plastic waste into propane
A new catalyst consisting of a cobalt-filled zeolite breaks carbon bonds in a specific and repeatable location. In tests on real-world samples of mixed plastics, researchers found the catalyst converted around 80% of the plastic into propane, without producing methane as a byproduct.
No plug? No problem. This 3D-printed humidifier doesn’t use any electricity
A student at Folkwang University of the Arts created a humidifier made of clay that works without any external power due to the unique 3D-printed shape.
MANUFACTURING
Molding ceramics in freeform geometries with new 3D printing technique
Researchers demonstrated freeform injection molding of functional ceramics using hybrid additive manufacturing. Alumina, zirconia, and lead-free piezoelectrics, including barium titanate and bismuth sodium barium titanate, were used as feedstocks.
Startup builds ‘inflatable’ concrete houses in just hours
New York City startup Automatic Construction developed a new technique, called the Inflatable Flexible Factory Formwork, for quickly and cheaply constructing small concrete homes. The process involves delivering a house “form,” made of PVC fabric, to the construction site and then pumping it full of concrete.
OTHER STORIES
Materials science engineers work on new material for computer chips
Members of a multifunctional thin film research group published two studies that explain how to engineer and enhance the stability of ferroelectric hafnium oxides.
Researchers developing materials to stop hydrogen leaks like ones delaying Artemis launch
University of Central Florida researchers are developing ceramic matrix composites and nanoceramic coatings for stopping hydrogen leaks, like ones halting the Artemis 1 launch.
Breaking footprint-resolution restriction of spectrum analysis with single-dot perovskite
Researchers at the Center for Energy Conversion Materials and Physics at Soochow University in China developed a single-dot spectrometer based on an in situ modulated perovskite photodetector. The device is enabled by photogain manipulation controlled by ion redistribution in the perovskite film under an externally applied bias.
Clarification of material properties for clearly better displays
Hokkaido University researchers showed that the higher electron mobility in indian-tin-zinc oxide (ITZO) results from the unusual fact that in ITZO films of sufficient thickness, free charges accumulate at the interface with the carrier material, enabling passing-through electrons to travel through the bulk of the material unhindered.
Micromasers make a promising platform for quantum batteries
Researchers from the Institute for Basic Science, Korea, in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Insubria, Italy, showed that quantum batteries based on micromasers, once charged, reach an almost steady state, meaning that their energy level does not fluctuate significantly over timescales relevant to the system in the team’s model.
Metal-enriched silkworm silk is one of the strongest materials ever
Tianjin University researchers developed a method that strengthens silkworm silk by first dissolving it in either sodium carbonate or papain, an enzyme from papaya, and then respinning it in a bath of sugar, ethanol, and zinc and iron ions. The metal-enriched silk is stronger than most spider silk, one of the toughest and strongest materials in nature.