[Images above] Credit: NIST
NANOMATERIALS
2D material may enable ultrasharp cellphone photos in low light
Researchers at The Pennsylvania State University found 2D molybdenum disulfide has a very good photosensitive response, strong signal conversion, charge-to-voltage conversion, and data transmission capabilities, which make it an ideal candidate to enable an active pixel sensor that can do light sensing and in-sensor image processing.
Combination of two materials creates high-performance, stretchy nanogenerator
Researchers at The Pennsylvania State University combined a porous MXene and laser-induced graphene foam nanocomposite to form a material system that enables a triboelectric nanogenerator to be stretchy and able to perform on dynamic surfaces, such as the human skin or the leaf of a plant.
ENERGY
Fusion energy breakthrough enabled by laser glass and optical glass from SCHOTT
For the first time, a fusion reactor at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s National Ignition Facility generated more energy than it consumed. SCHOTT supplied the laser and optical glasses for the high energy laser, as well as other parts such as fused silica, BOROFLOAT debris shields, and turning mirror substrates.
New battery technology has potential to significantly reduce energy storage costs
Using a simple pyrolysis process and carbon-based electrodes, researchers led by University of Sydney improved the reactivity of sulfur and the reversibility of reactions between sulfur and sodium in a sodium-sulfur battery.
Paper-thin solar cell can turn any surface into a power source
Researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology developed a scalable fabrication technique to produce ultrathin, lightweight solar cells that can be stuck onto any surface. They found it could generate 730 watts of power per kilogram when freestanding and about 370 watts-per-kilogram if deployed on high-strength Dyneema fabric.
BIOMATERIALS
New customizable, strontium-filled scaffold could improve dental implant healing
University at Buffalo researchers developed a new strontium-loaded scaffold that can be personalized to fit any size dental implant and could help improve healing and tissue attachment in patients.
ENVIRONMENT
California wildfire smoke dimmed solar energy in 2020
The smoke from intense California wildfires in September 2020 darkened the skies so much that it slashed the state’s solar power production during peak hours by 10–30%, according to a study led by scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research.
PAN-based activated carbon fibers for efficient adsorption of nitrate ion contaminants
Chiba University researchers produced new polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fibers that, when activated with sodium carbonate and heat-treated, can exhibit excellent nitrate adsorption properties. Nitrate ions released into the water bodies due to human activities can have adverse effects on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
MANUFACTURING
Synthesis of material that absorbs electromagnetic waves in the 6G band
Researchers from the Korea Institute of Materials Science adopted an aerosol process to consecutively manufacture epsilon iron oxide that can absorb millimeter waves with a high coercive force equivalent to that of neodymium magnets.
OTHER STORIES
Long-range information transport in antiferromagnets
Physicists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, along with colleagues at Université Paris-Saclay, Shanghai University, and Université Grenoble Alpes, developed a new class of materials for transporting spin waves: antiferromagnets with tilted magnetic moments.
Cubic silicon carbide wafer demonstrates high thermal conductivity
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers solved a puzzle about lower measured thermal conductivity values of cubic silicon carbide bulk crystals than the structurally more complex hexagonal phase SiC. Their measured thermal conductivity of cubic silicon carbide ranks it second to single crystal diamond among inch-scale crystals.
Say hello to the toughest material on Earth
Researchers led by Lawrence Berkeley and Oak Ridge National Laboratories measured the highest toughness ever recorded while investigating a metallic alloy made of chromium, cobalt, and nickel. The metal’s strength and ductility improve as it gets colder, which runs counter to most other materials.
New materials for the computer of the future
Paul Scherrer Institute researchers described significant advances in the understanding of the surface-state electronic properties of barium tin oxide.
Park rangers are using silent e-bikes to catch poachers
A Swedish electric bike is helping Mozambique’s park rangers protect game and reduce the need for fossil fuel infrastructure in Africa’s remotest areas.
NSF accelerates use-inspired solutions for persons with disabilities
With an investment of $11.8 million, the National Science Foundation’s Convergence Accelerator selected 16 multidisciplinary Phase 1 teams to develop new technologies and tools to enhance the quality of life and employment access and opportunities for persons with disabilities.