[Images above] Credit: NIST
NANOMATERIALS
Novel 2D metal-organic framework could help advance semiconductors
Clemson University chemists constructed a novel 2D electrically conductive metal-organic framework that has 10- to 15-times higher conductivity than the parent MOF, which lacks such efficient out-of-plane conduction pathways.
International team reports powerful tool for studying, tuning atomically thin materials
Researchers led by Massachusetts Institute of Technology reported a way to quantify—and control—the moiré potential in atomically thin materials. They apply extreme pressure to a moiré system while shining light through it, then analyze effects with Raman spectroscopy. A theoretical model provides a framework for understanding the data.
ENERGY
New design for high-power-density fuel cells offers improved performance and durability
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory developed a grooved electrode design that improves the efficiency with which oxygen and protons are transported through the fuel cell. The team’s diagnostics, combined with multiphysics modeling and simulations, demonstrated the improved oxygen transport.
ENVIRONMENT
Wind farm noise is not more disruptive to sleep than road traffic noise
Short exposure to wind farm and road traffic noise triggers a small increase in people waking from their slumber that can fragment their sleep patterns, according to new research at Flinders University. But importantly, the new study also shows that wind farm noise is not more disruptive to sleep than road traffic.
OTHER STORIES
Discovery of grain-interior planar defects induced by heteroatom monolayer
Researchers from Beijing University of Technology and the Institute of Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences discovered a new type of grain-interior planar defect in a ceramic phase in titanium-carbide-doped cemented tungsten carbides. These defects display distinct characteristics that set them apart from known planar defects.
Flaky compound to prevent computer chips from getting fried
By adding boron nitride flakes to a 3D printed photopolymer, researchers from Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology managed to double the material’s thermal conductivity. This ability could prevent microchips encapsulated with the polymer from overheating.
New moon rover gives it the old college try
The United States’ first robotic lunar rover was built by students at Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about the unusual history and development of this rover in an IEEE Spectrum article.
Recordings from ‘Disrupting Ableism and Advancing STEM’ conversation series available
All event recording and materials from the National Academies conversation series “Disrupting Ableism and Advancing STEM” are now available online. This conference series explored issues related to the accessibility and inclusivity of STEM workplaces for persons with disabilities.