[Images above] Credit: NIST
NANOMATERIALS
Graphene: Perfection is futile
Vienna University of Technology researchers developed a comprehensive computer model of realistic graphene structures. They found that even graphene pieces that are not quite perfect can be used well for technological applications.
All-in-one design of copper nanowire assemblies achieves ~100% defrosting efficiency
Researchers at Dalian University of Technology proposed a design of copper nanowire assemblies that can sufficiently enhance the de-icing and defrosting efficiency without conventional energy input.
ENERGY
Better batteries and fuel cells with dispersibility estimation for carbon electrode slurries
Tokyo University of Science researchers developed a technique to estimate the dispersibility of carbon slurries. They combined a rheometer with a spectroscopy setup to measure the electrochemical impedance of acetylene black slurries with methylcellulose as a dispersant.
Direct power generation from methylcyclohexane using solid oxide fuel cells
Methylcyclohexane is a potential hydrogen carrier, but the dehydrogenation process using catalysts experiences challenges with durability and large energy loss. Japanese researchers succeeded in using solid oxide fuel cells to generate electricity directly from methylcyclohexane and recover toluene for reuse.
Novel nonlinear circuit harvests clean power using graphene
University of Arkansas-led researchers showed that thermal fluctuations of freestanding graphene, when connected to a circuit with diodes having nonlinear resistance and storage capacitors, does produce useful work by charging the storage capacitors.
Researchers develop flexible, multilayered coloring transparent electrode
Researchers led by Korea Institute of Materials Science fabricated a transparent thin-film solar cell on a flexible substrate that exhibits different reflective colors and does not significantly reduce the solar cell’s efficiency.
MANUFACTURING
Totally tubular: New way of 3D printing fuel cells could support renewable energy
Clemson University researchers devised a novel way of 3D printing protonic ceramic fuel cells. They 3D printed the cells in a tubular shape, which has several advantages over a planar design, including better durability and easier sealing.
Ceramic 3D-printing breakthrough made by PhD student at Swiss university
A Ph.D. student at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland developed an optimized 3D-printing process to produce complex ceramic architectures. The approach involves 3D printing polymeric preforms with high microporosity through selective laser sintering, combined with infiltration with preceramic polymers.
OTHER STORIES
Scientists theorize a hidden phase transition between liquid and solid
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory discovered molecular behavior in supercooled liquids that represents a hidden phase transition between a liquid and a solid. This transition is what separates supercooled from normal liquids.
‘Topological gardening’ to achieve unexpected spin transport
In a theoretical study, Monash University researchers found that “trimming” the edge-states of a topological insulator yields a new class of material featuring unconventional two-way edge transport.
Nominations open for the NSF Alan T. Waterman Award
The Alan T. Waterman Award, which is supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation, recognizes an outstanding young researcher in any field of science or engineering. Nominations for the 2024 award will be accepted through Sept. 15, 2023, on the NSF Honorary Awards portal.