[Images above] Credit: NIST
NANOMATERIALS
Breakthrough in mass production of MXenes
Korea Institute of Science and Technology researchers developed a method to predict the distribution of molecules on the surface of MXenes using the material’s magnetoresistance property. This method makes it possible to easily measure the molecular distribution of MXenes, enabling quality control in the production process.
Atomic layer deposition route to scalable, electronic-grade van der Waals Te thin films
By employing an innovative atomic layer deposition process, researchers at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology successfully achieved regular arrangement of tellurium atoms at an unprecedentedly low temperature of only 50°C.
ENERGY
‘Computer vision’ reveals unprecedented physical and chemical details of Li-ion batteries
Researchers from SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Toyota Research Institute used a type of machine learning called computer vision to extract pixel-by-pixel information from nanoscale X-ray movies of electrode particles absorbing and releasing lithium ions.
When do bird and bat deaths from wind turbines peak? Fatalities studied to reduce harm
According to an analysis published in PLOS One, bird and bat fatalities at wind farms peak in certain seasons. The American Wind Wildlife Information Center’s post-construction bird and bat fatality data, collected between 2009 and 2021 across 248 operating wind facilities, was used for the study.
BIOMATERIALS
Ultrathin nanotech promises to help tackle antibiotic resistance
RMIT University researchers invented a nanothin superbug-slaying material that could one day be integrated into wound dressings and implants to prevent or heal bacterial infections. The innovation—which has undergone advanced pre-clinical trials—is based on black phosphorus.
ENVIRONMENT
Researchers use carbon capture and utilization tech to recycle industrial carbon dioxide
Chung-Ang University researchers described using industrial CO2 and the common sedimentary rock dolomite to produce two commercially viable products: calcium formate and magnesium oxide.
Making hydrogen from waste plastic could pay for itself
Rice University researchers used rapid flash Joule heating to convert waste plastics into hydrogen gas and high-value graphene. If the produced graphene is sold at only 5% of current market value, the researchers say that clean hydrogen could be produced for free.
OTHER STORIES
Scientists uncovered mystery of important material for semiconductors at the surface
Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers showed that the ferroelectric behavior in hafnium oxide is coupled to the surface and is tunable by changing the surrounding atmosphere. Future research could apply the findings to anticipate how hafnium oxide may behave when alloyed with other elements.
Silica particles found in food and makeup could be chemically reactive
Stanford University researchers showed that silica may react with key biomolecules, potentially degrading their function. The findings highlight the need for further research into the reactivity of silica, especially given its extensive usage in everyday products.