[Images above] Credit: NIST
NANOMATERIALS
Electrons become fractions of themselves in graphene
Massachusetts Institute of Technology physicists observed the fractional quantum Hall effect in a five-layer graphene/hexagonal boron nitride moire superlattice. Previously this phenomenon has only been seen under very high magnetic fields.
Scientists shine new light on the future of nanoelectronic devices
Researchers used the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory to examine the changes that occur in the structure of SrCoOx as it switches between conducting to insulating phases. Their findings provide information on how the material will behave while performing its intended function.
ENERGY
Improved stability of perovskite solar cells
Pusan National University researchers leveraged the technique of interfacial passivation, where lead ions are bound by crown ether B18C6, to stabilize perovskite solar cells. They obtained 21.7% power conversion energy, and the cell resisted degradation due to moisture for 300 hours at room temperature and 85% humidity.
Study unlocks nanoscale secrets for designing next-generation solar cells
Researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and several other institutions revealed ways to optimize efficiency and better control degradation in perovskites by engineering the nanoscale structure.
New triple-junction tandem solar cells set world-record efficiency
National University of Singapore researchers developed a novel triple-junction perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell that achieved a certified world-record power conversion efficiency of 27.1% across a solar energy absorption area of 1 cm2, representing the best-performing triple-junction perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell thus far.
Customizable carbon and its potential impact on green energy
Researchers led by Tsinghua University wrote about how superstructure carbons are a possible way to use carbons in a more efficient and “green” way that can exceed the current performance and longevity of the standard materials in energy storage and conversion devices.
Fire-resistant sodium battery balances safety, cost, and performance
A sodium battery developed by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin significantly reduces fire risks while also relying on inexpensive, abundant materials to serve as its building blocks. The secret ingredient to this sodium battery breakthrough is a salt-based solid diluent used in the electrolyte to facilitate the charge–discharge cycle.
Method for producing lithium-ion batteries using peanut shells
Researchers developed a two-step hydrothermal method and calcination method to derive ferric oxide from peanut shells for use in lithium-ion battery anodes.
BIOMATERIALS
Advanced system for size-dependent cytotoxicity analysis of silica
Chiba University researchers proposed a technique that can separate nanoparticles of different sizes, assess their uptake by cells, and evaluate potential toxicity. Using this technique, they determined that smaller silica nanoparticles exhibit higher toxicity, but there is no significant size-dependent difference in particle volume absorbed by cells.
ENVIRONMENT
Turning waste into wonder: a breakthrough in pollution control
Zhejiang University researchers introduced a catalyst combining vanadium-based components and nitrogen-doped biomass carbon. This development significantly enhances the low-temperature degradation activity of furan, offering a novel solution for the efficient breakdown of persistent organic pollutants.
A bright idea for recycling rare earth phosphors from used fluorescent bulbs
Researchers used magnetized chromatography to collect slightly magnetic particles that contain rare earth metals from spent fluorescent bulbs. More work is needed to separate individual rare earth elements from the phosphors and to scale the method for industrial recycling applications.
The cities stripping out concrete for earth and plants
From Australia to Canada, cities are taking up unnecessary stretches of concrete and asphalt, allowing nature to take hold in their place. Depaving efforts enhance water absorption, reduce flooding, support wildlife, and improve urban mental health.
Recyclable carbon fiber composites made greener with thermoforming
National Renewable Energy Laboratory researchers are working to replace steel parts in vehicles with recyclable carbon fiber composites. They showed that using both chemical depolymerization and thermoforming reduced the cost and greenhouse gas emissions of the material’s second life by 90% to 95% compared to the first life.
MANUFACTURING
New process to transform glass fiber-reinforced plastic into silicon carbide
Rice University researchers and collaborators developed a new, energy-efficient upcycling method to transform glass fiber-reinforced plastic into silicon carbide. While this initial study was a proof-of-concept test on a bench scale in the laboratory, the researchers are already working with outside companies to scale up the process for wider use.
Device that withstands 1,400°C temperatures could improve solar energy production
Researchers from the University of Bristol and CEA Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique designed and successfully tested rotary blades for generating flow in molten silicon. Their rotation will generate a representative, renewed, and stable surface as the target for in-situ laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy analysis at high temperatures.
Environmentally friendly quantum dots for fast photodetectors
Researchers from ICFO–The Institute of Photonic Sciences developed a new method to synthesize arsenic-free indium antimonide colloidal quantum dots with access to the short-wave infrared range. They used a continuous precursor injection process instead of a hot injection option.
OTHER STORIES
Diamond alignment makes high-pressure magnetometry of superconductors possible
Physicists in the U.S. and China devised a technique for making reliable measurements of the magnetic properties of materials held under very high pressures. The technique relies on using diamond anvil cells cut along one particular crystallographic direction to align the nitrogen vacancy sites.
Ultrafast laser pulses could lessen data storage energy needs
Researchers found that when a magnet is hit with a pulsed laser, the domain walls in the ferromagnetic layers move at a speed of approximately 66 km/s, which is about 100 times faster than the speed limit previously thought.
Burned porridge allows for examination of 5,000-year-old ceramic vessels
Electron microscopy analysis of 5,000-year-old ceramic vessels showed that the vessels, which were previously thought to contain dairy products, were used to cook cereals. Plant food components typically deteriorate and disappear, but the ancient humans accidentally burned their porridge, which left behind residue that could be observed.