[Images above] Credit: NIST

NANOMATERIALS

Physicists uncover why nanomaterial loses superconductivity

In a new study, physicists have discovered that superconducting nanowires made of MoGe alloy undergo quantum phase transitions from a superconducting to a normal metal state when placed in an increasing magnetic field at low temperatures.

How gold nanoparticles could improve energy storage

Star-shaped gold nanoparticles, coated with a semiconductor, can produce hydrogen from water over four times more efficiently than other methods—opening the door to improved storage of solar energy and other advances that could boost renewable energy use.

Multicomponent nanostructure architectures in a controlled manner

Researchers demonstrated an approach to engineer bulk multilayered multicomponent nanostructures in which layered subunits that comprise one or two functional components are constructed and assembled into a bulk material.

ENERGY

Researchers improve conductive property of graphene

Researchers from the University of Kansas have connected a graphene layer with two other atomic layers (molybdenum diselenide and tungsten disulfide) thereby extending the lifetime of excited electrons in graphene by several hundred times.

Carbon is the new black

Engineers with the University of Cincinnati are leveraging a partnership with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to create clothing that can charge a cell phone. What makes this possible are the unique properties of carbon nanotubes: strength, conductivity, and heat-resistance.

Solar technology seeking a balance

The evolution of solar energy technology is happening at Arizona State University, as researchers look to find affordable, reliable solutions.

A battery boasting five times conventional energy capacity pushes EV range over 1000 km

Norwegian researchers have found a way to improve the capacity of conventional batteries by 300-500%. That would imply smartphones and computers that don’t need to be charged for several days, and electric cars that can drive upwards of 1000 km on a single charge.

Electric car batteries souped-up with fluorinated electrolytes for longer-range driving

Researchers have figured out how to increase a rechargeable battery’s capacity by using aggressive electrodes and then stabilizing these potentially dangerous electrode materials with a highly-fluorinated electrolyte.

What’s causing the voltage fade in lithium-rich NMC cathode materials?

Researchers explain what’s causing the performance-reducing ‘voltage fade’ that currently plagues a promising class of cathode materials called lithium-rich NMC (nickel magnesium cobalt) layered oxides.

OTHER STORIES

Got an idea that could transform the world? The National Science Foundation is all ears

The NSF already gets way more good research proposals from scientists than it can fund. But officials worry they still might be missing something important. This fall they will give the public a chance to win glory—and some money—in a contest dubbed The NSF 2026 Idea Machine.

Electronic stickers to streamline large-scale ‘Internet of Things’

Researchers have developed a fabrication method that makes tiny, thin-film electronic circuits peelable from a surface. The technique eliminates several manufacturing steps and allows any object to sense its environment or be controlled through the application of a high-tech sticker.

Author

Faye Oney

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