[Images above] Credit: NIST

NANOMATERIALS

High-resolution imaging of nanoparticle surface structures is now possible

Using scanning tunnelling microscopy, extremely high-resolution imaging of the molecule-covered surface structures of silver nanoparticles is possible, even down to the recognition of individual parts of the molecules protecting the surface.

ENERGY

Organic mega flow battery transcends lifetime, voltage thresholds

Harvard researchers have demonstrated a new organic molecule that outlives and outperforms its predecessors, offering the longest-lasting high-performance organic flow battery to date. The molecule could store and release energy tens of thousands of times over multi-year periods.

The quest for longer-lasting solar cells

One hurdle to greater adoption of solar power is the performance and longevity of solar cells. Researchers from Argonne National Laboratory and Imperial College London are studying the causes of silicon solar cell degradation in an effort to make solar power more affordable.

ASU research demonstrates silicon-based tandem photovoltaic modules can compete in solar market

New solar energy research from Arizona State University demonstrates that silicon-based tandem photovoltaic modules, which convert sunlight to electricity with higher efficiency than present modules, will become increasingly attractive in the U.S.

Solar energy accessed to create water filtration system in Haiti

A professor and students from the University of Texas at El Paso have developed a solar-powered water purification system for rural residents of Haiti that is easy to operate and simple to maintain.

Expanding the limits of Li-ion batteries: Electrodes for all-solid-state batteries

Scientists have fabricated batteries that show excellent electrochemical properties that greatly surpass those of traditional and ubiquitous Li-ion batteries, demonstrating the promise of all-solid-state battery technology and its potential to revolutionize portable electronics.

ENVIRONMENT

Old mining techniques make a new way to recycle lithium batteries

An assistant professor of chemical engineering at Michigan Technological University and his students adapted 20th century mining technology to recycle lithium-ion batteries, from the small ones in cell phones to the multi-kilowatt models that power electric cars.

MANUFACTURING

3-D printing the next generation of batteries

Researchers have developed a revolutionary new method of 3-D printing battery electrodes that creates a 3-D microlattice structure with controlled porosity. 3-D printing this microlattice structure vastly improves the capacity and charge-discharge rates for lithium-ion batteries.

OTHER STORIES

Materials update: Mounting possibilities for graphene and 2-D materials

Graphene and other 2-D materials are hot topics in the scientific community. From development of a dedicated graphene characterization service for industry to integrated analysis techniques, SelectScience brings together all the latest news about the 2-D materials community.

Creating displays with richer colors

Researchers have developed a color-enhancement film that could allow future display technologies to produce more than 75% of all visible colors. This technology is enabled by perovskites, which can be tuned by changing its chemical composition.

Three-dimensional-printed implants shown to help grow ‘real bone’

Surgeons and scientists at NYU School of Medicine and NYU College of Dentistry say their chemically-coated, ceramic implants successfully guided regrowth of missing bone in lab animals while “steadily dissolving” as new bone gradually replaced the devices.

Author

Faye Oney

CTT Categories

  • Material Innovations
  • Weekly Column: “Other materials”