[Images above] Credit: NIST


NANOMATERIALS

Toward higher nanopatterning resolution with molecules that fill nanogaps better

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science performed molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the molecular features that govern the filling process at nanoscales. The results showed that molecules with viscosity higher than 92 mPa.s could not fill the trenches. This knowledge can help improve use of ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography.

Graphene oxide membranes reveal unusual behavior of water at the nanoscale

Researchers from UNSW Sydney, University of Duisburg-Essen, GANIL, and Toyota Technological Institute discovered that, in the case of graphene oxide membranes and water, having more pores in the membrane does not necessarily allow more water through.

2D materials for next generation computing

Researchers outlined the most promising fields of applications of 2D materials, as well as the challenges that still need to be solved to see the appearance of high-tech products enabled by 2D materials.


ENERGY

A nanofluidic osmotic energy generator

Researchers at Beijing University of Technology used the classical interfacial polymerization method to fabricate covalent organic frameworks. The resulting ultrathin and large-area membrane featured abundant and ordered 1D nanochannels, a smooth surface, and was self-standing.

Phase-change material tech to store thermal energy, solar electricity in buildings

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory researchers developed a dynamically tunable phase change material that can be used to store both thermal energy and electricity. They used a dual-ion battery to electrochemically modify salt concentration in the PCM, which changed its melting temperature in a reversible and dynamic manner.

Silicon microparticles innovation enhances performance of lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology developed a core-shell type material consisting of a silicon microparticle core coated in a layer of carbon, with silicon oxycarbide black glasses then grafted on. The material displayed a 99.4% retention of energy capacity after 775 cycles of charging and discharging.


MANUFACTURING

Shrimp shell nanoparticles make cement much, much stronger

Researchers created nanocrystals and nanofibers of chitin, the second most abundant biopolymer in nature, from waste shrimp shells. When this chitin was added to cement paste, the resulting material was up to 40% stronger.


OTHER STORIES

Force model for grinding leucite glass-ceramics

Harbin Institute of Technology researchers developed a force model for grinding leucite glass-ceramics. Leucite glass-ceramics are widely evaluated for use as high-performance dental materials, but due to their high brittleness, they are difficult to machine.

Fracture properties of steel fiber reinforced concrete using novel 3D mesoscale model

Researchers led by Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics investigated the size effect on fracture properties of notched steel fiber reinforced concrete structural members under quasi-static bending loading. They used a 3D two-phase mesoscale model that accounts for random orientation and distribution of steel fibers in the concrete matrix.

Superb semiconductor keeps its cool

Researchers showed that cubic boron arsenide has a unique combination of properties: it is a speedy conductor of both electrons and positive charges and also one of the best thermal conductors ever measured.

Scientists improve the power output of triboelectric nanogenerators with carbon particles

Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology found a charge confinement layer with mesoporous carbon enables high surface charge densities in triboelectric generator materials, improving their power output and commercialization potential.

Author

Lisa McDonald

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  • Weekly Column: “Other materials”