[Images above] Credit: NIST
NANOMATERIALS
Naturally insulating nanomaterial emits pulses of superfluorescent light at room temp
Researchers synthesized lanthanide-doped hexagonal ceramic nanocrystals and found they exhibited superfluorescence, i.e., where first all the atoms align and then emit together. Each superfluorescence pulse is 2 nanoseconds long, meaning the nanoparticles exhibit superfluorescence in a controllable way.
Squid teeth inspire stretchable 2D layered material
Inspired by the ring teeth of squid, researchers at The Pennsylvania State University engineered composite layered 2D materials that are resistant to breaking and extremely stretchable. Their finding opens up perspectives on failure mechanisms for composites that depend on interfacial rather than bulk properties.
ENERGY
Hydrogel glass: a novel glass design for energy saving in buildings
Wuhan University researchers proposed a novel design of hydrogel-glass that consists of a layer of hydrogel and a layer of normal glass. Compared with traditional glass, the hydrogel-glass possesses a higher level of visible light transmission, stronger near-infrared light blocking, and higher mid-infrared thermal emittance.
Researchers demonstrate new, more energy-efficient devices using gallium nitride
North Carolina State University researchers created new high-power electronic devices that are more energy efficient than previous technologies. The devices are made possible by a unique technique for “doping” gallium nitride in a controlled way.
A simple way to significantly increase lifetimes of fuel cells and other devices
Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers found a relatively simple way to increase the lifetimes of fuel and electrolysis cells: changing the pH of the system. They coated the cell cathode with lithium oxide, which changed the relative acidity of the surface from being acidic to being more basic.
A sustainable battery with a biodegradable electrolyte made from crab shells
Researchers created a zinc battery with a biodegradable electrolyte from an unexpected source—crab shells. A biodegradable electrolyte means that about two thirds of the battery could be broken down by microbes, leaving behind the metal component for recycling.
BIOMATERIALS
Nanomedicine for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and other viruses
Northeastern University professor Thomas J. Webster shares his research on developing self-assembled peptides to inactive SARS-CoV-2. The self-assembled molecule is also showing promise against other viruses, such as influenza and rhinovirus or the common cold.
ENVIRONMENT
Carbon-negative concrete blocks could be made using magnesium from seawater
Columbia University researchers developed a magnesium cement that uses magnesium hydroxide harvested from seawater instead of magnesium oxide, which avoids the need for a carbon-releasing calcination step.
MANUFACTURING
Martian rock-metal composite shows potential of 3D printing on Mars
Washington State University researchers showed that a small amount of simulated crushed Martian rock mixed with a titanium alloy made a stronger, high-performance material in a 3D-printing process that could one day be used on Mars to make tools or rocket parts.
Making nanodiamonds out of bottle plastic
An international team of researchers fired a laser at a thin film of simple PET plastic and confirmed their earlier hypothesis that it really does rain diamonds inside the ice giants at the periphery of our solar system. They also confirmed this method could establish a new way of producing nanodiamonds.
OTHER STORIES
Keeping bulk magnesium diboride superconducting at higher current densities
Researchers led by Shibaura Institute of Technology devised an optimized recipe for retaining superconductivity in bulk magnesium diboride by enhancing its critical current density through optimum sintering conditions and addition of nanoscale boron and dysprosium oxide impurities.
Simple technique ushers in long-sought class of semiconductors
Osaka University researchers used common nanofabrication procedures to fabricate versatile metal semiconductor superlattices. These superlattices exhibit a long-sought physical phenomenon—the anisotropic anomalous Hall effect at room temperature.
Researchers use infrared light to wirelessly transmit power over 30 meters
Researchers used infrared light to safely transfer 400 mW light power over distances of up to 30 meters. This power is sufficient for charging sensors, and with further development, it could be increased to levels necessary to charge mobile devices.