[Images above] Credit: NIST

 

NANOMATERIALS

Nanoscale imaging provides insights into 2D and phase-change materials

Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley developed new nanoscale optical imaging techniques based on near-field transient nanoscopy that offer both high spatial and temporal resolution.

Researchers tackle knowledge gap between the nano- and microscale

Rice University researchers, in collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, explored the range between the nano- and microscale to gain insight into how a piezoelectric material transforms a voltage into a change in shape and vice versa.

ENERGY

Twisted carbon nanotubes might power ‘wind-up’ sensors and other devices

An international team of scientists showed that twisted carbon nanotubes can store three times more energy per unit mass than advanced lithium-ion batteries. The finding may advance carbon nanotubes as a promising solution for storing energy in devices that need to be lightweight, compact, and safe, such as medical implants and sensors.

Researchers improve solid oxide fuel cell peak power density by threefold

Researchers in the Republic of Korea developed a catalyst coating technology based on nanoscale praseodymium oxide that significantly improves the performance of solid oxide fuel cells. The coated electrode exhibited a peak power density three times higher than that of an uncoated case.

BIOMATERIALS

Rare earth metal nanoparticles used in MRI contrast agents can infiltrate kidney tissue

Physicians routinely prescribe an infusion containing gadolinium to enhance MRI scans. But University of New Mexico researchers found evidence that the rare earth metal can infiltrate kidney cells, sometimes triggering severe side effects.

Wound-healing technology also shows promise for Parkinson’s patients

University of Central Florida researchers developed specially designed ceramics wrapped in a rubber blanket that can be used for wound healing. When they used the blanket to treat a patient with Parkinson’s disease, they found the technology also decreased the patient’s hand tremor and frozen gate.

MANUFACTURING

Scaling down manufacturing dimensions to scale up chip production

Arizona State University researchers developed a scalable multilayered manufacturing approach with nanoimprint lithography for researchers to prototype and produce metasurfaces in ultracompact devices.

Engineers explore cellulose nanofibrils to enhance 3D-printed concrete

University of Virginia researchers explored how cellulose nanofibrils could amplify the benefits of 3D-printed concrete technology. The incorporation of these nanofibrils led to improvements in both printability and mechanical properties.

OTHER STORIES

Graphene switch combines logic and memory functions in a single device

Manchester University researchers used graphene to make a new electrically controlled switching device that supports both memory and logic functions. The device, which exploits graphene’s ability to conduct protons as well as electrons, might also be used in applications that involve an electrode–electrolyte interface.

Updating the textbook on polarization to optimize wide bandgap semiconductors

Using gallium nitride as the test case, University of Michigan researchers developed an updated model that reconciles the gap between recent experiments and theory concerning polarization in wurtzite semiconductors.

Author

Lisa McDonald

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  • Weekly Column: “Other materials”