[Image above] Credit: ACerS
NANOMATERIALS
Nanoscale transistors could enable more efficient electronics
Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers fabricated a new type of 3D transistor using ultrathin gallium antimonide and indium arsenide. The transistors leverage quantum mechanical properties to simultaneously achieve low-voltage operation and high performance within an area of just a few square nanometers.
Researchers develop method to ‘hear’ defects in hexagonal boron nitride
An international research team led by New York University Tandon School of Engineering and Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology pioneered a new technique to identify and characterize atomic-scale defects in hexagonal boron nitride. This discovery was made possible by listening to the electronic “noise” in specially designed transistors.
ENERGY
New perovskite solar cell absorbs near-infrared light beyond the existing visible light range
Researchers at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and Yonsei University developed a highly efficient and stable organic–inorganic solar cell that maximizes near-infrared light capture beyond the existing visible light range.
Building on past success with cathode design for lithium-ion batteries
Argonne National Laboratory researchers developed a “dual-gradient” design for a battery’s cathode that substantially increases energy storage capacity, stability, and lifetime while reducing costs.
Leveraging machine learning to find promising compositions for sodium-ion batteries
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science, Chalmers University of Technology, and Nagoya Institute of Technology leveraged machine learning to streamline the search for promising transition metal oxide compositions to optimize energy density in sodium-ion batteries.
Thermal batteries: Electrifying heating in chemical plants
An article by U.S. think tank RMI helps industry and policy stakeholders better understand where and how the chemicals and refining industries can implement thermal batteries today, and how policy can support industrial electrification.
ENVIRONMENT
Exploring the mechanisms behind why some lakes release large amounts of CO₂
Based on a study conducted in Lake Geneva, researchers determined that some lakes emit large amounts of carbon dioxide because of the natural erosion of rocks in upstream basins.
Ceramic filters harnessed to bring clean water to Africans
University of Zimbabwe researchers developed a low-cost and simple ceramic water filtration system that removes fluoride from water. They are working to conduct more tests to enhance water filtration rate efficiency before rolling it out for commercialization through the University of Zimbabwe Innovation Hub.
MANUFACTURING
New flame aerosol system excels at creating nanoparticles
Two new research studies co-led by University at Buffalo engineers explore using a unique flame aerosol system to create high-entropy ceramic nanomaterials and metal-organic frameworks, respectively.
‘Impact printing’ offers a cement-free alternative to 3D-printed structures
Researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology developed a robotic construction method that they call “impact printing.” In this method, a robotic tool deposits Earth-based materials such as sand, silt, clay, and gravel at high velocity, which facilitates strong bonding between the layers even before any binding material is added.
OTHER STORIES
New paradigm for control of quantum emitters
A multidisciplinary team at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory developed a nonvolatile and reversible procedure to control single photon emission purity in monolayer tungsten disulfide by integrating it with a ferroelectric material.
Cosmos launches global competition to find ways to teach kids quantum science
Cosmos Education and Double Helix Extra, with the Australian Institute of Physics, launched a competition that asks people to find ways to teach kids aged 12–14 what they need to know about quantum. People can submit up to 250 written words or create a video of no more than 90 seconds that can be used in classrooms.
Third São Carlos School on Glasses and Glass-ceramics offering 30 student grants
The São Carlos Center for Research, Technology, and Education in Vitreous Materials is organizing the third São Carlos School on Glasses and Glass-ceramics from March 10–15, 2025, in São Carlos, Brazil. The school has no registration fee and offers a limited number of 40 student grants. The deadline to apply is Dec. 20, 2024.
