[Image above] Credit: ACerS
NANOMATERIALS
Carbon nanotubes release more energetic light than they receive
Researchers from Japan’s RIKEN Center for Advanced Photonics showed that carbon nanotubes emit more energetic light than the light they absorb. Because materials typically emit less energetic light than they take in, this discovery could hold important ramifications for the solar energy industry.
Carbon nanotubes made from waste CO2 produce surprising plasma when microwaved
George Washington University researchers showed that carbon nanotubes derived from waste carbon dioxide form an unexpected yellow-white plasma when microwaved. This plasma purifies the nanotubes and is more effective than conventional purification methods.
ENERGY
Single molecule boosts perovskite solar cell efficiency and lifespan
Researchers led by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology showed that the incorporation of a synthetic molecule called CPMAC into perovskite solar cells can enhance the cells’ energy efficiency and longevity. CPMAC is an abbreviation for an ionic salt synthesized from buckministerfullerene, a black solid made of C60 carbon atoms.
Graphene coating supercharges zinc-ion batteries
Dongguk University researchers developed a graphene-coated, stainless steel foil that significantly boosts the performance and scalability of zinc-ion batteries.
BIOMATERIALS
Modified glass fiber microstructure could illuminate blood vessel health from within
Skoltech researchers fashioned a microstructure made of modified glass fiber that could in principle function as a tiny lantern for medical probes exploring the interior of blood vessels and other tubular cavities in the body.
ENVIRONMENT
Tool predicts impact of wildfire smoke on solar power generation
Cornell University researchers created a machine learning-based model that can forecast, with greater accuracy than current methods, the impact severe wildfire conditions will have on solar electricity generation.
Helping birds and floating solar energy coexist
Researchers at the University of California, Davis outlined key considerations for how floating solar energy projects could impact wild birds and vice versa.
Nanotech-induced cooling found to improve crop yields in arid climates
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology developed and combined a new nanoplastic and biodegradable mulch to passively cool greenhouses in hot, arid climates such as those in the Middle East. The nanoplastic consists of polyethylene infused with nanoparticles of cesium tungsten oxide.
MANUFACTURING
Submillimeter waveguide shrinks augmented-reality glasses
POSTECH researchers developed an achromatic metagrating that handles all colors in a single glass layer. The key is an array of nanoscale silicon nitride pillars whose geometry was finely tuned by a stochastic topology optimization algorithm to steer light with maximum efficiency.
Stability solution brings unique form of carbon closer to practical application
An international team of researchers enclosed carbyne in single-walled carbon nanotubes at low temperatures. This process makes carbyne more stable and easier to produce, potentially leading to new advancements in materials science and technology.
OTHER STORIES
Transistor reshapes electronic properties of molybdenum disulfide
Molybdenum disulfide can be made to behave as a superconductor, metal, semiconductor, or insulator by using a transistor device developed by RIKEN physicists to tweak its electronic properties.
Wiley launches Guest Editor Mentorship Program
To support early career researchers in taking on the role of guest journal editor, Wiley launched the Guest Editor Mentorship Program, an initiative providing hands-on experience in developing and managing Special Issues under the mentorship of experienced journal editors.