[Image above] Credit: ACerS
ENERGY
Megalibraries accelerate discovery of iridium alternative for hydrogen production
Northwestern University researchers, in collaboration with Toyota Research Institute, used megalibraries to discover commercially relevant catalysts for hydrogen production. Megalibraries are a high-speed materials synthesis and discovery tool that consist of millions of uniquely designed nanoparticles on one tiny chip.
Solar trees could help stop deforestation while generating the same power as solar farms
Korea Maritime Institute researchers compared conventional flat-panel arrays with solar trees, or structures designed to mimic real trees with panels branching upward like leaves. They found that linear arrangements of these structures achieve superior power capacity compared to conventional fixed panels while preserving existing forest cover.
BIOMATERIALS
Magnetically guided nanobots for tooth sensitivity relief
Indian Institute of Science researchers along with deep-tech startup Theranautilus engineered magnetic nanobots that can penetrate deep into dentinal tubules, which are tiny tunnels in teeth that lead to nerve endings. These nanobots can then form durable seals for worn enamel using a new class of bioceramic cement, offering lasting relief from sensitivity.
3D-printed brain vessels to transform atherosclerosis research
Pusan National University researchers developed a 3D-bioprinted brain vessel model that not only mimics anatomical features but also recreates realistic blood flow. They used a novel embedded coaxial bioprinting technique to extrude the bioink, which consisted of porcine aorta-derived decellularized extracellular matrix, collagen, and alginate.
‘Ionic glass’ method turns brains and hearts transparent for 3D mapping
Chinese scientists reportedly developed a new technique that makes organs transparent while also preserving their structure. They pump ionic liquids into the organs, which turns the organic tissue transparent while keeping the original shape and fine structure. The ionic liquids also do not form crystals when cooled, so the treated tissues can be kept in cold storage.
ENVIRONMENT
Method to recycle used magnets for EVs recovers more than 90% of rare earth elements
Kyoto University researchers developed a new method for separating and recycling rare earth elements from magnets used in consumer and industrial products. The new method, known as the selective extraction–evaporation–electrolysis process, demonstrated a recovery rate of 96% for neodymium and 91% for dysprosium.
MANUFACTURING
A novel technology to control crystallinity of pore walls
Waseda University researchers unveiled a chemical-vapor-based confined crystal growth method for producing quasi-single-crystalline inverse opal alpha-phase iron oxide. They impregnated an iron chloride precursor aqueous solution and dried it in a porous material of silica nanospheres. They then dissolved the silica template to obtain the iron oxide.
Scientists develop new method to create novel layered inorganic materials
Researchers from Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences developed a new way to “edit” the internal layers of MAX phases. They exploited the chemical disparity between the distinct covalent sublayers in MAX phases to achieve selective structural editing of both the M–A and M–X covalent sublayers.
OTHER STORIES
‘Squeezing’ perovskite increases its photoluminescence
Using the Canadian Light Source at the University of Saskatchewan, researchers found that “squeezing” 2D hybrid perovskite between two diamonds significantly increased the material’s photoluminescence.
Chemists synthesise new ‘bracelet-like’ form of carbon
Researchers led by the University of Oxford synthesised a new form of molecular carbon that can be studied on the lab bench under ambient conditions. The molecule, cyclo[48]carbon, is a ring of 48 carbon atoms arranged in alternating single and triple bonds.
Pure quantum state without the need for cooling
ETH Zürich researchers levitated a nano glass sphere cluster with record-setting quantum purity at room temperature, avoiding costly cooling. The research has the potential to benefit the future development of sensitive quantum sensors.
New technique improves multiphoton state generation from quantum dots
Researchers led by the University of Innsbruck used a purely optical technique called stimulated two-photon excitation to generate streams of photons in different polarization states directly from a quantum dot without requiring any active switching components.
Robust isolated quantum spins established on a magnetic substrate
Chiba University researchers successfully realized a stable, isolated quantum spin on an insulating magnesium oxide thin film laid over a ferromagnetic Fe(001) substrate. This development shows that qubits can be developed through conventional thin-film techniques.