[Image above] Credit: ACerS
NANOMATERIALS
Wrinkles in atomically thin materials unlock ultraefficient electronics
Rice University researchers reported that bending atomically thin layers of materials such as molybdenum ditelluride gives rise to a unique spin texture called persistent spin helix, which can preserve spin state even in scattering collisions.
Machine learning reveals the mysteries of thin films at atomic scale
Empa researchers succeeded for the first time in simulating amorphous alumina quickly, accurately, and efficiently. Their model, which combines experimental data, high-performance simulations, and machine learning, provides information about the atomic arrangement in amorphous alumina layers.
ENERGY
New crystal that breathes oxygen
A team of scientists from Korea and Japan discovered a new type of crystal that can “breathe,” releasing and absorbing oxygen repeatedly at relatively low temperatures. The newly developed material is a metal oxide made of strontium, iron, and cobalt.
Perovskite solar cells could power devices from indoor light
Researchers led by University College London developed perovskite solar cells that can convert 37.6% of indoor light into electricity. After more than 100 days, the newly engineered cells retained 92% of their performance.
Material conducts both protons and electrons efficiently at ‘moderate’ temperature range
Tohoku University researchers found that titanium dioxide doped with niobium can conduct both protons and electrons efficiently at the “moderate” temperature range. This work could greatly expand the range of materials available for future energy technologies, including fuel cells and hydrogen separation membranes.
3D-printed gyroidal solid oxide cells offer lighter, more compact energy solutions
Researchers at Technical University of Denmark designed new 3D solid oxide cells with a periodic surface structure known as a gyroid. The monolithic gyrodial cells have three primary components: a dense ceramic electrolyte, a porous fuel electrode, and a porous oxygen electrode. They can operate in two different modes: fuel cells or electrolyzers.
ENVIRONMENT
Community college professor 3D prints flood-resistant concrete structure
Inspired by a major flooding event in eastern Kentucky in 2022, Eric Wooldridge, professor of engineering and architecture at Kentucky’s Somerset Community College, partnered with Progress Appalachia and RIC Technology to create the FloodBuster, a 3D-printed concrete structure designed to withstand flooding.
MANUFACTURING
Researchers demonstrate new technique for controlling phase boundaries in thin films
North Carolina State University researchers demonstrated a new technique for precisely controlling phase boundaries in thin film materials by manipulating the thickness of those films. They demonstrated the new technique using sodium niobate.
Photonic origami technique folds glass into microscopic 3D optical devices
Tel Aviv University researchers developed a laser-based technique to fold glass sheets into microscopic 3D photonic structures directly on a chip. The method can create 3-mm-long structures that are just 0.5 microns thick.
Low-temperature plasma method for perovskite manufacturing
Japan’s Sumitomo Heavy Industries reportedly developed a new method to make a critical layer inside perovskite solar cells. The company claims this process enables low-temperature mass production with minimal substrate damage.
OTHER STORIES
New spectrometer is small enough to fit on your phone
North Carolina State University researchers demonstrated a spectrometer that is orders of magnitude smaller than current technologies and can accurately measure wavelengths of light from ultraviolet to the near-infrared. The technology involves applying different voltages to a photodetector to manipulate which wavelengths of light it is most sensitive to.
Carbon-fiber plastic composite heals itself like skin
Texas A&M University researchers developed a carbon-fiber plastic composite that heals itself like skin and reshapes under heat. Even after five grueling stress cycles, each followed by high temperature exposure at 280°C, healing efficiency remained at about 80%.
Monograph on modern methods of massive machine-type communications
Researchers from the Skoltech Project Center for Next Generation Wireless and IoT have published the monograph “Unsourced Random Access” with Now Publishers. The work addresses one of the key challenges of future communication networks: organizing reliable and energy-efficient data exchange among millions of devices and sensors.
ChatGPT tends to ignore retractions on scientific papers
The large language model-based chatbot ChatGPT fails to highlight the validity concerns with scientific papers that have been retracted or have been the subject of other editorial notices, according to a new study.
Offshore wind opponents target work of Brown University researcher
Browns University Professor Timmons Roberts received a letter from a law firm representing Green Oceans, asking him to retract some of his research on opposition to offshore wind. Veena Dubal, a law professor, said the request to take down research and the proposed escalation of the complaint to the Trump administration is “extraordinary.”