[Image above] Credit: ACerS
NANOMATERIALS
Chang’e-6 lunar samples reveal naturally formed single-walled carbon nanotubes
Chinese researchers conducted a systematic analysis of the Chang’e-6 lunar soil samples and confirmed the presence of naturally formed single-walled carbon nanotubes and graphitic carbon. This finding suggests that, historically, geological activity on the far side of the moon was more intense than believed.
3D material mimics graphene’s electron flow for green computing
University of Liverpool researchers discovered a way to host some of the most significant properties of graphene in HfSn2, a 3D material with honeycomb layers arranged in a special chiral stacking pattern.
Multilayer MXene flakes show promise as 1D scrolls
Drexel University researchers developed a process to consistently roll 2D MXene flakes into 1D scrolls. They used water to alter the surface chemistry of the flakes, which creates an structural asymmetry that causes lattice strain within the layers of the flakes. Driven by the release of internal strain, the layers peel away and curl into tight tubular scrolls.
ENVIRONMENT
Compostable circuits could slash environmental impact of electronics
University of Glasgow researchers developed a new method of printing zinc-based electronic circuits on environmentally-friendly surfaces including paper and bioplastics. Once the circuits are no longer needed, 99% of their materials can be disposed of safely through ordinary soil composting or by dissolving in widely available chemicals such as vinegar.
Digital twin reveals where buildings emit the most carbon
Shanxi University researchers developed a comprehensive, design-stage methodology for accurately identifying and prioritizing carbon emission reduction strategies across the entire building life cycle by integrating building information modeling with life cycle assessment.
New study enables safe reuse of concrete
Researchers from KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Tampere University developed a framework that enables builders to reuse structural elements confidently. Armed with data from two dismantled buildings in Sweden and Finland, they ran thousands of computer simulations to enable accurate predictions of concrete lifespan under different scenarios.
Oxygen-modified graphene filters boost natural gas purification
Chiba University researchers found that strategically adding oxygen to graphene improves its ability to separate carbon dioxide from methane while still allowing gases to flow through quickly.
MANUFACTURING
3D printed surfaces help atoms play ball to improve quantum sensors
University of Nottingham researchers created 3D-printed surfaces featuring intricate textures that can be used to bounce unwanted gas particles away from quantum sensors, allowing useful particles to be delivered more efficiently.
Underwater 3D printing could transform maritime construction
Cornell University researchers developed a 3D-printable concrete that can be deposited at a depth of several meters underwater.
Ultrahigh solid loading enables high precision ceramic parts
National Taiwan University researchers developed an ultrahigh-solid-loading (83 vol.%) yet highly flowable suspension for 3D printing that produces ceramic parts with extremely low shrinkage and high density.
OTHER STORIES
Theta-phase tantalum nitride demonstrates record thermal conductivity
Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, reported that theta-phase tantalum nitride conducts heat nearly three times more efficiently than copper or silver, the best conventional heat-conducting metals.
AI agents assisted end-to-end materials simulations
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory developed a multiagent artificial intelligence framework that acts as a team of virtual experts, streamlining the use of simulations for materials discovery and design.
A clearer look at critical materials, thanks to refrigerator magnets
Instead of using one large magnet, Yale University researchers used many tiny magnets of alternating polarities to create synthetic magnetic flux lattices on 2D quantum materials. This approach constrained the magnetic field to just a few tens of nanometers above the material, which allowed the use of angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy for analysis.
Scientists engineer unsinkable metal tubes
University of Rochester researchers developed a process for creating aluminum tubes with remarkable floating abilities. They etched the tube’s surface with micro- and nanopits, which trap stable bubbles of air inside the tube and prevent it from getting waterlogged and sinking.