James Tour

Coal-derived quantum dots offer basis for effective antioxidant

By Lisa McDonald / May 14, 2019

Coal can cause serious health issues when burned as a fuel. But when used as a source of graphene quantum dots, it could help treat traumatic injuries, as Rice University researchers and their colleagues show in new research.

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Asphalt derivative charges lithium batteries faster, prevents dendrite formation

By Faye Oney / October 3, 2017

Researchers have developed battery anodes made of an asphalt derivative that has the capability of charging lithium metal batteries 10–20 times faster than current lithium batteries already on the market. The material also helps prevent formation of dendrites.

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New method of making graphene uses 3-D laser printer, powdered sugar, nickel powder

By Faye Oney / June 27, 2017

Scientists at Rice University and Tianjin University have developed a method of making graphene foam blocks out of powdered sugar and nickel powder using 3–D laser printing—an approach that could pave the way for mass production of graphene.

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Road to reduced carbon emissions might be paved in asphalt

By Stephanie Liverani / September 27, 2016

Researchers at Rice University in Houston, Texas, have developed a “new form of porous asphalt that can soak up 154% of its weight in carbon dioxide,” according to a university press release.

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The heat is on: Conductive graphene composite may help simplify aircraft ice removal

By Stephanie Liverani / January 26, 2016

Chemists from Rice University in Houston, Texas, are turning up the heat on graphene. They’ve developed a graphene composite material to help heat surfaces and simplify ice removal.

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Start your single-molecule engines—nanocars face off in first-of-its-kind race next year

By Stephanie Liverani / December 16, 2015

Scientists are in the fast lane when it comes to driving development of the world’s tiniest super machines. Now engineers are putting their best nanocars on the starting line for the first-ever NanoCar Race, which will be held October 2016 in Toulouse, France.

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Cheap material from asphalt shows promise for most efficient carbon capture yet

By April Gocha / January 14, 2015

Rice University scientists say they have developed a derivative of asphalt—asphalt-porous carbon (A-PC)—that can soak up 114% of its weight in CO2 and is much cheaper than any other carbon capture alternative available.

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Other materials stories that may be of interest

By April Gocha / November 5, 2014

The White House announces a 3D printed ornament contest, molybdenum disulfide for hydrogen catalysis, glass deformation mystery solved, ultrablack materials set to space, and other materials stories that may be of interest for November 5, 2014.

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Catalyzing a breakthrough: Quantum dots made from coal could replace platinum for economical, efficient fuel cells

By April Gocha / October 2, 2014

The latest discovery from James Tour’s research group at Rice University details the development of graphene-based catalysts, born from coal, to replace more-expensive and less-efficient platinum catalysts in fuel cells of the future.

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All clear: Keeping glass free from ice with graphene nanoribbons

By April Gocha / September 22, 2014

Rice University researchers have devised a graphene-laden film that can be applied to glass and plastic to keep their surfaces sans ice, even at frigid temperatures down to –20°C.

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