Materials
Featured Topics in Industries: Chemicals & Petroleum | Government Lab | Food & Beverage & Tobacco | Electronic Components | Materials | all topics
Filter by: News | Articles | New to Market | Tools & Technology | Videos | Podcasts | Journal Articles | White Papers
5/24/12
| News
The
contention of a major but controversial new theory to explain
nanocrystal growth is that nanoparticles can act as “artificial atoms,”
forming molecular-type building blocks that can assemble into complex
structures. The conclusion is based on recent observations of growing
nanorods made by Lawrence Berkeley National Laoratory researchers using
transmission electron microscopy and advanced liquid cell handling
techniques.
May 7 | News
Researchers
in Switzerland have created a new nanocomposite that combines the best
features of graphene and protein fibrils, the two main ingredients of a
specialized type of paper. The material is created in much the same way
as normal cellulose paper, but the properties are far different. Shape
memory, electrical conductivity, and hydrophobia all offer interesting
application possibilities.
May 4 | News
By measuring how strongly electrons are bound together to form Cooper pairs in an iron-based superconductor, scientists provide direct evidence supporting theories in which magnetism holds the key to this material’s ability to carry current with no resistance. This research strengthens confidence that this type of theory may one day be used to identify or design new materials with improved properties.
20 hours ago | News
An
important chemical species, molecular oxygen is linear, has an
anisotropic shape, and spins from two unpaired electrons. However, until
now, we didn’t know how these properties influenced important oxidation
reactions. Researchers in Japan have now reported development of the
world's first molecular oxygen beam that can designate the alignment of
the molecular axis and spin direction.
23 hours ago | News
Natural
pigments contain colorful molecules known as poryphyrins, which lend
vibrant colors through macrocyclic chemical structure that link several
small rings together in an “aromatic” framework. Sometimes, however,
synthesis causes the aromaticity to disappear. Researchers in Japan now
report a new way to manipulate the peculiar aromatic properties of
macrocycles.
May 25 | News
Scientists from SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University, and Germany have figured out a key part of the industrial process for making methanol. It’s an important step toward improving the process—and eventually realizing the goal of turning a potent greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, into fuel.
May 25 | News
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory researchers have reported the first direct observation of nanoparticles undergoing oriented attachment, the critical step in biomineralization and the growth of nanocrystals. A better understanding of oriented attachment in nanoparticles is a key to synthesizing new materials with remarkable structural properties.
May 24 | News
Researchers are edging toward the creation of new optical technologies using "nanostructured metamaterials" capable of ultra-efficient transmission of light, with potential applications including advanced solar cells and quantum computing.
May 24 | News
Taking their cue from the humble leaf, researchers have used microscopic folds on the surface of photovoltaic material to significantly increase the power output of flexible, low-cost solar cells. The team reported that the folds resulted in a 47% increase in electricity generation.
May 24 | News
Doping may be a no-no for athletes, but researchers at the University of Florida say it was key in getting unprecedented power conversion efficiency from a new graphene solar cell created in their laboratory.
May 24 | News
It's not magic, but new materials designed by two Northwestern University researchers seem to exhibit magical properties. Some contract when they should expand, and others expand when they should contract.
May 24 | News
The Morgan Crucible Company plc announced the signing of a joint development agreement between its wholly owned subsidiary, MorganAM&T Inc., and Boston-Power Inc. to accelerate development and commercialization of MorganAM&T's advanced anode technologies based on metal-loaded carbon nanoparticles.
May 23 | News
Ion bombardment of metal surfaces is an important, but poorly understood, nanomanufacturing technique. New research using sophisticated supercomputer simulations has shown what goes on in trillionths of a second. The advance could lead to better ways to predict the phenomenon and more uses of the technique to make new nanoscale products.