A simple, scalable method using light to 3D print helical nanostructures
A new fabrication process for helical metal nanoparticles provides a simpler, cheaper way to rapidly produce a material essential for biomedical and optical devices, according to a study by University of Michigan researchers.
phys.org > NanomaterialsEyes on the impossible: First near-field, subwavelength thermal radiation measurement
Nanodevices change the way we diagnose disease, process food and water, and store renewable energy. But to keep up with next-generation technology, researchers need to understand the fundamental principles that prompt their functionality.
phys.org > NanomaterialsBackyard insect inspires invisibility devices, next gen tech
Leafhoppers, a common backyard insect, secrete and coat themselves in tiny mysterious particles that could provide both the inspiration and the instructions for next-generation technology, according to a new study led by Penn State researchers.
phys.org > NanomaterialsResearchers achieve >99% photoluminescence quantum yield in metal nanoclusters
A research team has achieved near-unity room-temperature photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) (>99%) in the near-infrared (NIR) emission of metal nanoclusters in solution. Their work is published in Science.
phys.org > NanomaterialsResearchers develop novel 'super-tetragonal' sacrificial layer for freestanding oxide membranes
Researchers have developed a new water-soluble sacrificial layer, "super-tectragonal" Sr4Al2O7 (SAOT), with broad tunability in lattice constants, which can be used to prepare high-quality freestanding oxide membrane. Their work is published in Science.
phys.org > NanomaterialsResearchers discover tightest arrangement of bilayer alkali metals between graphene layers
Researchers at AIST, in collaboration with Osaka University, Tokyo Polytechnic University, Kyushu University, and National Tsing Hua University, have developed a technique to insert alkali metals into the interlayers of graphene, which is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. They have succeeded in directly observing the atomic arrangement of the inserted alkali metal atoms which is a hexagonal close packed bilayer structure.
phys.org > NanomaterialsResearchers demonstrate breakthrough recyclability of carbon nanotube sheets
Researchers at IMDEA Materials Institute have demonstrated for the first time the recyclability of high-performance carbon nanotube (CNT) sheets while maintaining their essential mechanical and electrical properties.
phys.org > NanomaterialsResearchers achieve low-energy synthesis of bulk van der Waals materials
Researchers have synthesized bulk van der Waals (vdW) materials at near-room temperature (ranging from room temperature to 60°C), significantly reducing the energy consumption required for their fabrication by at least one order of magnitude.
phys.org > NanomaterialsNot just a lodger: Novel host-guest assembly provides enhanced reactivity
By design, synthetic molecules typically have specific jobs to prevent or accelerate reactions between other molecules. To help control more complicated reactions, researchers may harness spare space in one molecule to synthesize another chemical structure. The host-guest assembly can better induce the specific desired reaction than either component individually—if the scientists designing the assembly get it right.
phys.org > NanomaterialsNew technique in tiny tool tuning: Making microscopic measurements more accurate
Fluidic force microscopy (FluidFM) combines the sensitivity of atomic force microscopy with microfluidics' capabilities, necessitating precise calibration of its cantilevers for reliable data. Traditional methods, however, struggle with the unique internal structure of FluidFM cantilevers, leading to inaccuracies.
phys.org > NanomaterialsScientists develop new system to record 2D crystal synthesis in real time
Materials scientists at Rice University are shedding light on the intricate growth processes of 2D crystals, paving the way for controlled synthesis of these materials with unprecedented precision.
phys.org > NanomaterialsPrinted polymer allows researchers to explore chirality and spin interactions at room temperature
A printable organic polymer that assembles into chiral structures when printed has enabled researchers to reliably measure the amount of charge produced in spin-to-charge conversion within a spintronic material at room temperature. The polymer's tunable qualities and versatility make it desirable not only for less expensive, environmentally friendly, printable electronic applications, but also for use in understanding chirality and spin interactions more generally.
phys.org > NanomaterialsDriving photochemistry with sub-molecular precision
Absorption of light initiates many natural and artificial chemical processes, for example, photosynthesis in plants, human vision, or even 3D printing. Until now, it seemed impossible to control a light-driven chemical reaction at the atomic scale, where only a specific part of one molecule is addressed.
phys.org > NanomaterialsBoosted exciton mobility approaching the Mott-Ioffe-Regel limit in a 2D Ruddlesden-Popper perovskite
A study, published in Nature Communications and led by Prof. Liu Xinfeng from the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), recently reported an enhancement in exciton mobility in a two-dimensional (2D) Ruddlesden-Popper perovskite (RPP).
phys.org > NanomaterialsNew electron microscopy technique for thermal diffusion measurements
A NIMS research team has developed a technique that enables the nanoscale observation of heat propagation paths and behavior within material specimens. This was achieved using a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) capable of emitting a pulsed electron beam and a nanosized thermocouple—a high-precision temperature measurement device developed by NIMS. The research is published in Science Advances.
phys.org > NanomaterialsNew method enables synthesis of hundreds of new 2D materials
Materials that are incredibly thin, only a few atoms thick, exhibit unique properties that make them appealing for energy storage, catalysis and water purification. Researchers at Linköping University, Sweden, have now developed a method that enables the synthesis of hundreds of new 2D materials. Their study has been published in the journal Science.
phys.org > NanomaterialsResearchers find new ways to regulate hole transport layer for efficient perovskite solar cells
According to a study published in Nano Energy, a research group led by Prof. Chen Chong from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has increased the photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to 24.5%.
phys.org > NanomaterialsEngineered MgO nanoparticles: A promising path to synergistic cartilage and bone therapy
In a recent study published in Science Advances, researchers from Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital and others have unveiled a promising approach for treating osteoarthritis (OA) using engineered magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles.
phys.org > NanomaterialsResearchers overcome lattice mismatch issue to advance optoelectronic applications
A research team from City University of Hong Kong (CityU) recently successfully achieved lattice-mismatch-free construction of III-V/chalcogenide core-shell heterostructure nanowires for electronic and optoelectronic applications. This breakthrough addresses crucial technological challenges related to the lattice mismatch problem in the growth of high-quality heterostructure semiconductors, leading to enhanced carrier transport and photoelectric properties.
phys.org > NanomaterialsStrain at monolayer MoS₂/hBN interfaces enhances hydrogen evolution reaction activity
Recently, the research team led by Prof. Wang Bin at National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences reported that strain generated at bubbles of 2D materials could benefit the catalytic activity of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The study was published in Chem Catalysis.
phys.org > NanomaterialsResearchers reveal ways to fine-tune nanoparticles and outline future areas of study
The demand for renewable energy sources is constantly growing fueling the development of catalytic-based technologies. By separating and forming chemical bonds, these technologies can be used to produce environmentally friendly energy.
phys.org > NanomaterialsUltrablack thin-film coating could make next-gen telescopes even better
Sometimes, seeing clearly requires complete black. For astronomy and precision optics, coating devices in black paint can cut down on stray light, enhancing images and boosting performance. For the most advanced telescopes and optical systems, every little bit matters, so their manufacturers seek out the blackest blacks to coat them.
phys.org > NanomaterialsHarnessing nature's shield: Enhancing sun protection with lignin nanoparticles in cosmetics
Lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as promising candidates for enhancing sun protection in cosmetics, offering superior UV-blocking capabilities compared to soluble lignin oligomers. However, the effects of the chemical structures of constituting lignin oligomers in LNPs and the particle size distribution of LNPs need further investigation. Additionally, the raw materials used in these works were mainly technical lignin, whose structures significantly changed during the extraction process, making them unsuitable for studying the structural effect of UV-blocking.
phys.org > NanomaterialsFlexible AI optoelectronic sensors pave the way for standalone energy-efficient health monitoring devices
From creating images, generating text, and enabling self-driving cars, the potential uses of artificial intelligence (AI) are vast and transformative. However, all this capability comes at a very high energy cost. For instance, estimates indicate that training OPEN AI's popular GPT-3 model consumed over 1,287 MWh, enough to supply an average U.S. household for 120 years.
phys.org > NanomaterialsCombined microscopy technique observes nanoscale behavior of light-driven polymers
Expanding our scientific understanding often comes down to getting as close a look as possible at what is happening. Now researchers from Japan have observed the nanoscale behavior of azo-polymer films while triggering them with laser light.
phys.org > NanomaterialsResearchers devise new ways to engineer carbon-based semiconductors for electronics of the future
It might look like a roll of chicken wire, but this tiny cylinder of carbon atoms—too small to see with the naked eye—could one day be used for making electronic devices ranging from night vision goggles and motion detectors to more efficient solar cells, thanks to techniques developed by researchers at Duke University.
phys.org > NanomaterialsResearchers use 2D bimetallic MOFs to create Se-containing electrocatalysts for overall water splitting
Transition metal selenides have been considered to be a good choice for electrocatalytic water splitting. In addition, Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been used to make catalysts with good electrocatalytic capabilities. Traditionally, the MOF-derived selenides are produced via the self-sacrificing MOF template methods. However, this strategy is high-energy consuming, and it is difficult to precisely control the structure and component homogeneity of the product during pyrolysis.
phys.org > NanomaterialsNewly developed nano-thermometers enable real-time temperature detection in transmission electron microscopy
A method for measuring the temperature of nanometer-sized samples within a transmission electron microscope (TEM) has been developed by Professor Oh-Hoon Kwon and his research team in the Department of Chemistry at UNIST.
phys.org > NanomaterialsNanodevices can produce energy from evaporating tap or seawater
Evaporation is a natural process so ubiquitous that most of us take it for granted. In fact, roughly half of the solar energy that reaches the Earth drives evaporative processes. Since 2017, researchers have been working to harness the energy potential of evaporation via the hydrovoltaic (HV) effect, which allows electricity to be harvested when fluid is passed over the charged surface of a nanoscale device.
phys.org > NanomaterialsSelective operation of enhancement and depletion modes of nanoscale field-effect transistors
Nanoscale transistors are in demand for efficient digital circuits, and biasing of each device is critical. These stringent biasing conditions can be relaxed by obtaining precise values of the threshold voltages of the transistor. This leads to more tolerant logic states to the electrical noise.
phys.org > Nanomaterials