Scientists have identified spontaneous curvature as the factor determining how ultra-thin materials transform into useful tubes, twists, and helices. This process mimics nature's design and could lead to breakthroughs in creating chiral materials with exceptional properties.
Researchers have demonstrated photochemical upconversion in a solid state, enabling potential innovations in renewable energy and water purification. The breakthrough could also enable targeted laser treatments for tumors and medical applications.
Researchers demonstrate that perovskite solar cells damaged by proton radiation in low-earth orbit can recover up to 100% of their original efficiency via thermal vacuum annealing. The study used ultrathin sapphire substrates and found that fluorine diffusion from the dopant causes defects, which can be reversed by heat treatment.
Researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science have demonstrated a new chip-scale approach using OLEDs to image magnetic fields, offering a potential solution for portable quantum sensing. This technique enables small, flexible, and mass-producible sensing without requiring input from a laser or cryogenic temperatures.
A printable multi-energy X-ray detector made from perovskite thin films has been developed with enhanced flexibility and sensitivity. The detector can operate in a broad energy range, from 0.1 KeV to tens of KeV, making it suitable for real-time detection and imaging applications such as disease diagnosis and explosives detection.
Researchers used machine learning to create molecule chains that display designated colors in response to different stimuli, such as light, chemicals, and energy. This breakthrough enables faster and more efficient data storage and security applications.
Researchers at Exciton Science have created perovskite solar cells with 21% efficiency, the best results ever recorded for a non-halide lead source. The novel use of lead acetate enables scalable and industrial-scale manufacturing.
Researchers at Oxford University and Exciton Science created stable perovskite solar cells with comparable stability to commercial silicon photovoltaics. The new synthesis process led to thin films of greater quality, reduced defects, and enhanced stability.
A homemade microspectrometer invented by Dr. Jamie Laird enables scientists to image defects in perovskite solar cells, improving stability and efficiency. This innovative technique has the potential to revolutionize next-generation photovoltaics, including space missions.
Researchers developed a simple and versatile nanoparticle ink made from tin oxide, which can be printed at relatively low temperatures using microwave technology. This ink enables the mass production of high-efficiency perovskite solar cells with power-conversion efficiencies of up to 18%.
Researchers use trace amounts of liquid platinum to create efficient chemical reactions at low temperatures, extending earth's reserves and offering CO2 reduction solutions. The liquid catalyst is over 1,000 times more efficient than its solid-state rival.
Australian researchers have developed a device that can generate electricity from thermal radiation using technology similar to night-vision goggles. The team successfully tested a 'thermo-radiative diode' capable of converting infrared heat into electrical power, with the potential to harness solar energy at night.
A new method for creating key components of solar cells, X-ray detectors, and LEDs uses water to control the growth of phase-pure perovskite crystals. This approach allows for precise tuning of crystal structures at room temperature.
Researchers at the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science created the first-ever 2D map of the Overhauser field in organic LEDs, revealing local spin variations that can impact device performance. The study highlights challenges in miniaturizing organic-based sensing technologies for practical applications.
Researchers have found a cheaper and easier way to create large groups of carbon nanotubes without lithography. The 'dewetting' process allows for precise arrangement of nickel catalyst particles to form hexagonal nanotube arrays.
A new study models the viability and impact of window-integrated photovoltaics at a city scale, showing that buildings in Melbourne could provide up to 74% of their own electricity needs through comprehensive adoption of existing rooftop PV technology. The researchers also highlight the potential for emerging solar windows and building...
Researchers have developed the world's thinnest X-ray detector, made from tin mono-sulfide nanosheets, which could enable real-time imaging of cellular processes. The detectors possess high photon absorption coefficients and rapid response times, making them suitable for studying soft X-rays.
High-quality nickel oxide films for perovskite solar cells can be created at low temperatures without expensive thermal annealing, enabling large-scale, low-cost manufacturing. The new process achieved power-conversion efficiencies of 17.9% and demonstrated stability over extensive testing.
Researchers have developed a machine learning program that accurately predicts the band gap of photovoltaics materials in milliseconds, using freely available software. This breakthrough could render supercomputers unnecessary for some applications, as stoichiometry is found to be a crucial factor in predicting band gaps.
Researchers at the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science have discovered a 'sandwich' structure in 2D perovskite films used in solar cells. This layout encourages excitons to move from the central layer to both surfaces, helping to result in more efficient solar energy generation. Prototype devices have demonstrated 13% efficiency.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in photovoltaics technology by developing tandem cells and singlet fission processes that reduce operating temperatures and extend device lifetimes. This innovation leads to a 2%-4% gain in annual energy production and doubles the lifetime of devices for every 10°C reduction in temperature.
Researchers have developed a rapid, light-based detection system for deadly toxins using cutting-edge photovoltaic materials. The new sensing mechanism can detect a wide range of fumigants and chemical warfare agents, including teargas and mustard gas, with high sensitivity and speed.
Scientists in Australia develop a process to calculate perfect quantum dot size and density for peak solar performance, enabling photochemical upconversion. The research uses lead sulfide quantum dots and shows promise for improving solar panel efficiency without compatibility issues with silicon technology.
Researchers at the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science have developed a new nanoscale building method that can arrange tiny gold rods into precise patterns. This technique has potential applications in renewable energy, smartphones, laptops, and efficient lighting, as well as improving security features in banknotes and passports.
Researchers created a new type of machine learning model to predict power-conversion efficiency of materials for next-generation organic solar cells. The approach is quick and easy to use, providing important data on chemical fragments that affect performance.
Researchers have found a surprising solution to stabilize mixed-halide perovskites, a crucial material for efficient solar photovoltaics. Increasing the intensity of light can undo the disruption caused by lower intensities, allowing researchers to control the material's bandgap and improve device efficiency.
Researchers have discovered a new way to observe color through the scattering process, which combines with optical interference to create bright colors. The findings, published in Advanced Optical Materials, could have practical applications in sensing technology and security devices.
Dye-sensitised solar cells can perform more consistently in low-light conditions thanks to improved understanding of electrolyte additives. Researchers have found that certain molecules, such as 4-tert-butylpyridine and 1-methyl-benzimidazole, are crucial to suppressing recombination losses and maximizing efficiency.
Researchers have successfully developed a method to 'upconvert' low energy light into visible light using oxygen, enabling it to be captured by solar cells. This breakthrough has the potential to increase the efficiency of solar cells and expand their sensitivity range.
Researchers have developed a low-cost and reliable method to synthesize functional silica beads using a Teflon pipe. The new approach enables efficient mixing of precursor fluids and produces uniform-sized particles with improved homogeneity.
Researchers have demonstrated a new type of flexible, recyclable electrode that could replace traditional transparent conductive oxides in creating low-cost solar cells, computer displays, smartphone touch screens, and smart windows. The electrodes boasted high transmittance, low sheet resistance, and outstanding flexural endurance.
Researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science have developed a highly efficient and controllable method to assemble single nanoparticles directly into pre-patterned templates using electrophoretic deposition. The technique has been applied to various materials, including gold nanocrystals, semiconductor quantum dots,...
A new 3D-printed system developed by Australian scientists can now analyze 16 sample perovskite-based solar cells simultaneously, significantly speeding up the testing process. The invention enables rapid evaluation of performance and commercial potential of new compounds, accelerating the development process for next-gen solar cells.
Researchers have created next-gen perovskite solar cells that generate electricity while allowing light to pass through, transforming windows into active power generators. Two square meters of solar window can produce the same amount of electricity as a standard rooftop solar panel.
Researchers have developed a simple method to detect tiny imperfections in next-generation solar cells, boosting their efficiency. By using a camera to analyze infrared light emitted from the cells, they can identify and adjust manufacturing processes to improve quality control.
Researchers bridge the gap between organic and theoretical chemistry by proving the validity of 'curly arrows' in depicting chemical reactions. The study provides a new method to model electronic structure during chemical reactions, connecting traditional depictions with state-of-the-art quantum chemical calculations.
Researchers have discovered a way to minimize waste in solar energy capture by designing materials that can harness previously wasted light. This breakthrough could push solar cell efficiency beyond 30%, addressing limitations of silicon-based solar cells.