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National Institute for Materials Science, Japan


Chemical crossover accelerates degradation of lithium electrode in high energy density rechargeable lithium–oxygen batteries

Researchers at NIMS found that a lithium negative electrode degrades rapidly during charge/discharge cycles, causing overpotential and short cycle life. Using a lightweight protective layer, they extended the battery's cycle life without compromising its high energy density.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2023

Cupric oxide exhibiting both magnetic and dielectric properties at room temperature

Researchers confirmed cupric oxide's multiferroic state at room temperature under high pressure using neutron diffraction. Thin films of precisely distorted crystals may exhibit such properties at ambient pressure. This discovery enables the development of next-generation memory devices and energy-efficient optical modulators.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2022

Hundreds-fold electrochemical measurement output brings data science to reveal microbial electricity generation mechanisms

Researchers developed a device capable of taking hundreds of times more electrochemical measurements than conventional devices, enabling the analysis of molecular mechanisms that enable microorganisms to efficiently generate electricity. The technique can also be used to analyze materials interacting with microorganisms.

Development of an easy-to-synthesize self-healing gel composed of entangled ultrahigh molecular weight polymers

A research team has developed a method to easily synthesize a self-healing polymer gel made of ultrahigh molecular weight (UHMW) polymers and non-volatile ionic liquids. The gel exhibits superior mechanical properties, high self-healing capabilities, and can be recycled via thermal processing.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022

Achieving photovoltaic power generation for over 1,000 continuous hours at an efficiency of more than 20%

Researchers developed a durable perovskite solar cell capable of generating electricity for over 1,000 continuous hours with an efficiency of more than 20%. The team improved durability by creating a water-repellent interface between the electron and hole transport layers.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022

3D printing nickel single crystals using laser additive manufacturing technology

Researchers at NIMS and Osaka University successfully fabricate nickel single crystals with minimal crystalline defects, paving the way for widespread use in heat-resistant jet engine components. The technique eliminates grain boundaries, resulting in stronger high-temperature materials.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAdditive Manufacturing Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

Development of an innovative hydrogen liquefaction technology

Researchers have developed a magnetic refrigeration system capable of operating at extremely low temperatures to liquefy hydrogen, achieving higher efficiency than current vapor-compression refrigerators. The technology has the potential to dramatically reduce hydrogen supply costs, making it feasible for widespread adoption.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalApplied Physics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2022

Data-driven robotic experiments accelerate discovery of multi-component electrolyte

Researchers developed a data-driven robotic experiment system to identify electrolyte materials with desirable properties. They discovered a multi-component electrolyte that enhances the cycle life of lithium–air batteries, accelerating the development of next-generation rechargeable batteries.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Development of an oxidation-resistant copper core–nickel shell ink

The National Institute for Materials Science has developed an oxidation-resistant copper core–nickel shell ink, significantly improving resistance to degradation. This cheaper and more stable ink may popularize printed electronics, offering comparable conductivity to conventional metallic inks.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2022

New strategy for designing thermoelectric materials

Researchers discovered electronic structure properties common to high-performance thermoelectric materials and developed a versatile materials design approach. The database of two electronic structure parameters correlated with thermoelectric conversion properties revealed relationships between chemical elements and material properties.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2022

Development of a lithium-air battery with an energy density over 500 wh/kg

Researchers at NIMS and Softbank Corp. have created a lithium-air battery with an energy density of over 500 Wh/kg, significantly higher than existing lithium-ion batteries. The new battery can be charged and discharged at room temperature, showcasing the highest energy densities and best cycle life performances achieved.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalMaterials Horizons·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 20, 2022

Success in efficient fabrication of high-performance neodymium magnets using machine learning

Researchers at NIMS successfully fabricated high-performance neodymium magnets using machine learning, optimizing processing conditions with limited experimental data. By leveraging active learning and Bayesian optimization, they were able to achieve better magnetic properties than conventional sintered magnets.

Development of a versatile, accurate AI prediction technique even with a small number of experiments

Researchers developed an AI technique to predict material properties using a small number of experiments, improving accuracy and facilitating digital transformation in materials development. The technique uses Bayesian optimization and incorporates measurement data into machine learning models.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalScience and Technology of Advanced Materials Methods·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 10, 2021

Development of an artificial vision device capable of mimicking human optical illusions

The National Institute for Materials Science in Japan has developed an ionic artificial vision device capable of increasing edge contrast between dark and light areas like human vision. This device uses ionic migration and interaction within solids to mimic human optical illusions without software.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalNano Letters·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 29, 2021

Lattice softness: Key to the identification of metals with high

Researchers have discovered that lattice softness is the dominant factor affecting a metal's ability to hydrogenate, enabling the expedited development of hydrogen storage materials. This parameter can also be used to evaluate the hydrogenation ability of intermetallic compounds.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 30, 2021

Fabrication of printed high-performance thin-film transistors operable at one volt

Scientists at NIMS have developed a new method for printing high-performance thin-film transistors and three-dimensional circuits using low-temperature-catalyzed, solution-processed SiO2. The resulting devices exhibit the highest field-effect mobilities ever recorded at an operating voltage of 1 V or less.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalSmall Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2021

Discovery of a mechanism for making superconductors more resistant to magnetic fields

Researchers at NIMS and Osaka University have found a way to preserve superconductivity in thin films of atomic-scale thickness when exposed to strong magnetic fields. This discovery could lead to the development of superconducting materials resistant to magnetic fields, enabling topological superconductors for quantum computing applic...

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 29, 2021

Discovery of non-toxic semiconductors with a direct band gap in the near-infrared

Researchers at NIMS and Tokyo Institute of Technology have discovered a non-toxic semiconductor with a direct band gap in the near-infrared range. The compound, Ca3SiO, exhibits great potential to serve as a direct transition semiconductor, potentially replacing toxic elements like mercury and cadmium in existing infrared semiconductors.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalInorganic Chemistry·DateMar 23, 2021

Low-cost, fly footpad-like adhesive structure capable of repeated attachment/detachment

Researchers at NIMS and Hokkaido University successfully created a reusable adhesive structure inspired by insect footpads, capable of repeated attachment and detachment. The structure's strength and ease of use vary depending on direction of pull, with potential applications in industrial robots and outdoor equipment.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalCommunications Biology·DateAug 28, 2020

Development of a small sensor capable of continuously monitoring the phytohormone ethylene

Researchers at NIMS and AIST have developed a small, energy-efficient sensor that can continuously monitor ethylene gas levels in fruits and vegetables, allowing for optimal transportation and storage schedules. This new sensor enables accurate estimation of ripening progression and potential reduction of food waste.

High-performance anode for all-solid-state Li batteries is made of Si nanoparticles

A new study by NIMS researchers reveals that a Si anode composed of commercial Si nanoparticles in solid electrolytes exhibits excellent electrode performance, approaching that of film electrodes. This breakthrough enables low-cost and large-scale production of high-capacity anodes for all-solid-state Li batteries.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateDec 23, 2019