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Heavily enriched: An energy-efficient way of enriching hydrogen isotopes in silicon

Researchers at Nagoya City University find a fourfold increase in surface deuterium atoms on nanocrystalline silicon, paving the way for sustainable deuterium enrichment protocols. The efficient exchange reaction could lead to more durable semiconductor technology and potentially purify tritium contaminated water.

SourceNagoya City University·JournalPhysical Review Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2021

Ordering of atoms in liquid gallium under pressure

Researchers at the University of Bristol discovered that liquid gallium maintains local order and forms regions of low entropy with five-fold symmetry even at extremely high pressures. This finding opens up new avenues for studying rapid temperature quenched melts leading to the production of metallic glass materials.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 9, 2020

Bending diamond at the nanoscale

A team of Australian scientists has discovered that diamond can be bent and deformed at the nanoscale, creating possibilities for the design and engineering of new nanoscale devices. The discovery opens up a range of possibilities for applications in sensing, defence and energy storage.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 5, 2020

Design approach developed for important new catalysts for energy conversion and storage

Northwestern University researchers have discovered a new design approach for creating catalysts that can accelerate chemical reactions and processes, including clean energy conversion and storage. The method has the potential to impact various industries such as pharmaceuticals, optical data storage, and petroleum products.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 21, 2018

A catalytic balancing act

Researchers create a new catalyst by alloying iridium with osmium and then removing the osmium to achieve a balanced structure that supports chemical reactions. The resulting material exhibits enhanced catalytic stability and electron conductivity.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 21, 2017

Smaller. Cheaper. Better.

Sandia researchers have developed a way to make magnetic material for high-frequency transformers, which could lead to more flexible energy storage systems. The new method, called field-assisted sintering, enables the creation of transformer cores from raw materials in minutes without decomposing the required iron nitrides.

OU-led research team awarded NASA EPSCoR grant

A University of Oklahoma-led research team has been awarded a $750,000 grant to develop a novel, self-sustaining energy storage system. The project aims to create nanobatteries that can be charged by photovoltaic systems, increasing capacity and reducing size for increased scientific payloads in satellites and rovers.

New analytical methodology can guide electrode optimization

Researchers developed a combined approach of MicroCT-based visualization and microfluidic-based electrochemical analysis to correlate changes in electrode performance with catalyst layer structure. This allows for systematic investigation of electrode-based electrochemical processes and guides electrode optimization for improved cataly...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJul 9, 2013