Materials Engineering

Algorithm-designed photonic circuits beyond human intuition

A team of researchers at Harvard and Max Planck Institute have developed three new functional components for photonic microchips using an inverse design algorithm. The compact designs are about 500 times smaller than conventional designs and offer a path toward higher-performance integrated light technologies.

Oh, snap: Fabrics with multiple stable shapes

Researchers at Harvard's SEAS have created unique machine-knitted fabrics that 'snap' between multiple stable shapes, exhibiting multistability. The team embedded fine conductive yarns to create soft, stretchable electric switches that change state as the textile snaps back and forth.

Microtechnology: Water flow twists ultrafine fibers into bundles

Researchers have developed a novel method to control miniature rotations using water flow at a surface, allowing for the creation of targeted ultrafine structures such as twisted fibers for wires and sutures. This approach enables the assembly of complex structures without mechanical contact or chemical propulsion systems.

Machine learning accelerates search for longer-lasting materials for solar cells

Researchers used machine learning to analyze thousands of automated experiments and accurately predict how new material compositions will respond to heat, identifying the most promising materials. This approach gives scientists a roadmap for developing more durable perovskite solar cells that can withstand real-world operating conditions.

More than skin deep: NUS researchers develop electronic skin that senses, heals and thrives even under water

The NUS research team developed a self-healing magnetoelectric sensory system (SMES) that combines sensing with autonomous self-repair. The technology overcomes the challenges of conventional sensors, enabling devices to function reliably in both air and water.

Novel layered crystal for high-efficiency thermoelectric energy conversion

A new layered crystal, TlFe1.6Se2, combines high thermoelectric power factor with exceptionally low thermal conductivity, offering a promising strategy for designing next-generation thermoelectric materials. The material's unique electronic properties and Fe-vacancy ordering enhance its performance.

Thin-film electronics that can move and become their own connectors

Kyushu University researchers have developed prototype thin-film electronic modules that can automatically connect and disconnect with each other. The modules use a kinetic electronics approach, integrating actuators and circuits on the same thin-film to create an electromechanical docking mechanism.

Researchers extend the limits of twistronics. Literally.

Researchers have demonstrated a technique to fabricate large-area oxide twistronic materials with controlled twist angles and strong chemical bonding between layers. This allows for the creation of high-crystallinity oxide moiré superlattices, which could enable new functionalities in devices.

Low carbon dioxide levels improve microbial production of biodegradable plastic

Reducing carbon dioxide concentration improves microbial production of biodegradable plastic, such as poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate]. Lower CO2 levels trigger adaptive cellular responses that enhance carbon utilization efficiency.

New insights could help improve quality of 3D-printed aluminium components

Researchers at The University of Manchester discovered that carefully controlling thermal conditions during molten metal deposition (MMD) can reduce defects and improve the final material structure. By adjusting nozzle and substrate temperatures, they found a strong relationship between grain size and porosity, providing valuable insig...

Next-generation cast aluminium alloys for automobile and aeronautical applications

Researchers developed a new lightweight cast aluminum alloy that exhibits improved ductility and strength, making it suitable for demanding mechanical and thermal conditions. The alloy's unique nanostructures allow for efficient crack transfer and stress distribution.

SwRI, SMU collaborate to advance solid-state batteries

Researchers will address the unstable interface between lithium metal anode and solid electrolyte by engineering ultra-thin films to reduce degradation and resistance. The goal is to improve reliability and stability of solid-state batteries for electric vehicles, enabling faster charging and greater energy storage potential.

New 3D thermal cloak hides objects from heat in any direction

Researchers have designed a 3D device that can hide objects from infrared cameras and protect them from extreme temperatures, with potential applications in electronics, security, and defense

Ultra-fine bubbles in ink promise new horizons for inkjet printing

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University introduced ultra-fine bubbles into ink droplets, demonstrating their ability to modify ink drying patterns. The team's discovery holds promise for the printing of microdevices, where additives can negatively affect properties of ink deposits.

Peering into Materials Down to the Nanoscale in the COCOON Lab

The COCOON Lab provides a coordinated suite of microscopes that work together to connect macro-scale observations to findings at the nanoscale. This allows researchers to study biological and industrial materials in unprecedented detail, from the macroscale down to the molecular scale.

Quantum material opens new path for studying unusual electronic behavior

Researchers have developed a novel quantum material that can naturally enable the study of non-Hermitian dynamics, a phenomenon where systems exhibit unusual behaviors. The material, a magnetic topological insulator, allows for the creation of electronic networks with direction-dependent connections, enabling the accumulation of states...

New analysis framework for developing stronger foundations during urban redevelopment

Researchers develop a comprehensive framework to predict drilling instability in backfilled ground, considering strength differences and asymmetry. The proposed design criterion aims to reduce inclined drilling deviations by at least 10 millimeters per meter of depth.

First bulk ferromagnetic icosahedral quasicrystals synthesized without rapid quenching

Researchers develop annealable ferromagnetic icosahedral quasicrystals with unprecedented structural quality, revealing intrinsic magnetic properties and magnetic criticality. The discovery enables the first systematic investigations of quasiperiodic magnetism and magnetic criticality in QCs.

Numerical modeling captures complex behavior of noncollinear antiferromagnets

The Illinois researchers developed a micromagnetic model based on a magnetic octupole moment to capture complex behavior of noncollinear antiferromagnets. The model revealed domain-wall deformation and an effective inertial mass, providing new insight into mesoscopic magnetic-multipole dynamics.

How sea stars build materials that can see

Researchers found that sea stars' skeletons contain specialized mineral structures capable of guiding and concentrating light, providing both mechanical support and optical sensing. The discovery may inspire future engineering materials with multifunctional capabilities.

Tiny carbon rings enable a new form of quantum control

Researchers at Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg have discovered a way to generate and control toroidal moments in carbon nanotori using computer simulations. This enables precise control of superconductors with minimal loss, opening up new possibilities for quantum computing.

Winged composite pile system for better waste management and enhanced uplift resistance

A new winged composite pile system can enhance uplift resistance while reusing excavated soil, reducing off-site transport and minimizing waste. The study found that the optimal wing diameter varies with pile length, and shaft diameter has little effect on uplift resistance.

UTEP researchers 3D-print battery component that could reshape how devices are powered

A team of UTEP researchers has created a printable gel polymer electrolyte that can be 3D-printed in any shape. The material performed similarly to conventional electrolytes and showed optimal performance at a specific recipe ratio, paving the way for flexible battery design.

Graphene can hold multiple states of superconductivity, a new study finds

Researchers discovered graphene can host multiple superconducting states, some persisting even in the presence of strong magnetic fields. The team found that certain experimental conditions could control the material's properties, leading to a new family of unconventional superconducting states.

Disorder creates new properties in compound semiconductors

Intrinsic disorder in CuInSnS₄ influences its optical properties, with excitons showing direction-dependent responses. The discovery sheds light on the relationship between disorder and material properties.

Mini monitor measures artificial heartbeat

A new device inspired by fish's lateral line senses the pulse of lab-grown heart tissue, enabling real-time monitoring of hundreds of tests. This breakthrough could revolutionize drug screening and personalized medicine with more accurate human tissue simulations.

New design approach may help slash the price of ultra-durable concrete

A team of researchers at Penn State developed a new design approach to reduce the cost of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) by optimizing metallic fibers, which currently make up 70% of the material's price. The new design can help produce stronger and more environmentally friendly concrete while reducing costs.

LIST's Jorge Íñiguez-González secures prestigious ERC Advanced Grant

Jorge Íñiguez-González leads a €2.5M ERC Advanced Grant project to explore reconfigurable materials with tunable properties. The research aims to create adaptive technologies for information storage and next-generation computing.

Laser pulses capture unexplored polaronic states

A team of scientists observed Jahn–Teller polarons in cobalt oxide crystals activated by tailored laser pulses. The study reveals the material's structural, electrical, and magnetic properties can be engineered using ultrafast laser pulses.

17 million euro research investment to help renew the steel industry

The FutSteel project aims to develop a model integrating electric arc furnace technology into the existing hot rolling production chain, supporting the transformation of Finland's steel industry to low-carbon production. The research project, led by the University of Oulu and SSAB, will start in June 2026 and run for three years.

Water-triggered PVA film switches from bioplastic to high-performance wood adhesive

A novel supramolecular film with switchable structural and adhesive functions has been developed, exceeding industry standards for wood adhesion. The film's unique structure retains strength in wet conditions and demonstrates high-performance bonding to wood substrates.

SwRI, St. Mary’s University to improve metabolic cost prediction using ENABLE technology

Researchers use ENABLE, a markerless motion capture technology, to estimate metabolic cost for movement efficiency improvement in healthcare and rehabilitation. The team validates the system by comparing model outputs with experimental measurements.

How do you study the world's smallest materials?

New instruments promise precise measurement and manipulation of tiny nanomaterials used in manufacturing, aerospace and medicine. Researchers can now study the smallest heavy metals with water filters, developing more resilient structures.

Scientists have designed a clay that can prevent fruits and vegetables from rotting too quickly

Researchers have designed a clay material that can absorb and retain ethylene gas, slowing down the ripening process of fruits and vegetables. This innovation has the potential to reduce food waste and improve fruit flavor by allowing for later harvesting in the ripening process.

HKU researchers discover piezoelectric effect in diamond membranes, challenging century-old scientific dogma

Researchers at HKU have discovered a significant piezoelectric effect in ultrathin and ultra-flexible polycrystalline diamond membranes. The finding challenges the long-held assumption that diamonds are non-piezoelectric, opening up new possibilities for medical and energy applications.

New iron–scandium catalyst extends carbon nanotube growth at high temperatures

Researchers have discovered a new iron–scandium catalyst that stabilizes iron catalysts and enables the growth of centimeter-long carbon nanotubes under high-temperature conditions. The study reveals scandium as a key cocatalyst, improving catalyst lifetime and promoting CNT growth.

Artificial eyes could bring human-like sight to self-driving cars, robots

Researchers at Penn State developed photomemristors that adjust sensitivity based on light levels, like the human eye. These devices can process light data faster and more accurately than traditional systems in mixed lighting environments.

Van der Waals forces can play unexpected role in thin film properties

Ferroelectric thin films' thickness, strain state and domain architecture are influenced by van der Waals forces, which can be controlled through epitaxial growth on MoS2 substrates. This discovery enables the creation of higher-quality, larger thin films with improved performance.

ORNL partnership helps ACP Technologies scale materials for graphite and carbon fiber

The partnership between ACP Technologies and Oak Ridge National Laboratory has helped move advanced pitch materials from laboratory development to pilot-scale production. The collaboration supported the refinement and demonstration of isotropic and mesophase pitch materials, now being produced at a new continuous pilot facility.

Nanometer nanotubes for future electronics

Scientists from the University of Tokyo have successfully synthesized 1-nanometer-wide, single-walled MoS2 nanotubes with well-defined atomic structures. These ultrafine materials could provide a new route toward miniaturized electronic devices and expand nanotube science beyond carbon.

‘Baked’, printed, ready – premiere of architecture made from yeast

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed a new bio-based material using yeast, cellulose, alginate, glycerol, and water. The material can be 3D printed, has customizable properties, and is biodegradable, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional building materials.

A common kitchen spice unlocks the secret to 3D printing flawless microscopic ceramics

Researchers discovered curcumin's ability to stabilize microscopic ceramic parts by physically screening stray light and neutralizing erratic energy sparks. This approach enables the production of complex, ultra-lightweight components for advanced technologies.

Novel reactive ink prints as everlasting copper

Researchers developed a liquid reactive ink that can print copper onto surfaces without oxidation or corrosion, enabling faster, cheaper, and more sustainable electronic production. The breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the conductive ink industry by replacing expensive metals with copper.

Minutes instead of days: New 3D printing device and technique could speed up semiconductor research

Researchers developed a table-top EUV lithography device to speed up production of semiconductors, overcoming high entry costs and long processing times. The new device uses volumetric 3D patterning, allowing for faster printing of 3D nanostructures in minutes, not days.

By 2050 Europe’s waste could supply over half of critical material demand

The FutuRaM project mapped Europe's 'urban mine', revealing a vast reservoir of metals and minerals essential for clean energy, digital technologies, and modern industry. By 2050, recovery systems could enable the EU to recover between 4.1 and 5.7 million tonnes of critical raw materials annually.

A team at Polytechnique Montréal is tackling one of the biggest barriers to scaling artificial intelligence

A team at Polytechnique Montréal has developed a new material that enables direct light processing on silicon chips, reducing the need for signal conversion and amplification. This breakthrough could help sustain the next wave of AI at scale by giving light a larger role in data processing.

Turning ocean water into drinking water, without waste

Researchers at the University of Rochester developed a solar-thermal desalination process that produces fresh water in an energy-efficient way, eliminating brine and requiring no chemical additives. The technology extracts nearly 100% of salts in solid form, producing table salt and precious minerals like lithium.

Chemical upcycling method offers vital plastic waste solution

Researchers have developed a chemical upcycling method that converts existing plastics into new materials with rapidly degrading properties. This process has the potential to tackle global plastic pollution issues by replacing non-biodegradable plastics.

Manchester researchers secure £1.3m to transform recycling of complex waste

The University of Manchester is developing new technologies to recover valuable materials from hard-to-recycle waste, including disposable vapes and cars. The project aims to break down these materials at a molecular level and recover valuable components that can be reused.

Advincula earns Frank Tiller award for filtration advances

Advincula received the Frank Tiller Award for his pioneering work on new materials, 3D printed membranes and smart separation surfaces. His research at ORNL focuses on polymer design, synthesis and characterization.

Rediscovering science: new knowledge hidden in old data

Researchers from Tohoku University's Advanced Institute for Materials Research use AI and data science to extract valuable insights from decades-old experiments and scientific literature. This approach accelerates materials design and screening in catalysis, solid-state electrolytes, and hydrogen storage research.

How does gold keep its glitter? Tulane University researchers uncover why it resists tarnish

Researchers found that atoms on certain gold surfaces naturally rearrange themselves into protective patterns that suppress reactions with oxygen. This discovery helps explain why gold jewelry and objects can remain untarnished for centuries.

UNF receives NSF award to reduce flaws in 3D‑printed metal parts

Researchers at UNF will develop a system to spot and fix problems during the printing process, reducing flaws in 3D-printed metal parts. The project aims to dramatically reduce defects, leading to fewer failed builds, lower costs, and more sustainable production methods.

Food and drink litter dominates global plastic pollution

A global study of marine litter has identified food and beverage plastics as the leading contributors to ocean pollution, with plastic packaging, caps, and bottles dominating shoreline debris worldwide. The research highlights the urgent need for reduced plastic production and more efficient waste management practices.

Incheon National University research turns customer reviews into actionable guidance

A new model combines text mining and machine learning to extract service-specific aspects and customer actions from online reviews. The model effectively identifies core technical issues and user love for a platform, enabling targeted decisions for improvement. Researchers validated the model using 231,705 online reviews of Roblox.

Oral GLP-1s without fasting or reduced efficacy

Researchers at Duke University developed a new approach to deliver GLP-1 medications orally that maintains efficacy without requiring fasting. The technique uses an elastin-like polypeptide-based delivery system that protects the peptide from stomach acid and releases it in the intestines, bypassing the stomach's destructive acids.

TEGNet: AI that freely designs thermoelectric devices

TEGNet accelerates optimization in thermoelectric generator design by predicting performance with high accuracy and speed. The AI model enables designers to freely combine independent models for various materials, enabling complex structure exploration and high conversion efficiencies.

Ambient-pressure-dried cellulose/MXene aerogel integrates EMI shielding, infrared stealth and joule heating

Researchers developed a cellulose/MXene sediment aerogel that combines EMI shielding, infrared stealth, and Joule heating within a single porous structure. The aerogel retained high porosity and specific surface area, enabling strong electromagnetic wave attenuation and thermal insulation.

Stretchy implants could stick to arteries to treat high blood pressure

Hanyang University researchers identify 2.5 nanometers as the minimum effective coating thickness for longer-lasting solid-state EV batteries