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New world record in materials research - X-ray microscopy with 1000 tomograms per second

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have achieved a new world record in materials research by using X-ray microscopy to create 1000 three-dimensional images per second. This allows for the non-destructive study of fast processes in materials, enabling researchers to gain insights into material properties and behavior.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2021

New substance classes for nanomaterials: Nano spheres and diamond slivers made of silicon and germanium

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt and Bonn have synthesized molecular nano spheres made of silicon atoms, known as silafulleranes, which can encapsulate chloride ions. The discovery of these new compounds may lead to improved applications in electronics, solar cells, and batteries.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021

Eco-friendly process for synthesizing organic materials developed for high-performance materials industry

Researchers at CeMM have developed an eco-friendly process to synthesize organic materials using water instead of toxic solvents, achieving cost savings of up to 25% and improving material properties. The process involves heating molecules in water under pressure to create high-performance materials with unique structures and properties.

Mining waste could be used as an ingredient for cheaper hydrogen fuel production

Researchers have discovered a way to use mining waste as part of a potential cheaper catalyst for hydrogen fuel production. The new catalyst triggers water splitting reactions using aluminosilicate minerals found in mining waste, which could lead to lower production costs and increased efficiency.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Energy and Sustainability Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2021

New research advances clean energy solutions

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a synthetic diiron-containing porphyrin that can efficiently catalyze the conversion of radiant energy from the sun into chemical energy. This breakthrough has potential applications in creating non-fossil-based fuels and electrochemical cells for renewable energy storage.

SourceArizona State University·JournalChemElectroChem·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021

Best of both worlds: Updating the chemical process to remove organic pollutants from water

Researchers from India and Saudi Arabia have combined oxidation and photocatalysis to create a heterogeneous photo-Fenton system that degrades phenols at higher rates than individual approaches. The system is highly photostable and reusable, making it promising for practical applications in wastewater purification.

SourceShoolini University·JournalJournal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2021

Development of Cd-Free Quantum Dot Synthesis Technology for overcoming the limitations of existing technology

Prof. Jong-Soo Lee's team creates green-emitting Cd-Free quantum dots with high color reproduction performance, suitable for HDR in ultra-high definition displays. The material has higher color purity and photostability than other luminescent materials.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalChemistry of Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2021

Harnessing sunlight to fuel the future through covalent organic frameworks

Researchers highlight the potential of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) in solar-to-fuel production, converting sunlight into hydrogen and other fuels. COF-based photocatalysts have shown promising properties, including improved catalysis and electron delocalization, making them a viable solution for future energy needs.

SourceShoolini University·JournalCoordination Chemistry Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 12, 2021

Rice expert: Using carbon is key to decarbonizing economy

Pasquali proposes splitting hydrocarbons to produce clean hydrogen energy and solid carbon materials, which could replace materials with large carbon footprints. This transition would generate robust growth in manufacturing jobs and improve production efficiency.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 5, 2021

Eco-friendly plastic from cellulose and water

Göttingen University researchers have developed a new type of hydroplastic polymer called cellulose cinnamate (CCi) that can be molded using little more than water at everyday temperature and pressure. The bioplastic exhibits high quality mechanical properties, making it suitable for various applications.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJul 22, 2021

The birth of a subnanometer-sized soccer ball

Researchers successfully captured a video image of the bottom-up synthesis of fullerene C60, an allotrope resembling a soccer ball. The process was observed using single-molecule atomic resolution real-time electron microscopy (SMART-EM), revealing a kinetically and thermodynamically controlled cyclodehydrogenation reaction.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 24, 2021

Building a foundation for high-power tech

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are working on new soft magnetic materials and manufacturing processes to enable ultra-high frequency power electronics switching devices. The four-year project aims to establish a foundation for ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor materials in novel power electronics switching devices.

AI agent helps identify material properties faster

A team of researchers has developed an AI agent called Crystallography Companion Agent (XCA) to analyze X-ray diffraction data and identify material properties faster. The agent collaborates with scientists to perform autonomous phase identifications, overcoming traditional neuronal network overconfidence.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Computational Science·DateApr 20, 2021

Bronze Age mining sites received deliveries of pre-processed foods

Cereal plant remains from Prigglitz-Gasteil show signs of processing off-site, suggesting specialized communities relied on external food sources. This discovery adds to the discussion on Bronze Age mining sites' dietary patterns and highlights the importance of processed foods in sustaining these communities.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 24, 2021

Spintronics: New production method makes crystalline microstructures universally usable

A new production method developed by physicists at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg enables the transfer of crystalline microstructures to any material, advancing the production of smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient components. The method has potential applications in spintronics, magnonics, and hybrid components.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 23, 2021

Semiconductor material analysis made possible with artificial intelligence

Researchers at KIST developed an AI system that estimates magnetic Hamiltonian parameters from spin structure images using deep learning techniques. The system was trained with machine learning algorithms and achieved estimation errors less than 1%, reducing the material parameter estimation process from tens of hours to instant analysis.