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A crystal clear step closer to commercial solar cells

Researchers at KAUST have developed a synthetic approach to generate homogeneous and defect-free crystals that could fast-track the commercialization of perovskite solar cells. The new single-crystal films exhibit lower defect density and higher charge-carrier diffusion lengths, leading to high-quality solar cells with a maximum power-...

Big energy savings for tiny machines

Researchers at Simon Fraser University developed a theory that predicts maximum efficiency and minimal energy loss in molecular machines. By manipulating DNA hairpins, they demonstrated a strategy to optimize nanomachines, which could lead to significant advancements in fields like computer chips, solar cells, and biotechnology.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 22, 2019

When sand behaves like oil

Researchers have discovered that granular materials, such as sand and coffee, exhibit similar behavior to immiscible liquids when fluidized. This phenomenon has significant implications for industries like pharmaceuticals and energy production, where efficient processing of granular materials is crucial.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 2019

Neuron and synapse-mimetic spintronics devices developed

Researchers from Tohoku University have developed artificial neuron and synapse devices using spintronics technology, mimicking the brain's architecture. The devices demonstrated fundamental behavior of biological neurons and synapses, including leaky integrate-and-fire and spike-timing-dependent plasticity.

SourceTohoku University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 17, 2019

Scaling forward

A researcher at Argonne National Laboratory has developed a faster way to create molecular models, accelerating the screening of potential new organic materials for electronics. The approach uses machine learning to predict electronic properties and enables scientists to screen more packing arrangements than before.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 22, 2019

Indecision under pressure

Researchers found that when compressed, cubic boron arsenide's heat conductivity improves initially but then deteriorates due to competition between different processes. This behavior has never been predicted or observed before and challenges conventional understanding of heat conduction.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 2019

New methods could improve, expand 3D imaging using X-rays

Researchers have developed two new approaches to 3D imaging with X-rays, enabling unprecedented detail in disease-screening, materials development, and structural information of opaque objects. The methods, including ghost imaging and single-shot techniques, reduce X-ray doses and destroy samples, paving the way for cheaper, more readi...

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateNov 29, 2018

AI capable of outlining in a single chart information from thousands of scientific papers

Researchers developed a Computer-Aided Material Design (CAMaD) system that extracts information related to fabrication processes and material structures and properties, enabling the summarization of knowledge from thousands of scientific articles in a single chart. This allows for rationalizing and expediting material design.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalScience and Technology of Advanced Materials·DateNov 12, 2018

Connecting the (nano) dots: Big-picture thinking can advance nanoparticle manufacturing

Researchers at NIST and WTEC advocate for a collaborative approach to nanoparticle manufacturing, highlighting the importance of sharing knowledge and resources across disciplines. The study identifies common challenges in material, process, and application, suggesting that solving these problems could advance the entire enterprise.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateAug 22, 2018

Study reveals how polymers relax after stressful processing

A new study reveals that entangled, long-chain polymers in solutions relax at two different rates, marking an advancement in fundamental polymer physics. The findings will provide a better understanding of the physical properties of polymeric materials and individual polymer molecule behavior under high-stress processing conditions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 2, 2018