Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Team highlights work on tuning block polymers for nanostructured systems

The Epps group has made significant strides in tuning and characterizing block polymers for various applications. They aim to optimize materials design by manipulating phase behavior, thermal transitions and mechanical properties. The goal is to create high-performance materials that reduce defects and mitigate environmental concerns.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalMacromolecular Chemistry and Physics·DateMar 29, 2017

Tough aqua material for water purification

Israeli scientists developed a supramolecular aqua material that forms a hybrid membrane with robust filtering properties, easy fabrication, and recyclability. The hybrid membrane is effective in removing toxic heavy metals and small organic molecules from contaminated water.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 19, 2017

Novel 3-in-1 'Rheo-Raman' microscope enables interconnected studies of soft materials

The novel 'Rheo-Raman' microscope allows for interconnected studies of soft materials by correlating their microstructure, composition, and flow behavior. This enables the understanding of how structural make-up dictates macroscopic properties like strength, hardness, or electrical conductivity.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateOct 4, 2016

Let there be light

University of Utah researchers have developed a theory that adding light during the manufacturing process can reduce defects in semiconductors, leading to more efficient solar cells and brighter LED bulbs. This breakthrough could unlock the potential of materials previously deemed unusable, such as cadmium telluride and gallium nitride.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 16, 2016

The odor of stones

Researchers discovered that diatoms are attracted to the smell of silicate minerals and move actively to areas with high concentrations. This ability allows them to colonize specific regions and is a key factor in their survival. Understanding this process could lead to the development of new materials resistant to algal colonization.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2016

A step towards quantum electronics

Researchers connected two materials with unusual quantum-mechanical properties through a quantum constriction, enabling clean materials with intriguing quantum-mechanical properties. This collaboration opens up a new research direction for ultrafast and robust electronic networks.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience·DateDec 17, 2015

Clay sheets stack to form proton conductors

A new proton-conducting system created by Northwestern University professor Jiaxing Huang uses stacked clay sheets to concentrate protons for conduction. This breakthrough material has significant advantages over graphene-based sheets and other materials, including ease of production and high thermal stability.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 13, 2015

A new look at surface chemistry

A new analytical method using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) has resolved the unique atomic structure at the surface of a material for the first time. This breakthrough enables direct information on both surface and bulk atoms, improving understanding of critical reactions such as catalysis and corrosion.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2015

Toward a squishier robot

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh designed a synthetic polymer gel that can change shape and move using its own internally generated power. The SP-BZ gel combines the properties of two materials to enable self-bending, folding, and self-propelled motion.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 5, 2015