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Nanotechnology could promote hydrogen economy

Researchers at Rutgers University develop nanostructured iridium surfaces to extract hydrogen from ammonia, enabling efficient fuel cell operation. The process could contribute to the solution of hydrogen economy's storage and transport obstacles.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 28, 2005

Nanoscale contact optimizes adhesion

Researchers discovered an optimal shape of nanoscale contact surface that enhances adhesion strength, which becomes insensitive to small variations at a critical size scale of around 100 nanometers. This finding suggests combining size reduction and shape optimization for robust and reliable adhesion.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2004

Superconducting lithium

Researchers establish superconductivity in lithium at pressures greater than 30 GPa, with critical temperatures ranging from 9 K to 16 K. This finding contradicts theory and sparks interest in searching for high-temperature superconductivity in light element compounds.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateOct 23, 2002

Interfacing organic semiconductors to metal

The Cornell team will study the chemistry of inorganic-organic interfaces and develop fabrication methods to overcome difficulties in connecting wires to organic transistors. Their goal is to produce testable devices with useful properties, tackling challenging problems in molecular-based electronics.

'Quantum dots' could form basis of new computers

Researchers at Purdue University have successfully linked two tiny structures called quantum dots to create a semiconductor-based quantum computer. The device uses quantum bits that exist in both on and off states simultaneously, enabling faster processing of information than conventional computers.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience·DateSep 20, 2001

The Next Plastic

Researchers have developed cost-effective methods for manufacturing ultralight porous metals that can be used in various applications including cooling motor drives and reinforcing aircraft parts. The new materials are lightweight, extremely heat resistant and strong in three dimensions.

Too Hot To Handle

Researchers at Savannah River Technology Center found metal-munching bacteria thriving in sterile storage pond environments, threatening long-term nuclear fuel rod integrity. This ill-timed discovery comes as a global downturn in nuclear reprocessing leads to extended storage periods.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateMay 28, 1998

New Software Makes More Reliable Cast Metal Parts

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a fast new method to analyze part designs and locate potential defects that may form in die-cast metal parts. The binary voxel model uses geometry to simulate die casting, producing an image with color-coded areas of concern. This method can identify weak spots in seconds, unlike more...

SourceOhio State University·JournalComputer-Aided Design·DateMar 2, 1998