Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Atoms on the edge

Researchers at MIT have directly observed edge states in a cloud of ultracold atoms, capturing images of atoms flowing along a boundary without resistance. This discovery could enable super-efficient energy transmission and data transfer in materials.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 6, 2024

Finding pearls in the mud: eco-friendly tungsten recovery from semiconductor waste

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have unveiled an eco-friendly method to extract rare metals from semiconductor waste, recovering precious tungsten and assessing its economic viability. The bioleaching process, using a fungus to dissolve metals, is found to be 7% cheaper than traditional methods.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateAug 7, 2024

Rice lab finds faster, cleaner way to extract lithium from battery waste

A new process by Rice University researchers recovers up to 50% of lithium in spent LIB cathodes in just 30 seconds, overcoming a significant bottleneck in LIB recycling technology. The microwave-based method uses a readily biodegradable solvent and achieves efficiencies similar to conventional heating methods but much faster.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2024

Customised thermal radiation

A team of researchers from TU Wien and the University of Manchester demonstrated the control of thermal radiation by manipulating its topological properties. They created a coating with varying metal layer thickness along the coastline of the British Isles, allowing for localized heat emission at specific points.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2024

“The magic of making electricity from metals and air” The vexing carbonate has achieved it!

Researchers from Pohang University of Science & Technology have developed a high-energy, high-efficiency all-solid-state sodium-air battery that can reversibly utilize sodium and air without additional equipment. The breakthrough overcomes the challenge of carbonate formation, increasing energy density and reducing voltage gap.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 28, 2024

This alloy is kinky

Researchers discovered an alloy with exceptional strength and toughness across a wide temperature range, outperforming even cryogenic steels. The alloy's unique properties are attributed to the formation of rare kink bands that enable it to resist bending and fracture.

From defects to order: Spontaneously emerging crystal arrangements in perovskite halides

A new defect-ordered layered halide perovskite was discovered, shedding light on how order can emerge through defects in hybrid organic–inorganic compounds. The compound's optical bandgap increased with the concentration of ordered defects in the lattice, presenting a new strategy for tuning perovskite properties.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalACS Materials Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2024

Advancing towards sustainability: turning carbon dioxide and water into acetylene

Researchers at Doshisha University have developed a new method to electrochemically synthesize acetylene from carbon dioxide and water, using high-temperature molten salts and metal carbides. This approach offers advantages over conventional synthesis pathways, including the direct use of CO2 as feedstock and reusable electrodes.

SourceDoshisha University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2024

A breakthrough in all-solid-state battery technology, enhancing the performance of the lithium from the bottom

A research team developed an anode protection layer to prevent random electrodeposition of lithium, promoting stable 'bottom electrodeposition' and reducing unnecessary consumption. The breakthrough results in all-solid-state batteries with stable electrochemical performance over extended periods using ultrathin lithium metal anodes.

Quick and easy preparation of small-sized metal nanoparticles by microchip laser

The development of a compact microchip laser system paves the way for simple benchtop preparation and direct use of metal nanoparticles in catalytic reactions. The study reveals that the microchip laser exhibits high ablation efficiency despite having smaller pulse energy compared to conventional lasers, making it an attractive alterna...

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2024

Breakthrough research enhances stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells

Researchers developed a chemically protective cathode interlayer using amine-functionalized perylene diimide, which stabilizes perovskite solar cells. The novel solution-processed PDINN cathode interlayer achieved impressive performance with over 81% retention and record-high bias-free solar hydrogen production rate.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJan 22, 2024

Riddle of Kondo effect solved in ultimately thin wires

Physicists have directly observed the Kondo effect in a single artificial atom using a scanning tunnelling microscope. The team confirmed a decades-old prediction by validating their experimental data against theoretical models. This breakthrough paves the way for investigating exotic phenomena in magnetic wires.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2023

The little things matter: Chemists develop new sensor for microvolume pH detection

Researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University have developed a sensitive and robust pH sensor that can detect pH variation in just a few microliters of samples. The new sensor uses novel materials and methods to overcome the current method's limitations, which are not sensitive enough or fragile for commercial-scale use.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalMicrochimica Acta·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2023

CityU joint research creates 3D-printed aluminium alloy with unprecedented fatigue resistance

A team of researchers from City University of Hong Kong and Shanghai Jiao Tong University has developed a novel aluminium alloy with unprecedented fatigue resistance using advanced 3D printing techniques. The new alloy, called NTD-Al, surpasses the fatigue strength of high-strength wrought Al alloys and conventional metals.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2023

Scientists film soundwaves in a crystal

Researchers used a unique X-ray technique to capture soundwaves' propagation in a diamond crystal, revealing ultrafast structural phenomena that were previously beyond scientific reach. The breakthrough enables real-time imaging of solid materials with unprecedented resolution and speed.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 2023

Study finds high blood and urinary metal levels among exclusive marijuana users

Research at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health detected significant levels of metals in the blood and urine of marijuana users, suggesting that marijuana is a source of lead and cadmium exposure. Measurements reported by participants showed higher lead levels in blood and urine among exclusive marijuana users compare...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateAug 30, 2023