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Novel method helps quantify reversibility and irreversibility of practical li metal batteries

A research group has developed an innovative methodology to quantify the electrochemical reversibility of a lithium metal anode in practical lithium battery systems. The method enables the precise quantification of active and inactive lithium, allowing for a better understanding of the degradation and failure of Li metal batteries.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Energy·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 2, 2022

Physicists demo method for designing topological metals

Researchers from Rice University and partners identified three promising candidate materials using a new framework that cross-references information in a database of known materials with theoretical calculations. The method could help explore strongly correlated topological matter, a large and largely uninvestigated landscape.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

Researchers develop new faster charging hydrogen fuel cell

A new method to improve solid-state hydrogen fuel cell charging times has been developed by researchers from the University of Technology Sydney. The study used a semi-cylindrical coil heat exchanger, which significantly improved heat transfer performance and reduced charging time by 59%. This innovation has the potential to revolution...

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 12, 2022

Water can’t touch this sanded, powdered surface

Rice University researchers create a technique to make surfaces superhydrophobic by combining sanding with powder materials, resulting in water-repelling properties. The treatment also exhibits excellent anti-icing properties, slowing down freezing and reducing ice adhesion strength.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

Women are more likely to die or require repeat surgery five years after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

A Rutgers study found that women are more likely to die or require repeat surgery five years after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. The researchers highlighted the need for increased inclusion of women in aortic device creation and trial enrollment, given differences in aortic anatomy between men and women.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Vascular Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 19, 2022

Novel multi-proton carrier complex as efficient proton conductor at high temperatures

A team of researchers from Tokyo University of Science has developed a novel multi-proton carrier complex that shows efficient proton conductivity even at high temperatures. The resulting starburst-type metal complex acts as a proton transmitter, making it 6 times more potent than individual imidazole molecules.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Atomically-smooth gold crystals help to compress light for nanophotonic applications

Researchers demonstrate a new platform for guiding compressed mid-infrared light waves in ultra-thin van der Waals crystals, enabling strong light-matter interactions and improved detection limits. The use of atomically-smooth gold crystals provides a low-loss environment for the propagation of phonon-polaritons.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 13, 2022

SLAS Discovery July issue features a new method of detecting metal impurities in high-throughput screening – available now

Researchers have developed a new method to detect metal impurities in high-throughput screening, reducing false positive hits and saving time and resources. The technique uses acoustic mist ionization mass spectrometry to identify eight different metal contaminants, outperforming previous methods.

Chung-Ang University researchers use biomolecule-loaded metal-organic frameworks nanopatterns to aid artificial stem cell differentiation

A new platform mimics live cellular environment to guide stem cell differentiation outside the body. Researchers from Chung-Ang University developed a novel platform based on metal-organic frameworks, which offers advantages over conventional methods for in vitro stem cell differentiation.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

Korea Maritime and Ocean University scholars find key to reducing defects in multimaterials

Researchers from Korea Maritime and Ocean University have developed a way to synthesize high-performance functionally graded materials with minimized defects. By controlling the mixing gradient of component materials, they improved mechanical properties and eliminated interfacial cracks.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalJournal of Materials Research and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2022

Researchers find superconductors can carry magnetic information to much longer distances than conventional metals

The study reveals that superconductors can transmit spin currents between magnets, allowing for controlled magnetic interactions and modifying the magnetic response. This breakthrough enables new approaches to information processing using magnetic materials at low temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2022

Research finally answers what Bronze Age daggers were used for

Researchers have found that Bronze Age daggers were used to process animal carcasses, including slaughtering livestock and butchering carcasses. The discovery was made using a new method that extracted organic residues from the daggers, revealing micro-residues of collagen and associated bone, muscle, and tendon fibres.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2022

Optimizing the Mitigation of Heavy Metal Pollution in Biochar-treated Soils with Machine Learning

Researchers used machine learning to predict the most important factors underlying heavy metal pollution remediation in biochar-treated soils. Biochar nitrogen content and application rate were found to be the most crucial features in determining HM immobilization, with soil properties also playing a significant role.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 29, 2022

Seeing below the surface of bimetallic nanoparticles

Researchers from Osaka University report a new technique for tracking the synthesis of core–shell bimetallic nanoparticles in real time, allowing for fine-tuning of nanomaterial preparation. The technique uses a piezoelectric resonator to monitor particle shape changes and track interdiffusion of metals.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review B·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2022

Evidence for exotic magnetic phase of matter

Researchers discovered a novel type of magnet, the antiferromagnetic excitonic insulator, which involves strong magnetic attraction between electrons in a layered material. The new state emerges when electrons form bound pairs with holes and trigger an antiferromagnetic alignment of adjacent electron spins.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2022

Perfecting the EV battery recycling process

A new study from Chalmers University of Technology outlines an optimized recycling process for electric vehicle batteries, reducing thermal treatment times to just 30 minutes and operating at room temperature. This process can increase the efficiency of metal recovery, lower environmental impacts, and reduce costs.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalWaste Management·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

New insight into unconventional superconductivity

Researchers at PSI's Laboratory for Muon Spin Spectroscopy have discovered strong evidence of exotic charge order and orbital currents in a correlated kagome superconductor. The findings provide a new insight into unconventional superconductivity and its relationship with the quantum anomalous Hall effect.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Beyond sci-fi: manipulating liquid metals without contact

Scientists have successfully manipulated liquid metals in a non-contact manner by applying electromagnetic induction, allowing for the creation of unique shapes and structures. The discovery opens up new possibilities for advanced manufacturing and dynamic electronic structures.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2022

Precious metal commodities can enhance investment portfolio performance, say Pusan National University researchers

A study published in Applied Economics analyzed the relationship between precious metal commodities and equity markets, revealing that gold and aluminum are the most desirable metals for investment. The research also found that copper and zinc have the largest spillovers on global equity indices.

SourcePusan National University·JournalApplied Economics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2022

Suiting up with Al-Mg-Si: New protective coating for steel to resist corrosion in ships and marine and coastal facilities and structures

Scientists have created a new protective coating using Al-Mg-Si alloy to resist corrosion in ships and marine facilities. The coating demonstrates improved corrosion resistance through a 'shielding effect', increasing the economic life of steel machinery.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalCorrosion Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

A CARE-ing route to advanced nanoelectronics

Osaka University researchers developed an ultra-thin film of magnetite with superior crystallinity and conductive properties, overcoming challenges in spintronics technology. The discovery enables the film to undergo a temperature-dependent resistivity change, crucial for implementation in quantum computing technologies.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2021

Innovative design of titanium alloy with supreme properties by 3D printing

Researchers from City University of Hong Kong created a new titanium-based alloy using additive manufacturing, boasting unprecedented structures and properties. The alloy exhibits high tensile strength, excellent work-hardening capacity, and is up to 40% lighter than stainless steel, making it suitable for various structural applications.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2021

Researchers determine optimum pressure to improve the performance of lithium metal batteries

The study found that a stack pressure of 350 kilo Pascal increases lithium particle deposition in neat columns, improving stability and reducing the risk of short circuits. Additionally, partial discharge during cycling can also boost performance without affecting the solid electrolyte interphase structure.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

Non-toxic technology extracts more gold from ore

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a non-toxic alternative to traditional cyanide-based gold extraction processes. The new chloride-based method, called EDRR, achieves an impressive 84% gold recovery rate, surpassing the 64% recovered with traditional cyanide methods.

SourceAalto University·JournalChemical Engineering·DateOct 1, 2021

Identifying activity origin of single-atom catalyst through atom-by-atom counting

A new methodology, EMARS, was developed to directly identify the activity origin of Pt/Al2O3 industrial reforming catalyst by analyzing over 18,000 Pt atoms. The study found that density of supported Pt1 single atoms and Pt-Pt distance larger than 0.38 nm are correlated with aromatic production activity.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 10, 2021