Nanostructures
Articles tagged with Nanostructures
Scientists create atomically precise molecular chains to power next generation tech
Researchers developed nanoribbons with tailored electronic properties, enabling flexible electronics, ultra-small circuits and more efficient solar cells. The discovery paves the way for unprecedented control in next-generation technologies.
Cullen named Microscopy Society of America Fellow for microscopy advances
David Cullen, a distinguished R&D staff scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, has been elected a Fellow of the Microscopy Society of America. He is recognized for his research excellence and service in advancing microscopy and microanalysis.
Bright quantum light emission achieved at room temperature in 2D semiconductors
Researchers have successfully created a high-efficiency quantum light source that emits bright lights even at room temperature using 2D semiconductors. The achievement is made possible by confining excitons in a tiny region via nanohole-induced confinement and neutralizing excess charges.
How an algorithm is curing 3D printing’s cracking problem
A team of researchers developed a machine learning framework to optimize laser settings for printing crack-susceptible superalloys. The algorithm reduced internal crack density by 99% and increased the metal's high-temperature strength, surpassing traditional cast components.
Machine learning designs cheaper and rust-proof steel for 3D printing
A new class of ultra-high strength and ductility steel has been created using machine learning, achieving a rare balance of extreme strength and ductility. The resulting metal resists corrosion and degrades slowly in salt-water tests.
Engineered biochar with minerals could unlock new solutions for soil health and water cleanup
Researchers combine biochar with naturally occurring minerals to create more durable and effective materials for improving soil fertility, capturing contaminants, and delivering nutrients. Engineered composites show promising potential for agricultural and pollution control applications.
Vibrating atomic tip sculpts 3D memory channels into fragile semiconductors
Prof. Yanquan Geng's team has devised a way to carve variable-depth, three-dimensional trenches into gallium antimonide using a microscopic tip vibrating thousands of times per second. This process improves the crystal's structural integrity and enables the creation of pristine 3D nanogrooves with controlled depths and widths.
Chemistry-powered “breathing” membrane opens and closes tiny pores on its own
Researchers at The University of Osaka developed a solid-state analogue that enables the formation of subnanometer pores approaching biological ion-channel dimensions. The team demonstrated the opening and closing process hundreds of times, with spikes in current consistent with biological channels.
When the softest carbon meets the hardest
Graphene and diamond hybrids show promising performance in electronic devices, sensors, and machining tests. However, major challenges remain, including producing large-area hybrids with consistent quality and understanding fundamental properties.
Tiny dots, big impact: Using light to scrub industrial dyes from our water
Researchers at ITMO University have developed a new solution for cleaning up contaminated water by harnessing the power of light. Carbon dot-polymer composites are revolutionizing the cleanup of toxic wastewater, making it more efficient and scalable.
COF scaffold membrane with gate‑lane nanostructure for efficient Li+/Mg2+ separation
Researchers develop a record-high selective COF membrane for efficient Li+/Mg2+ separation. The gate-lane nanostructure enables high Li+ flux, offering a blueprint for next-generation ion-separation membranes.
The hidden dangers of nanoplastics
Researchers have found that nanoplastics interact with environmental microbes, strengthening bacteria and antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. This can lead to challenges for water treatment and distribution systems. More research is needed to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions.
Sculpting complex, 3D nanostructures with a focused ion beam
Researchers have developed a new method to fabricate three-dimensional nanoscale devices from single-crystal materials using a focused ion beam instrument. They created helical-shaped devices that behave like switchable diodes, allowing electricity to flow more easily in one direction than the other.
Light switches made of ultra-thin semiconductor layers
A nanostructure composed of silver and an atomically thin semiconductor layer can be turned into an ultrafast switching mirror device, displaying properties of both light and matter. This discovery could lead to dramatically increased information transmission rates in optical data processing.
Engineered biochar–clay “thermal sponge” turns waste wood into a green cooling battery for buildings
Researchers have developed a new composite material that stores and releases heat, reducing temperature swings in buildings. The engineered biochar-clay hybrid increased energy storage capacity by 223% and improved thermal conductivity, demonstrating potential for real-world applications.
An unexpected breakthrough in flat optics
A team from Harvard and University of Lisbon found that silica, a low-refractive index material, can be used for making metasurfaces despite long-held assumptions. They discovered that by carefully considering the geometry of each nanopillar, silica behaves as a metasurface, enabling efficient design of devices with relaxed feature sizes.
Snowflakes just got metal: Researchers discover emergence phenomenon in metal nanocrystals
A team of researchers at Northern Arizona University discovered that fabricated gold, copper and iron nanocrystals exhibit pentagonal constructs resembling natural snowflakes, governed by emergence dynamics. This phenomenon holds key findings for controlling nanomaterial synthesis and advancing the field.
Atomistic model explains how memory metals can change their shape
Researchers at the University of Groningen developed an atomistic model that predicts the driving force for microstructural twinning in shape memory alloys. This discovery can lead to the creation of new crystalline materials with improved reversible deformations, vibration damping, and impact absorption.
Joint research validates new semiconductor etching process, achieving five times speed improvement
Researchers at Nagoya University and Tokyo Electron Miyagi Ltd. have developed a new semiconductor etching method that significantly reduces processing time and enhances energy efficiency. The process employs plasma etching with hydrogen fluoride at very low temperatures, eliminating the need for fluorocarbon gases.
When light teaches materials to self-organize: Writing nature-like 3D nanowrinkles
Scientists create natural surfaces with 3D nanowrinkles that control light, liquids, and living cells. The method uses laser polarization to guide the material's organization, enabling precise control over wrinkle formation and applications in bio-inspired surfaces and sensors.
CityUHK pioneers breakthrough in 3DIC semiconductor packaging materials
A research team from City University of Hong Kong has developed innovative packaging material solutions using patented chemical additives to control material microstructures. This approach aims to improve the performance and production efficiency of advanced 3DIC packaging, enabling faster and more reliable connections in stacked chips.
New window insulation blocks heat, but not your view
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have designed a new material called Mesoporous Optically Clear Heat Insulator (MOCHI) that can improve energy efficiency in buildings. The material, which is almost completely transparent, traps air through tiny pores to block heat exchange.
From fullerenes to 2D structures: A unified design principle for boron nanostructures
Dr. Nevill Gonzalez Szwacki's research explains boron nanostructures diversity and predicts new materials with specific properties. The study combines known structures and predicts electronic properties based on atomic coordination.
Development of 1-Wh-class stacked lithium-air cells
A joint research team from NIMS and Toyo Tanso has developed a carbon electrode that achieves higher output, longer life and scalability for practical lithium-air batteries. The electrode's hierarchically controlled porous structure results in high-output operation and improved durability.
Light-intensity-dependent transformation of mesoscopic molecular assemblies
Researchers in Japan have developed a supramolecular polymer system that can adaptively transform into different dimensional states depending on the intensity of light applied, revealing mechanisms behind these dynamic transformations using high-speed atomic force microscopy.
Printing with fields: Reprogramming matter at the smallest scales
Researchers explore Field-assisted Additive Manufacturing for micro/nano device fabrication, enabling targeted motion, cell growth, and flexible electronics. The technology holds promise for industries such as biomedical engineering and microrobotics.
Sodium-ion battery breakthrough could power greener energy – and even make seawater drinkable
Scientists at the University of Surrey have discovered a simple way to boost sodium-ion battery performance by leaving water in key component. The new material, nanostructured sodium vanadate hydrate, showed significant improvements in charge storage, charging speed, and stability, even in saltwater.
Pottery-inspired method stencils nanoparticles for building advanced materials
A new technique allows engineers to more precisely place patches on microscopic building blocks, controlling their assembly into designer structures. This stenciling method provides a quantum leap in control over the building blocks' designs, enabling the creation of sophisticated materials from nanoparticles.
Atom-scale stencil patterns help nanoparticles take new shapes and learn new tricks
Researchers have developed atomic-level precision patterning on nanoparticle surfaces using stencils, creating 'patchy nanoparticles' with various shapes and functions. The technique allows for large-scale production of batched particles with intricate designs, enabling the creation of novel materials and metamaterials.
Electric‑field‑driven generative nanoimprinting for tilted metasurface nanostructures
The study presents a comprehensive review on electric-field-driven generative nanoimprinting for fabricating complex nanostructures. This technology has the potential to overcome limitations of traditional lithography and enable the creation of next-generation nanomanufacturing technologies.
Breakthrough in atomic-level etching of hafnium oxide, a promising material for advanced semiconductors
Researchers successfully etched hafnium oxide films at atomic-level precision and smoothness without halogen gases. The new method uses nitrogen and oxygen plasmas to form volatile byproducts, resulting in reduced surface roughness and improved device performance.
Meet Rainbow: the multi-robot lab racing to discover the next quantum dots
Researchers at North Carolina State University unveiled Rainbow, a self-driving laboratory that autonomously discovers high-performance quantum dots. The system combines advanced robotics and AI to conduct up to 1,000 experiments per day, accelerating materials discovery.
Robust isolated quantum spins established on a magnetic substrate
Researchers successfully realized a stable, isolated quantum spin on an insulating magnesium oxide surface placed over a ferromagnetic iron substrate. The MgO/Fe(001) structure, widely used in spintronics, enables the formation of isolated spins due to its lack of conduction electrons.
Rapid weaving of molecular sieve “meshes”
Researchers developed a triggered air-water interfacial coordination assembly method to synthesize ultrathin large-sized continuous 2D MOF membranes within just 30 minutes. The method enables highly accurate permeable and stable H2/CO2 separation, revolutionizing industrial separation processes.
New book sheds light on synthesis and applications of advanced materials
The book sheds light on nanomaterials, metamaterials, and smart materials' synthesis, classification, and characterization techniques. It discusses size-dependent behavior, fabrication challenges, and interdisciplinary applications with practical implications for healthcare, energy, and electronics.
Designing DNA nanostructures to create deformable and controllable biomolecular condensates
Newly developed DNA nanostructures form flexible, fluid, and stimuli-responsive condensates without chemical cross-linking. These findings pave the way for adaptive soft materials with potential applications in drug delivery, artificial organelles, and bioengineering platforms.
New study reveals simple peptides can mimic nature’s protein protection strategy
Researchers at CUNY ASRC discover that simple tripeptides can encapsulate proteins and protect them from stress, opening up possibilities for protein preservation without refrigeration. This breakthrough could lead to innovative vaccine distribution methods and smart materials.
New study reveals simple peptides can mimic nature’s protein protection strategy
Researchers at CUNY ASRC Nanoscience reveal that extremely simple peptides can mimic a biological process that protects sensitive proteins from environmental stress. The findings offer a promising new approach to stabilizing biomolecules like vaccines and therapeutic proteins without refrigeration.
New book shows how nanotechnology is saving lives and protecting the planet
The new book provides a comprehensive overview of engineered nanomaterials' interactions with biological systems, driving breakthroughs in biomedical applications and environmental sustainability. It explores critical applications in sustainable technologies, including bioremediation and heavy metal adsorption.
Template-guided chemistry: breakthrough for molecular cage design
Researchers develop efficient template-guided method for synthesizing endo-functionalized oligophenylene cages with yields up to 68%. The approach enables precise control over internal environments, leading to selective molecular encapsulation and recognition capabilities.
Patterns of patterns: Exploring supermoiré engineering
Twisted trilayer graphene creates a pattern that changes the material's properties and can turn it into a superconductor. Researchers used a microscope to probe the properties of supermoiré patterns, revealing new states of matter with precisely controllable properties.
Probing interfacial nanostructures in electrochemical energy storage systems with in-situ tem
A recent review explores the latest advancements in using in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to probe interfacial nanostructures within electrochemical energy storage systems. This work provides valuable insights into atomic-scale mechanisms governing system performance.
Manipulation of light at the nanoscale helps advance biosensing
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed cryosoret nanoassemblies that enhance fluorescence signals, reducing detection limits for biomarkers. The new platform offers dual-mode interaction between electric and magnetic components of light, promising highly sensitive and tunable biosensing systems.
Ancient golden silk revived from the Korean sea
A team of Korean researchers has successfully recreated a golden fiber akin to that of 2,000 years ago using the pen shell cultivated in Korean coastal waters. The breakthrough reveals the scientific basis behind its unchanging golden color and demonstrates the potential of eco-friendly materials.
A small reaction space has a big impact on polymer chemistry
Researchers at The University of Tokyo have developed a 'molecular flask' that modulates chemical reactions, allowing for the creation of specialized polymers in extremely small spaces. This breakthrough technology enables the production of complex materials with various applications, including optoelectronics and medicine.
New nanoparticles offer safer, more effective drug delivery
Scientists at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a new nanoparticle capable of carrying high doses of chemotherapy drugs while staying stable for extended periods. This innovation could make treatments more effective and reduce side effects.
Researchers capture nanoparticle movements to forge new materials
Researchers have developed a technique to observe phonon dynamics in nanoparticle self-assemblies, enabling the creation of reconfigurable metamaterials with desired mechanical properties. This advance has wide-ranging applications in fields such as robotics, mechanical engineering, and information technology.
The magic of light: Dozens of images hidden in a single screen
A research team at POSTECH developed a metasurface technology that can display multiple high-resolution images on a single screen, overcoming conventional holographic limitations. The innovation uses nanostructure pillars to precisely manipulate light, allowing for different images based on wavelength and polarization direction.
New nanomaterial offers breakthrough in energy storage and environmental sustainability
Researchers developed a low-cost nanocomposite with excellent electrochemical performance for supercapacitors and strong catalytic efficiency in degrading industrial pollutants. The material has promising dual functionality for energy storage and environmental remediation.
Penn engineers discover a new class of materials that passively harvest water from air
Researchers have developed a material that can collect moisture from the air and release it onto surfaces without external energy input. The material works through capillary condensation, where water vapor condenses inside tiny pores at lower humidity levels, creating a feedback loop of water harvesting.
Self-assembly of a large metal-peptide capsid nanostructure through geometric control
Researchers successfully constructed a large molecular spherical shell structure with the geometric topology of a regular dodecahedron through entanglement of peptides with metal ions. The resulting M60L60 metal-peptide shell exhibits remarkable stability against heat, dilution, and oxidative conditions, making it a promising platform ...
Stability solution brings unique form of carbon closer to practical application
Researchers at Penn State discover a way to stabilize and produce large quantities of carbyne, a one-dimensional chain of carbon atoms, by encasing it in single-walled carbon nanotubes. This breakthrough could lead to new advancements in materials science and technology, with potential applications in electronics and computing.
Ultrafast plasmon-enhanced magnetic bit switching at the nanoscale
Scientists demonstrate ultrafast plasmon-enhanced magnetic bit switching, enabling faster and more robust memory devices. The study uses plasmonic gold nanostructures to confine light and achieve magnetization switching with single femtosecond laser pulses.
Doubling down on metasurfaces
A new bilayer metasurface, made of two stacked layers of titanium dioxide nanostructures, has been created by Harvard researchers. This device can precisely control the behavior of light, including polarization, and opens up a new avenue for metasurfaces.
New material gives copper superalloy-like strength
Researchers developed a Cu-Ta-Li alloy with exceptional thermal stability and mechanical strength, combining copper's conductivity with nickel-based superalloy-like properties. The alloy's nanostructure prevents grain growth, improving high-temperature performance and durability under extreme conditions.
Breakthrough in rapid polymer nanostructure production
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a new method for rapid scalable preparation of uniform nanostructures directly from block polymers, significantly reducing processing time from weeks to just minutes.
UAlbany researchers unlock new capabilities in DNA nanostructure self-assembly
University at Albany researchers have pioneered new methods for designing and assembling DNA nanostructures, enhancing their potential for real-world applications. They successfully assembled these structures without the need for extreme heat and controlled cooling, using unconventional buffer substances like nickel.
Holograms with a twist: Entangling light and information
Researchers have created quantum holograms using metasurfaces and nonlinear crystals, enabling precise control over entangled information. The technology holds promise for practical applications in quantum communication and anti-counterfeiting, with potential to increase information capacity and reduce system size.
Super sapphire resists scratches, glare, fog and dust
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed sapphire-based nanostructures with self-cleaning capabilities, repelling fog, dust, and glare. These nanostructures maintain a high level of durability and performance while being mechanically robust and multifunctional.