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Fabrication and applications of van der Waals heterostructures

The article discusses the fabrication and applications of van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs), which have unique properties and potential for exploring condensed matter physics. Various strategies for fabricating vdWHs were developed in the past decade, leading to promising functionalities in diverse fields.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateApr 25, 2023

Fluorescent aromatic nanobelts with unique size-dependent properties

Researchers at Nagoya University have synthesized methylene-bridged [n]cycloparaphenylenes ([n]MCPPs) with varying ring sizes, exhibiting unique properties such as fluorescence and paratropic belt currents. The discovery has significant implications for studying magnetic properties of aromatic nanobelts.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2023

Now you can be comfortable in your e-skin

Osaka University researchers develop a cellulose-based material, called nanopaper e-skin, that makes effective contact with the skin while maintaining breathability and comfort. The substrate can withstand deformation, sterilization, and environmental sustainability, making it a promising candidate for electrophysiological monitoring.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2023

Nanoplasmonic imaging reveals real-time protein secretion

Researchers developed a novel optical imaging approach to observe cell secretions in space and time, revealing key heterogeneity and potential for pharmaceutical development. The method has tremendous potential for high-throughput screening of individual cells and studying delicate antibody-secreting human donor B-cells.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 11, 2023

Looking at magnets in the right light

A team of researchers at the Max Born Institute developed a novel method for X-ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism (XMCD) spectroscopy using a laser-driven plasma source. This breakthrough enables precise determination of magnetic moments in buried layers without damaging samples, and can monitor ultrafast magnetization processes.

Embedding aligned nanofibrous architectures within 3D-printed polycaprolactone scaffolds for directed cellular infiltration and tissue regeneration

Scientists create hybrid composite scaffolds with aligned nanofibrous architectures to improve cell seeding efficiency, proliferation rates, and morphogenesis. The findings have potential applications in tissue repairing and regenerative medicine.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateMar 14, 2023

3D internal structure of rechargeable batteries revealed for the first time

Researchers pioneered a technique to observe the 3D internal structure of rechargeable batteries, enabling direct observation of the solid electric interface (SEI) and its progression. The study reveals key predictors of SEI layer formation in a complex interplay of molecular dimensions, surface properties, and solvent interactions.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2023

Purification of DNA nanostructures from hydrophobic aggregates

Researchers developed a simple purification method using surfactants to separate hydrophobic DNA nanostructures from aggregates, enabling the construction of artificial cells and complex functions in molecular robots. The purified structures retain their ability to bind lipid vesicle surfaces.

SourceKyutech·JournalChemBioChem·DateMar 6, 2023

Nanosatellite shows the way to RNA medicine of the future

Scientists at Aarhus University and Berkeley Laboratory developed a method called RNA origami to design artificial RNA nanostructures. The technique allowed for the discovery of rules and mechanisms for RNA folding that will make it possible to build more ideal RNA particles for use in RNA-based medicine.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2023

Writing on glass and silica indicates novel direction for chiral optical property tailoring

Researchers create novel method for chiral optical property tailoring by employing fs laser 3D direct writing on glass, enabling localized modifications without surrounding damage. The technique utilizes form birefringence and stress field to induce optical chirality, offering a new approach for 3D laser manufacturing.

Can clay capture carbon dioxide?

Researchers are exploring how a kind of clay can soak up carbon dioxide and store it, potentially reducing the impact of climate change. The study found that carbon dioxide is more stable in wet clay nanopores than in plain water.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 9, 2023

GHz burst mode femtosecond laser pulses can create unique two-dimensional (2D) periodic surface nanostructures

Researchers demonstrate the ability of GHz burst mode femtosecond laser pulses to create unique two-dimensional (2D) periodic surface nanostructures on silicon substrates. The GHz burst mode enhances ablation efficiency and quality compared to conventional single-pulse mode, enabling the formation of distinctive 2D LIPSS.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJan 24, 2023

AI discovers new nanostructures

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have successfully discovered new materials using artificial intelligence and self-assembly. The AI-driven technique led to the discovery of three new nanostructures, expanding the scope of self-assembly's applications in microelectronics and catalysis.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 13, 2023

Designing with DNA

A new software program developed by Duke Ph.D. student Dan Fu lets users create 3D structures made of DNA, including tiny vases, bowls, and hollow spheres. The software relies on a way to build with DNA described in 2011 by Hao Yan, which works by coiling a long DNA double helix into concentric rings to form the contours of the object.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2022

A rough start can lead to a strong bond

Researchers at The University of Tokyo have developed a cheap and simple method to bond polymers to galvanized steel, resulting in lightweight and durable materials. The process involves pre-treating the steel with an acid wash and dipping it in hot water, creating nanoscale needle structures that allow for strong mechanical linkages.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Manufacturing Processes·DateDec 21, 2022

New 3D live hologram technology to save lives in field hospitals

Researchers at ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems have developed a miniaturized optical system that can be integrated on a chip, allowing for the creation of 3D holograms. This technology has the potential to replace current 2D imaging, enabling less invasive surgeries and better surgical outcomes.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalLaser & Photonics Review·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2022

CityU develops two novel hydrogen production catalysts based on mineral gel and "crystalline-amorphous" dual-phase nano-aluminium alloy

Researchers from City University of Hong Kong developed a new ultra-stable hydrogen evolution reaction electrocatalyst based on two-dimensional mineral gel nanosheets. The catalyst exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity and long-term durability, with an overpotential of only 38.5 mV at 10 mA cm−2.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2022

Next generation material that adapts to its history

Researchers at Aalto University developed a new material that changes its electrical behavior based on previous experience, effectively giving it adaptive memory. The material responds differently to varying magnetic field strengths, which affects its conductivity and allows for bistability and rudimentary learning-like properties.

SourceAalto University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 15, 2022

Acidic layer in single-walled carbon nanotubes facilitates confinement of anion impurities

Researchers at Okayama University found that an acidic adsorption layer in carbon nanotubes facilitates efficient adsorption of negatively charged nitrate anions, making the aqueous solution alkaline. This study provides a novel model for designing carbon nanotubes suitable for ion adsorption and purification.

SourceOkayama University·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2022

CityU chemists boost eco-friendly battery performance using catalysts with unconventional phase nanostructures

Researchers have discovered an innovative way to enhance the energy efficiency of metal-carbon dioxide batteries by introducing unconventional phase nanomaterials as catalysts. The novel design boosts battery energy efficiency up to 83.8%, contributing to carbon-neutral goals.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2022

HKU-CAS researchers make history: Biomimetic dual-color domes programmable for encryption

Researchers from HKU-CAS have created a new material that can produce dual-color spots inspired by nature, leading to innovative applications in message encryption and storage. The breakthrough was achieved through the self-assembly of nanostructures in a one-pot method, enabling programmable binary color information.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2022

Shining light on why plastics turn yellow

Researchers have identified surface-based chiral nanostructures as the potential culprit behind plastics turning yellow over time. The study suggests that these structures, formed on the surface of polyethylene films exposed to UV light, are a key factor in the degradation process and the resulting yellow color change.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Polymer Materials·DateSep 6, 2022