Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Shaking the nanomaterials out

Researchers at Michigan Technological University developed a new method to clean contaminated water full of unwanted nanomaterials by shaking oil and water, clearing out nearly 100% of one-dimensional nanomaterials. The technique uses the physical properties of oil and water to trap nanomaterials, which can then be easily removed.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateDec 10, 2015

Rice news release: Smaller is better for nanotube analysis

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method for analyzing carbon nanotubes in solution using variance spectroscopy. This technique allows for the rapid analysis of small regions in dilute nanotube solutions, providing insights into the types, numbers, and properties of nanoparticles in the solution. By zooming in on thes...

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateSep 29, 2015

'White graphene' structures can take the heat

Researchers at Rice University have found that three-dimensional boron nitride structures can efficiently control heat flow in electronics by slowing down phonon transfer between layers. These structures, composed of hexagonal boron nitride sheets and boron nitride nanotubes, can be tuned to create thermal switches or rectifiers.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJul 15, 2015

Researchers grind nanotubes to get nanoribbons

Rice University researchers have developed a new method to create valuable graphene nanoribbons by grinding carbon nanotubes, eliminating the need for harsh chemical solutions. This solid-state process enables strong chemical coupling between nanostructures and produces novel forms of nanostructured products with specific properties.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 15, 2015

A silver lining

The study demonstrates the use of DNA nanotechnology to position arrays of hundreds of identical silver clusters with tunable fluorescent properties. This approach enables controlled assembly of photonic arrays, opening up new possibilities for sensing and imaging applications.

Green meets nano

Researchers at TU Darmstadt develop a green method to produce gold nanotubes, suitable for building sensors to measure hydrogen peroxide, with potential applications in medical research and diagnosis. The production process is energy-efficient and uses non-toxic chemicals.

SourceTechnische Universitat Darmstadt·JournalRSC Advances·DateDec 3, 2014

Graphene/nanotube hybrid benefits flexible solar cells

Rice University scientists have developed a novel cathode for dye-sensitized solar cells using graphene/nanotube hybrids, improving efficiency and reducing costs. The new material has a huge surface area, allowing for more efficient electron transfer and better contact with the electrolyte.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateNov 17, 2014

Measuring nano-vibrations

Scientists have measured high-quality factors of up to 5 million in carbon nanotube mechanical resonators, outperforming previous records. This breakthrough enables the development of ultra-sensitive sensors and quantum systems, such as magnetic resonance imaging at the atomic level.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 5, 2014

Rebar technique strengthens case for graphene

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new hybrid material by combining carbon nanotubes with graphene, resulting in improved electrical and mechanical properties. The 'rebar graphene' technique enables large, flexible, conductive sheets of graphene to be manipulated more easily, making it a potential replacement for indium ti...

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 7, 2014

Making the most of carbon nanotube-liquid crystal combos

Researchers found temperature and concentration effects on physical properties of combined materials, including tilt angle, polarisation, response time, and dielectric relaxation. Increasing nanotube concentration enhances certain properties but slows down others.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateApr 2, 2014

Caps not the culprit in nanotube chirality

Rice University researchers conducted a two-year census of 4,500 possible cap formations for nanotubes, finding that the elastic energy landscapes involved in cap formation do not dictate the nanotube's chirality. Instead, other factors such as catalyst interaction and energy landscape play a crucial role.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 17, 2014

Scientists scale terahertz peaks in nanotubes

In a breakthrough discovery, Rice University researchers found that free electrons in metallic and doped carbon nanotubes create plasmons at terahertz frequencies, enabling the potential for advanced optoelectronic devices. This finding clarifies the origin of the previously observed terahertz peak in nanotubes.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 9, 2013

Lawrence Livermore researchers unveil carbon nanotube jungles to better detect molecules

Researchers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and ETH Zurich develop a new method of using carbon nanotubes to detect molecules, enabling trace detection of biological threats, explosives and drugs. The use of metal-coated nanotubes creates a 'jungle canopy' that amplifies the detection capabilities in surface-enhanced Raman ...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 6, 2013

Defective nanotubes turned into light emitters

UPV/EHU researchers have developed a new source of light emitter based on defective boron nitride nanotubes, which can emit light across the whole spectrum from infrared to far ultraviolet and control it in a simple way. The device functions on the basis of natural defects in the nanotube, enabling controlled emission.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 31, 2013

Smile!

A new nanotube surface could improve the success rate of dental implants by reducing infection and promoting bone growth. The technology, developed by Michigan Technological University researchers, uses titanium dioxide nanotubes to create a surface that can combat bacterial infections and promote healing.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalRSC Advances·DateSep 21, 2013

Bismuth-carrying nanotubes show promise for CT scans

Rice University scientists have developed bismuth-filled nanotubes as a contrast agent for CT scans, producing brighter images than common iodine-based agents. The nanotube capsules are small enough to diffuse into cells and aggregate to produce high-contrast images.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry B·DateSep 4, 2013

Published research shows promise of new device to detect disease with drop of blood

Researchers at New Jersey Institute of Technology have developed a lab-on-a-chip that can detect cells with sub-cellular resolution, enabling early detection of diseases such as viruses and cancer. The device uses carbon nanotubes to measure electrical properties of cells, offering a non-invasive and quick method for disease diagnosis.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateJun 24, 2013

Penn Researchers attach Lyme disease antibodies to nanotubes, paving way for diagnostic device

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a nanotube-based diagnostic device that can detect Lyme disease bacteria in the blood, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment. The device uses laboratory-produced antibodies to bind to proteins from the organism, providing an electronic read-out of its presence.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateMar 26, 2013

Rice builds nanotube photodetector

Researchers at Rice University have developed a nanotube-based photodetector that can detect light across the visible and infrared spectrum. The device, made from extra-long carbon nanotubes, promises to make possible new optoelectronic devices, solar cells, and specialized cameras.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 27, 2013

James' bond: A graphene/nanotube hybrid

Researchers successfully grew forests of carbon nanotubes on a sheet of graphene, creating a seamless three-dimensional structure with a massive surface area. This hybrid material offers great potential for electronic components like fast supercapacitors.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 2012

Nano-infused paint can detect strain

A new type of paint made with carbon nanotubes can help detect strain in buildings, bridges, and airplanes. This method provides a big advantage over conventional strain gauges, which must be physically connected to their read-out devices.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 21, 2012

In nanotube growth, errors are not an option

The study found that iron is the best and quickest catalyst to heal topological defects in nanotubes, which are critical for advanced materials. The researchers determined that healing occurs in a small zone near the catalyst and can happen in a fraction of a millisecond.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 19, 2012

Nanosponges soak up oil again and again

Researchers at Rice University and Penn State University discovered a material that can absorb oil spilled in water due to the addition of boron to carbon nanotubes. The nanosponges have a high surface area, conduct electricity, and can be manipulated with magnets.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 16, 2012

Perfect nanotubes shine brightest

Researchers found that longer carbon nanotubes emit more light at near-infrared wavelengths, while shorter tubes are dimmer due to imperfections. The study reveals insights into how growth methods and processing can improve nanotube fluorescence.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 31, 2012

Rice professor's nanotube theory confirmed

Air Force Research Laboratory experiment confirms Boris Yakobson's theory that chirality of nanotubes determines their growth speed and armchair nanotubes grow fastest. The study provides a basis for further research into growing specific types of nanotubes with desired properties.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 30, 2012

Scientists solve mystery of colorful armchair nanotubes

Researchers at Rice University have figured out the source of colorful armchair nanotubes: hydrogen-like objects called excitons. The team found that exciton resonance occurs around a unique electronic structure in these one-dimensional materials, making them visible to our eyes.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 9, 2012

New hybrid carbon material discovered

The discovery of GNR@SWNTs opens up potential applications in electronics, optoelectronics, and energy storage. Researchers have found that the shape of encapsulated graphene nanoribbons can be modified by different polyaromatic hydrocarbon molecules, allowing for metallic or semiconductor properties.

SourceAalto University·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 21, 2011

'Amplified' nanotubes may power the future

Rice University scientists have developed a cable made of metallic nanotubes that can carry electricity with minimal loss. The 'amplified' nanotubes are created by chemically attaching an iron/cobalt catalyst to the ends of nanotubes and fine-tuning the temperature and environment for amplification.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 14, 2011