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New nanowire structure absorbs light efficiently

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a new method to combine different types of nanowires into a single array, improving absorption efficiency. The dual-type nanowire arrays show better light coupling and reduced reflection, making them suitable for applications such as solar cells and LEDs.

SourceAalto University·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 25, 2015

Extra-short nanowires best for brain

Researchers found that nanowires shorter than 2 micrometres cause no harm to the brain tissue, while longer ones lead to inflammation and neurotoxic effects. The study suggests developing electrodes with smaller and more flexible nanowire coatings for safer neural implants.

SourceLund University·JournalBiomaterials·DateJan 15, 2015

New superconducting hybrid crystals developed at University of Copenhagen

Researchers have developed a new type of nanowire crystal that combines semiconducting and metallic materials, exhibiting superconducting properties at low temperatures. The breakthrough could play a central role in the development of future electronics, including chips with billions of identical semiconductor-metal nanowire hybrids.

Nano-forests to reveal secrets of cells

A team of scientists from Lund University has successfully created artificial cell membranes on vertical nanowires, mimicking the curved shape of natural membranes. This breakthrough could lead to new insights into membrane dynamics and target protein interactions in pharmaceutical research.

SourceLund University·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 2, 2014

Copper shines as flexible conductor

Researchers at Monash University have developed copper nanowire aerogels that combine conductivity with flexibility, enabling the creation of stretchable conductive rubbers. The addition of a small amount of poly(vinyl alcohol) improves mechanical strength without impairing conductivity.

SourceMonash University·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 28, 2014

Bacterial nanowires: Not what we thought they were

Scientists at USC have discovered that bacterial nanowires are not pili, but rather membrane extensions equipped with electron-transfer proteins called cytochromes. This finding challenges the previous understanding of these 'electric bacteria' and opens up new avenues for research on their potential applications in bioelectronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2014

Laser makes microscopes way cooler

Researchers at Australian National University developed a technique to cool nanowire probes with lasers, increasing their sensitivity 20 times and enabling detection of tiny forces. This could improve the resolution of atomic force microscopes, measuring nanoscopic structures and molecular interactions.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 14, 2014

A crystal wedding in the nanocosmos

Scientists successfully integrated compound semiconductor crystals made of indium arsenide into silicon nanowires, overcoming a major obstacle in chip technology. The production method, which involves ion implantation and heat treatment, enables the creation of 'hetero-nanowires' with improved performance.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNano Research·DateJul 23, 2014

Bending the rules

Yu Chen and colleagues find that superconductivity and dissipation can coexist under generic conditions in a universal manner, thanks to a peculiar nonequilibrium state of quasiparticles. The researchers also discover an unexpected property: when a magnetic field is applied, the superconducting area expands and is enhanced.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 29, 2014

Nanosheets and nanowires

Researchers in China have developed a convenient way to selectively prepare germanium sulfide nanostructures, including nanosheets and nanowires. These nanostructures show outstanding photoresponsive behavior, indicating their potential use in solar energy conversion systems and optoelectronics.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalJournal of Applied Crystallography·DateApr 1, 2014

Anti-counterfeit 'fingerprints' made from silver nanowires

A team of researchers from South Korea has developed a novel technique to authenticate goods by creating unique patterns made from tiny, randomly scattered silver nanowires. The 'fingerprints' are almost impossible to replicate due to their natural randomness and difficulty in manipulating the tiny materials.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNanotechnology·DateMar 20, 2014

Physics in 3-D? That's nothing. Try 0-D

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have identified a zero-dimensional quantum dot structure that can confine electronic excitations within semiconductor nanowires. This discovery has significant implications for harnessing solar energy, creating stronger lasers, and developing more sensitive medical diagnostic devices.

Copper promises cheaper, sturdier fuel cells

Researchers at Duke University have developed copper nanowire catalysts that can efficiently harness solar energy to split water into hydrogen, a promising step towards cheaper and sturdier fuel cells. The material is abundant, inexpensive, and flexible, making it ideal for use in various applications beyond solar energy production.

SourceDuke University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 22, 2013

Great potential for faster diagnoses with new method

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new method that combines advanced tools in physics and biology to improve diagnostic accuracy. By using nanowires to hold proteins, they can measure multiple biomarkers simultaneously, increasing signal quality and making diagnosis faster, cheaper, and more precise.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNanoscale·DateOct 3, 2013

Solar power's future brawl

Researchers used computer modeling to predict electronic and optical properties of silicon structures with potential applications for solar energy collection. The study found that amorphous quantum dot chains significantly increase light absorption with increased interactions between individual nanospheres in the chain.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateOct 1, 2013

Measuring progress in nanotech design

A Drexel-led team of researchers has developed a new method to measure the band offset in nanoscale devices using laser-induced current spectroscopy. This breakthrough enables the design of more efficient and effective nanoscale components, such as solar cells, LEDs, and high-speed electronics.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 4, 2013

Guided growth of nanowires leads to self-integrated circuits

Scientists have successfully created self-integrating nanowires whose position, length and direction can be fully controlled. This breakthrough enables the production of electronic circuits with hundreds of transistors simultaneously, opening doors to various technological applications including LED devices, lasers, and solar cells.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2013

Sound waves precisely position nanowires

Using sound waves, researchers can create repeatable patterns of metallic nanomaterials onto substrates that are incompatible with conventional lithography methods. The technique allows for the patterning of nanowires with tunable spacing and density, enabling potential applications in various fields.

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 19, 2013

Innovation could bring flexible solar cells, transistors, displays

Researchers at Purdue University have created a new type of transparent electrode that combines graphene and silver nanowires to overcome the drawbacks of traditional materials like indium tin oxide. The hybrid material has a low sheet resistance and remains flexible even when bent, making it suitable for applications such as solar cel...

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 22, 2013

A giant step toward miniaturization

Researchers at Polytechnique Montréal and international partners create a new method for self-doping nanowires, allowing for precise control of electronic properties. This breakthrough enables the development of novel nanoscale devices with tailored shape and composition.

SourcePolytechnique Montréal·JournalNature·DateApr 3, 2013