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Liquid crystal takes page from steel in surprising phase transition

Researchers at Rice University have discovered that an organic semiconductor can transform from a liquid crystal to a solid crystal through a rapid, highly coordinated process resembling a Martensitic transformation. The transformation preserves much of the molecular organization, suggesting a new way to produce highly ordered organic ...

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 21, 2026

New doping method could boost the performance of organic semiconductors

Researchers at Concordia University have developed a new doping method that can create up to 100 times more mobile electrical charges in organic semiconductors, potentially making the material much more conductive. The degradation-assisted doping approach uses Lewis acids to break down and recycle dopants, improving the performance of ...

SourceConcordia University·JournalNature Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 18, 2026

Harvesting UV Light from sunlight just got ‘solid’

Researchers at Kyushu University have created a solid-state material that converts visible light into ultraviolet (UV) light under ordinary outdoor sunlight, achieving a conversion efficiency of 1.9%. The material offers advantages for real-world use, including straightforward synthesis and low-cost starting materials.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2026

Stretchable brain-inspired electronics erase the physical boundary between human and machine

Researchers have developed soft, brain-inspired electronics that can sense, store, and process information while conforming to biological tissues. These devices mimic the chemical processing of the human brain, executing complex tasks like heart rhythm classification at ultra-low voltages.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJun 4, 2026

TIFRH scientists develop IRAA, a transformative strategy for next generation semiconductors

Researchers at TIFRH introduce IRAA, a rapid, additive-free doping strategy that generates self-regenerating active species during the process. This approach eliminates the need for stabilizing additives or prolonged incubation, transforming the field of electronic doping in soft semiconductors.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2026

Graz University of Technology team decodes heat conduction of complex materials

Researchers at Graz University of Technology developed a new understanding of how complex materials like organic semiconductors and MOFs transport thermal energy. They discovered that phonon tunneling plays a crucial role in heat conduction, enabling targeted design of materials with specific thermal properties.

SourceGraz University of Technology·Journalnpj Computational Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 20, 2025

Spin current observations from organic semiconductor side

A team at Osaka Metropolitan University has designed a multilayer device to investigate spin currents, using an organic semiconductor material with a long spin relaxation time. This allows direct observation of phenomena due to spin current generation and enables researchers to gain deeper insights into the properties of spin currents.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2024

Ordered defects may be key for solution-deposited semiconductors, enabling high-speed printable circuits and next-generation displays

A process yielding record-high performing transistors from solution-deposited semiconductors has been developed, despite higher defect concentrations in the material. The researchers' work enables large-area applications and efficient processing, paving the way for high-performance electronics.

An edible toothpaste-based transistor

Researchers at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia in Milan created an edible transistor using a toothpaste pigment, enabling the development of smart pills and potential healthcare applications. The device is made from ethylcellulose substrate with gold particles and operates at low voltage.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2024

Molecular level changes translate to big efficiency gains for organic solar cells

Researchers from Osaka University have synthesized a new molecule that increases the power conversion efficiency of organic solar cells. The molecule's design reduces exciton binding energy, making it easier to convert sunlight into current. This breakthrough paves the way for high-performance and large-scale photovoltaic applications.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2024

SNU researchers develop ultra-high efficiency next-generation perovskite light-emitting diodes by strengthening perovskite lattice

Researchers at Seoul National University developed ultra-high efficiency perovskite nanocrystal LEDs by incorporating conjugated molecular multipods to strengthen the lattice and reduce dynamic disorder, leading to improved luminescence efficiency. This achievement is expected to significantly accelerate the commercialization of next-g...

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2024

Novel material for perovskite solar cells can improve their stability and efficiency

Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology developed a new material for perovskite solar cells, which exhibits better power conversion efficiencies and operational stability. The material, synthesised through polymerisation, can be used in both regular and inverted architecture solar cells.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2024

Spectroscopy and theory shed light on excitons in semiconductors

Researchers have developed a new method to visualize the quantum mechanical wave function of excitons in organic semiconductors. This understanding is essential for developing more efficient materials with organic semiconductors. The technique, known as photoemission exciton tomography, provides insights into the behavior of excitons i...

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2024

Printed polymer allows researchers to explore chirality and spin interactions at room temperature

Researchers have developed a printable organic polymer that enables them to measure charge-to-spin conversion in spintronic materials at room temperature, revealing new insights into the mechanics of spintronics. The findings suggest longer spin lifetimes and tunability, paving the way for more efficient and energy-friendly devices.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2024

Mixed-dimensional transistors enable high-performance multifunctional electronic devices

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong developed mixed-dimensional anti-ambipolar transistors for multifunctional electronics, enabling higher information density and lower power consumption. The new technology paves the way for simplified chip circuit design and versatile applications in digital and analog signal processing.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalDevice·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2024

The power of pause: Controlled deposition for effective and long-lasting organic devices

A team of researchers from Chiba University introduces a new method of controlled deposition, enabling the creation of stable surface layers with controllable polarization. This approach is expected to improve the efficiency and lifetime of OLED materials, as well as pave the way for the development of new organic devices.

SourceChiba University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2024

Breakthrough in organic semiconductor synthesis paves the way for advanced electronic devices

Researchers at UNIST have achieved a significant breakthrough in organic semiconductor synthesis by synthesizing a novel molecule called BNBN anthracene. This derivative exhibits unique properties, including precise modulation of electronic properties without structural changes.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 29, 2023

Wood materials make for reliable organic solar cells

Scientists at Linköping University have created stable and environmentally friendly organic solar cells by incorporating untreated kraft lignin into the electron transport layer. This innovation improves the overall efficiency and reliability of organic solar cells, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 6, 2023

Incheon National University researchers push the limits of gas sensing technology

The researchers propose a hybrid organic–inorganic gas sensor design that enhances gas sensing performance while maintaining sensing speed. The proposed design outperforms conventional sensors in terms of chemical sensitivity to NO2, showcasing impressive durability and higher potential for long-term installation.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2023

Development of a retina-like biochip

Researchers have developed a retina-like biochip that mimics the eye's visual pathways, using conductive polymers and light-sensitive molecules. The chip's non-toxic organic components and flexibility make it suitable for integration into biological systems, paving the way for new treatments for neurological diseases.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2023

Organic lasers have a bright future

Scientists at the University of St Andrews have developed an electrically driven organic semiconductor laser, overcoming a decades-long challenge. This breakthrough has significant implications for various industries, including communication, medicine, and manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of St. Andrews·JournalNature·TypeNews article·DateSep 27, 2023

Growing triple-decker hybrid crystals for lasers

By controlling the arrangement of multiple layers within crystals, researchers can tune the materials' optoelectronic properties and emit light of specific energies. This technique has significant implications for applications such as LEDs, solar cells, and lasers.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2023