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A clearer future: Researchers unveil transparent, plastic-free wood

Scientists at The University of Osaka develop transparent, plastic-free wood without lignin or additives, showcasing the crucial role of cellulose microfibril skeleton alignment in achieving transparency. This breakthrough paves the way for sustainable transparent materials with applications in energy-efficient buildings and devices.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalMacromolecular Materials and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026

New potential from ‘one-pot-and-one-step’ polymer synthesis

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a one-pot-and-one-step synthesis procedure to create long and geometrically interlinked polymer molecules. This process can produce a wide range of advanced materials with applications in drug delivery, data storage, microelectronics, and nanolithography.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

Novel carrier doping in p-type semiconductors enhances photovoltaic device performance by increasing hole concentration

Researchers have developed a novel carrier doping method for p-type semiconductors, which improves photovoltaic device performance by increasing hole concentration. The new method uses alkali ion impurities to enhance conductivity in copper(I)-based semiconductors.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2022

Haber-Bosch at the atomic scale

Researchers have directly observed N2 adsorption and tunneling electron-induced desorption processes at the atomic scale using scanning tunneling microscopy. The study reveals dominant pairwise electrostatic interactions between K and N2, weakening the molecule bond towards dissociation in the Haber-Bosch synthesis.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 21, 2022

In equilibrium

Researchers have found a complex equilibrium between bimetallic species in the Br-Mg exchange, with lithium magnesiates playing a key role. Detailed NMR spectroscopic studies revealed that an alkyl-rich lithium magnesiate is the active species of the reaction.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 2, 2021

BESSY II: Experiment shows for the first time in detail how electrolytes become metallic

An international team developed a sophisticated experimental technique at BESSY II to observe the formation of a metallic conduction band in electrolytes. The team analyzed the process using soft X-rays and combined it with theoretical predictions, making this a significant contribution to fundamental understanding.

Quantum computing boost from vapor stabilizing technique

Researchers from the University of Bath have patented a technique that allows electrons to be accessed for applications including quantum computing, atom cooling, and precision measurements. The innovation uses gold nanoparticles to stabilize alkali metal vapors, enabling fast and reproducible control over the vapor density.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2019

Electricity from microscopic snowballs

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics found that molecular clusters break up into positively and negatively charged fragments upon impact with any solid surface. They propose that neutral alkali atoms play a key role in charge separation, leading to the formation of separate ionic fragments.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateAug 4, 1999