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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

Buckyballs on DNA for harvesting light

A novel type of organic light-harvesting supramolecule based on DNA is synthesized to improve the quantum efficiency of electron-hole pair production. The supramolecule's 3D structure persists in both liquid and solid phases, outperforming traditional electron donors and acceptors.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Chemistry·DateFeb 24, 2021

How to put neurons into cages

Researchers at TU Wien and Stanford University have created tiny neuronal networks by printing 3D cages with microscale openings using two-photon polymerization and acoustic bioprinting. This allows for the growth of multicellular nerve tissue and the creation of connections between neurons, enabling targeted study of neural networks.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalBiofabrication·DateMay 4, 2020

New self-assembled monolayer is resistant to air

Scientists at the University of Groningen have created a new self-assembled monolayer using buckyballs functionalized with ethylene glycol, which remains chemically unchanged for several weeks when exposed to air. This makes it easier to use in research and devices, and could lead to breakthroughs in molecular electronics.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 21, 2020

Mysteries behind interstellar buckyballs finally answered

A team of researchers from the University of Arizona has discovered a mechanism creating complex carbon molecules, such as C60, in a simulated planetary nebula environment. The study suggests that these molecules are derived from silicon carbide dust made by dying stars and can be dispersed throughout the interstellar medium.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 13, 2019

Buckyballs become bucky-bombs

Scientists have created buckybombs, nanoscale explosives that could target and eliminate cancer cells at the cellular level without affecting surrounding tissue. The new explosives were built by attaching nitrous oxide molecules to a Bucky-Ball and then heating it, triggering a controlled explosion.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·DateMar 18, 2015

Buckyballs offer environmental benefits

Researchers at Rice University have discovered that treated carbon-60 molecules can remove metals from water and other liquids, with the ability to reserve them for future use. The process also shows promise for separating specific metals from complex fluids, potentially addressing contaminated water issues.

SourceRice University·JournalDalton Transactions·DateFeb 9, 2015

Live images from the nano-cosmos

Researchers at DESY's PETRA III have observed the growth of C60 molecules into ultra-smooth layers, revealing fundamental insights into molecular growth processes. The team determined three major energy parameters simultaneously, enabling the potential for selective nanostructure growth.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 5, 2014

Researchers discover boron 'buckyball'

Brown University researchers have discovered a boron molecule that forms a hollow cage structure similar to carbon buckyballs. The discovery was made using a combination of experimental and computational methods, and has significant implications for future research on boron clusters and potential applications such as hydrogen storage

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 13, 2014

Water caged in buckyballs

Water molecules were successfully trapped inside fullerene spheres (buckyballs) to study spin isomers, with 70-90% filled cages observed. The results show a second-order rate law in spin conversion, highlighting the importance of molecular interactions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateMay 20, 2014

Researchers 'detune' a molecule

Researchers at Rice University found that they can control the bonds between atoms in a molecule by applying a voltage and running an electric current through a single buckyball. The effect appears when the buckyball attaches to a gold surface, causing its internal bonds to undergo a subtle shift.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2014

Molecular depth profiling modeled using buckyballs and low-energy argon

Researchers used computer simulations to show the effectiveness of an alternative method for molecular depth profiling. The study found that combining buckyball bombardment with low-energy argon creates a smoother surface, allowing for clearer analysis of molecular arrangement. This technique has potential applications in studying huma...

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateOct 11, 2011

Carbon nanostructures -- elixir or poison?

Researchers found that certain buckyball configurations, such as the tris configuration, caused premature senescence in human skin cells. This could lead to disease development if not properly understood. The study provides early foundations for worker protection and highlights the need for federal regulations on nanomaterial use.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalToxicology and Applied Pharmacology·DateMar 31, 2010

Buckyballs could keep water systems flowing

Researchers at Duke University found that buckyballs can hinder bacterial accumulation on water membranes, leading to a potential cost savings of 50% in membrane replacements. This attribute makes buckyballs a promising anti-fouling agent for addressing one of the major problems and costs of treating water.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Membrane Science·DateMar 5, 2009

How buckyballs hurt cells

A new study predicts that buckyballs can easily absorb into animal cells, providing a possible explanation for their toxicity. The molecules were found to dissolve in cell membranes, pass into cells, and cause damage.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 26, 2008

Researchers develop buckyballs to fight allergy

A research team at Virginia Commonwealth University has identified a new biological function for buckyballs, discovering they can block allergic responses in human cell culture experiments. The buckyballs inhibit a basic process in cells that leads to the release of an allergic mediator, preventing mast cells from releasing histamine.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJun 20, 2007

Improbable 'buckyegg' hatched

Researchers at UC Davis and Virginia Tech successfully created an egg-shaped fullerene, or 'buckyegg', which opens up new possibilities for structures of fullerenes. The unexpected discovery was made by collaborating scientists who used special conditions to create a mixture of fullerenes with triterbium nitride inside.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 28, 2006

Modifications render carbon nanotubes nontoxic

Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to reduce the toxicity of water-soluble carbon nanotubes through surface modifications. The study found that even minor changes can dramatically decrease cytotoxicity, making these nanoparticles more suitable for medical diagnostics and imaging.

SourceRice University·JournalToxicology Letters·DateOct 26, 2005

Bright future for buckyball?

University of California researchers have successfully created a buckyball device that emits white light, contrary to conventional scientific wisdom. The device, made from a modified buckyball derivative, has extremely low efficiency but could potentially be used for illuminating rooms in the future.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 2, 1999