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Visualization of molecular soccer balls

A research team led by the University of Tsukuba has successfully imaged single Li+@C60 molecules using scanning tunneling microscopy. The study provides valuable insights into the electronic properties of lithium-doped fullerenes, which can be used to optimize their performance in optoelectronic and switching devices.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCarbon·DateMay 9, 2018

Wrap an electrode material for Li-ion battery into the inner spacing of carbon nanotube

A new electrode material for lithium-ion batteries with high capacity has been proposed using phosphorus-encapsulated carbon nanotubes. The electrodes showed an improvement in electrochemical reactivity and reversible charge-discharge reactions, resulting in capacities two times higher than that of graphite used in commercial LIBs.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateMay 7, 2018

A matter of dynamics

Researchers found that non-selective ion channels, like the NaK channel, have a selectivity filter with sizeable dynamics, unlike selective channels. The study revealed two different forms of the selectivity filter, one for each ion type, which explains why the NaK channel can pass both sodium and potassium ions.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 20, 2018

Electric eel-inspired device reaches 110 volts

Researchers developed an electric eel-inspired device that produced 110 volts from gels filled with varying strengths of salt water, leveraging ion gradients across hydrogels. The team hopes to increase the current and develop a power source for implantable devices utilizing existing human body ionic gradients.

A crystal method

UCSB researchers have developed a computational method to predict the growth rates of ionic crystals, which may save time and energy in industrial processes. The method uses transition path sampling to understand the events leading up to the transition state, providing insights into the role of water molecules and ion interactions.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2018

Scientists pinpoint how ocean acidification weakens coral skeletons

A new study identifies the details of how ocean acidification affects coral skeletons, allowing scientists to predict where corals will be more vulnerable. The research found that ocean acidification particularly impedes the thickening process, decreasing the skeletons' density and leaving them more vulnerable to breaking.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2018

Super-adsorbent MOF captures twice its weight in water

Researchers have developed a superporous solid that can absorb up to 200% of its own weight in atmospheric moisture, overcoming challenges of existing porous solids. The material, Cr- soc -MOF-1, maintains its structural integrity and performance over multiple water vapor adsorption-desorption cycles.

SourceCell Press·JournalChem·DateJan 11, 2018

New lithium-rich battery could last much longer

A new lithium-rich battery developed by Northwestern University can cycle more lithium ions than its common counterpart, enabling higher capacity batteries that could extend the lifespan of smartphones and cars. By leveraging both iron and oxygen to drive the chemical reaction, the battery's capacity is significantly increased.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Energy·DateJan 3, 2018

Error-free into the quantum computer age

Researchers developed trapped-ion quantum error correction protocols to detect and correct processing errors, enabling the creation of larger quantum computers. The study suggests that today's quantum computer prototypes can meet specific criteria with current ion-trap technologies.

SourceSwansea University·JournalPhysical Review X·DateDec 15, 2017

Sandia researchers make solid ground toward better lithium-ion battery interfaces

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories identified major obstacles to advancing solid-state lithium-ion battery performance, focusing on the flow of lithium ions across battery interfaces. By improving the interfaces between materials, they aim to make solid-state batteries more efficient and reduce traffic jams in small electronics.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 12, 2017

New method benchmarks organic mixed conductors

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a novel framework to benchmark and compare the performances of organic mixed conductors. By using electrochemical transistors, they evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of 10 newly developed materials, identifying top-performing conductors for specific applications.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 2017

The end of 'Pump Fiction'

A Danish research team has uncovered new basic insights into the workings of a biomolecular mechanism crucial to life: the calcium pumps in our cells. They have successfully tracked how a single molecule of the protein 'engine' known as the calcium pump works, revealing its one-way nature and importance for cell function.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature·DateNov 10, 2017

A gel that does not break or dry out

Researchers at Kobe University created a double network within ionic liquid, combining inorganic silica particles with organic polymers, resulting in a gel that can withstand over 25 MPa of compressive strength. The gel's stability makes it suitable for applications in CO2 separation membranes and rechargeable batteries.

SourceKobe University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 8, 2017

Quantum computing on the move

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz successfully demonstrated the operation of a four-qubit register comprised of atomic ions trapped in microchip traps. The achievement marks a decisive milestone for scaling up quantum computers, showcasing the potential for entangled states to be created with long-lived multipartite en...

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 6, 2017

Ions in the spotlight

Researchers from the University of Freiburg have developed a method to trap ions in optical traps, preventing driven motion and allowing for longer lifetimes. This breakthrough enables the creation of ultra-cold temperatures and observation of quantum effects in chemical processes.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 2, 2017