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Rust never sleeps

Electron mobility in iron oxide is crucial for understanding chemical reaction mechanisms, including uranium groundwater reactions and low-cost solar energy devices. The study reveals the rates of electron transport vary depending on iron oxide structure, with rates ranging from a single hop to five hops per nanosecond.

Australian shipping emissions identified

A recent study by CSIRO and Australian Maritime College reveals that ship engine exhaust emissions account for over a quarter of nitrogen oxide emissions in the Australian region. These non-greenhouse gases can affect air quality near coastal regions and have consequences for human health and amenity.

Chemists advance clear conductive thin films

Researchers from Brown University and ATMI Inc. report the best-ever transparency and conductivity performance for an ITO made using a chemical solution, potentially offering a low-cost method for manufacturers. The team created conductive films with 93% transparency and comparable conductivity to glass plates.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 7, 2012

White LEDs directly on paper

Scientists successfully grow nanorods of zinc oxide on a thin layer of polydiethylflourene, creating white LEDs that can be printed on paper or wallpaper for display purposes. This breakthrough method uses chemical methods and has the potential to enable mass production of flexible electronics.

SourceLinköping University·Journalphysica status solidi (RRL) - Rapid Research Letters·DateJul 10, 2012

New silicon memory chip developed

Researchers at University College London have developed a new silicon oxide-based 'Resistive RAM' memory chip that can operate in ambient conditions, offering significantly greater memory storage and reduced energy consumption. The chip promises to be much faster than current technology, with potential applications beyond memory storage.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMay 18, 2012

New 'metamaterial' practical for optical advances

Purdue researchers create new metamaterials by replacing traditional metals with aluminum-doped zinc oxide, offering improved performance and semiconductor compatibility. This breakthrough enables the development of ultra-powerful microscopes, advanced sensors, and more efficient solar collectors.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2012

Nitric oxide supplementation treats common metabolic disease

A new treatment for argininosuccinic aciduria (ASA) has been discovered through nitric oxide supplementation. The study found long-term heart and neuropsychological improvements in mice and humans afflicted with ASA, a genetic metabolic disorder that causes ammonia accumulation and liver and nervous system damage.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 26, 2012

KIT: Processes at the surface of catalysts

Researchers use infrared spectroscopy to study processes at surfaces of oxides used as catalysts, finding oxygen defects act as active centers and increase catalytic activity. The method allows for precise measurements of vibration frequencies, revealing defect densities in real catalyst powders.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateApr 10, 2012

Growing nitrous oxide levels explained

Researchers have generated a 65-year record of Southern Hemisphere nitrous oxide measurements to better understand the long-lived greenhouse gas's impact on climate and stratospheric ozone depletion. The study found a 20% increase in atmospheric nitrous oxide since 1750, largely attributed to agricultural sources.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 4, 2012

Transparent memory chips are coming

Rice University researchers have developed a transparent memory chip using silicon oxide, which can combine with transparent electrodes and integrated circuits. The technology has the potential to create flexible and transparent electronics, such as see-through cellphones.

Instant nanodots grow on silicon to form sensing array

Researchers create square arrays of highly reproductive three-dimensional silicon oxide nanodots in seconds, opening the door for biosensors and genomics applications. They used atmospheric pressure plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition to achieve precise ordering of nanodots on an array.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateDec 2, 2011

Giant flakes make graphene oxide gel

Researchers at Rice University have made a groundbreaking discovery by creating giant flakes of graphene oxide that form a gel-like liquid crystal in water. This alignment enables the creation of metamaterials with unique mechanical and electronic properties, as well as high-strength fibers with enhanced properties.

SourceRice University·JournalSoft Matter·DateOct 20, 2011

Rensselaer engineers 'cook' promising new heat-harvesting nanomaterials in microwave oven

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new way to decrease zinc oxide's thermal conductivity without reducing its electrical conductivity by adding aluminum. This innovation could lead to new technologies for harvesting waste heat and creating energy-efficient systems, such as cars, aircraft, and power plants.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 29, 2011

Nature: How the N2O greenhouse gas is decomposed

A study published in Nature journal has identified the structure of the enzyme that decomposes nitrous oxide, a harmful climate gas with a 300 times stronger impact than carbon dioxide. The discovery provides insight into the decomposition mechanism and its dependence on environmental conditions, which may help prevent N2O emissions.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateAug 22, 2011