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WVU lab’s game-changing high-performance semiconductor material could help slash heat emissions

A team led by Xueyan Song at West Virginia University has created an oxide ceramic material that solves a longstanding efficiency problem plaguing thermoelectric generators. The breakthrough achieved record-high performance, opening up new research directions to further increase performance and enabling large-scale waste heat recovery.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateMar 14, 2023

Solid-state thermal transistor demonstrated

A research team at Hokkaido University has created a stable and effective solid-state electrochemical thermal transistor that can control heat flow with electrical signals. The device outperforms current liquid-state thermal transistors in terms of stability and efficiency.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2023

Review and outlook of atomic layer deposition for nanoscale oxide semiconductor thin film transistor

The article reviews the outlook of atomic layer deposition (ALD) based oxide semiconductor thin film transistors (TFTs), highlighting four benefits: in-situ composition control, vertical structure engineering, chemical reaction and film properties, and insulator and interface engineering. Despite these advantages, challenging issues re...

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateFeb 20, 2023

Highly transparent electrodes for deep-UV light emitting diode applications

Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a new electrode material for deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diode applications, combining excellent electrical conductivity with unprecedented transparency. The new electrodes promise to impact industry by enabling more efficient and compact light sources for sterilization p...

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateJan 21, 2023

Experimentalists: Sorry, no oxygen required to make these minerals on Mars

Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis found that manganese oxides can be formed without atmospheric oxygen under Mars-like conditions. The study, published in Nature Geoscience, used kinetic modeling to show that halogens like chlorate and bromate can convert manganese into minerals thousands of times faster than by oxygen.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2022

Nanoantennas directing a bright future

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed nanoantennas that significantly increase the efficiency and photoluminescence of white LEDs by replacing aluminum with titanium dioxide. This breakthrough enables the creation of intensely bright yet energy-saving solid-state lighting solutions.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2022

Cupric oxide exhibiting both magnetic and dielectric properties at room temperature

Researchers confirmed cupric oxide's multiferroic state at room temperature under high pressure using neutron diffraction. Thin films of precisely distorted crystals may exhibit such properties at ambient pressure. This discovery enables the development of next-generation memory devices and energy-efficient optical modulators.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2022

Smoking and vaping had overlapping adverse health effects, dual product use may be worse

Two studies found that cigarette smoke and e-cigarette vapor have similar cardiovascular effects due to airway irritation. This irritation can lead to vascular damage and impaired blood vessel function. The research suggests that dual product use may be worse than single product use, highlighting the need for stricter regulations.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·DateOct 26, 2022

Powerful enzyme that tamps down inflammation holds promise for protecting the eyes in diabetes, premature birth

Researchers found that increasing arginase 1 availability helps alleviate unhealthy responses and interrupt destructive inflammation in diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity. This is achieved by reducing L-arginine levels, which in turn reduces inducible nitric oxide synthase activity.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalCell Death and Disease·DateOct 12, 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

Study shows potential of Southern cattail for phytoremediation of areas contaminated by mine tailings

Researchers found that the Southern cattail plant can scavenge up to 34 times more manganese from contaminated soil than other plants. The study suggests its potential for sustainable rehabilitation of areas affected by iron mine tailings, demonstrating its high efficiency in phytoremediation.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateSep 15, 2022

Keeping bulk magnesium diboride superconducting at higher current densities

Researchers at Shibaura Institute of Technology developed an optimized recipe to retain superconductivity in bulk MgB2 by enhancing its critical current density. By combining sintering conditions with controlled addition of nanometer-sized amorphous boron and dysprosium oxide, the team achieved a superior critical current density.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Engineering Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2022

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology scientists realize large-area organic solar cells that are low-cost, flexible, and efficient

GIST scientists create a new method to produce OSCs using zinc oxide that overcomes scalability issues without compromising PCE. The new technology uses sputtered ZnO and a ZnO nanoparticle layer obtained through blade coating, resulting in high conversion efficiencies.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2022

Towards High-Quality Manganese Oxide Catalysts with Large Surface Areas

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a novel synthesis procedure to produce high-quality manganese oxide nanoparticles with large surface areas. The new approach enables the creation of ultra-small nanoparticles with excellent catalytic performance, outperforming previously reported methods.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2022

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers improve the scanning capability of magnetic particle imaging systems used for medical imaging

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers have developed a rabbit-scale three-dimensional magnetic particle imaging system that can scan large volumes at high resolution. The system uses amplitude modulation to minimize peripheral nerve stimulation while maintaining high image quality.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2022

Inhaled nitric oxide reduces hospital stay and improves oxygenation in pregnant patients with COVID-19 pneumonia

A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that high-dose inhaled nitric oxide gas significantly reduced the need for supplemental oxygen and hospital stays in pregnant women with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. The therapy was administered twice daily to patients, resulting in no adverse events.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateJul 7, 2022

Agriculture emissions pose risks to health and climate

A study by Rice University finds that agricultural nitrogen emissions cause substantial damage to air quality, human health, and the climate. The researchers quantified emissions from fertilized soils over three years and found that ammonia had a much larger impact on damages than nitrogen oxides and nitrous oxide.

SourceRice University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 21, 2022

SwRI study examines oxide growth in additively manufactured metals in sCO2 environment

A new joint study by Southwest Research Institute and Sandia National Laboratories examines the effects of supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) on oxide film growth on additively manufactured metals and wrought stainless steel. The study found that both types of metals showed oxide growth, but with significant differences in grain size ...

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalCorrosion Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2022

Towards indoor lighting-powered thin-film, flexible solar cells with piezophototronics

Ritsumeikan University researchers create a novel thin-film flexible piezoelectric-photovoltaic device that can generate electricity from indoor lighting. The device's performance is improved through strain-induced polarization in the ZnMgO layer, increasing open-circuit voltage and overcoming charge recombination issues.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalNano Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2022

Curbing other climate pollutants, not just CO2, gives Earth a chance

A new study finds that reducing emissions of short-lived climate pollutants like methane and ozone can cut the rate of global warming in half by 2050. This approach offers a fighting chance to prevent catastrophic warming and improve our chances of remaining below the 1.5 degree centigrade mark.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 24, 2022

National Cheng Kung University researchers present new solution for wastewater remediation

Researchers have developed an eco-friendly and reusable solution for removing toxic synthetic dyes from wastewater using nanocomposite-based hydrogels. The new material, made from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and graphene oxide, demonstrates high adsorption capacities and retains its effectiveness even after multiple cycles of use.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateApr 14, 2022

Using raw materials more sustainably

Scientists elucidated the structures at the interface between a working catalyst and reacting molecules in vanadium pentoxide, revealing which oxygen atoms activate hydrocarbons. The study showed that temperature and gas composition influence the reaction, leading to more sustainable oxidation processes.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2022

Surprising semiconductor properties revealed with innovative new method

A new method using a thin oxide film has revealed that oxygen impurities in germanium are responsible for a surprising effect, creating holes in the material and eclipsing its semiconducting properties. This discovery has broad implications for understanding the role of thin oxide films in future semiconductor design.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2022

Gold nanoparticle-based electrode efficiently co-detects dopamine and uric acid in urine samples, shows new study in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis

Researchers developed a novel electroanalytical technique that co-detects dopamine and uric acid in urine samples, overcoming interference from ascorbic acid. The technique uses a gold-containing ternary nanocomposite electrode, enabling simultaneous detection of low-level DA and UA under physiological conditions.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2022

Ion pairings change honeycomb crystal states

The team used high pressure and synchrotron X-ray experiments to analyze the crystal's structure, finding a unique ladder-like pattern of vanadium-vanadium dimers at temperatures below 500K. This arrangement may enable the creation of new magnetic or electrical functions in similar materials.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 25, 2022

New kid on the block: Cerium oxide nanozyme joins the pesticide detection taskforce, according to Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis study

Scientists develop a sensitive electrochemical detector using cerium oxide nanozyme to identify organophosphate pesticides in plants. The method provides an unprecedented wider linear range and a detection limit of 0.06 mmol/L, making it suitable for detecting trace amounts of pesticide residues.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2022