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High color purity 3D printing

Researchers at ICFO have developed a new photothermal sensitizer using tungsten oxide nanoparticles, enabling the production of high-color-purity 3D objects and overcoming previous limitations. The new method allows for efficient and cost-effective fabrication of complex geometries with precise color control.

A new tool for controlling reactions in microrobots and microreactors

Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a new tool for controlling reactions in microrobots and microreactors, leveraging capillary forces to create self-assembling hanging droplets of aqueous polymer solutions. This technique enables selective transport of chemicals and can be used as encapsulated reaction vessels.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020

Compartments without borders

Researchers at Penn State developed a laboratory method to create membraneless compartments within a liquid, allowing them to segregate and concentrate components for important cellular functions. The findings could provide insight into how cells use these compartments to perform different tasks in different locations, with potential a...

SourcePenn State·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateMar 17, 2020

Environmental solutions to go global

A new Australian technology developed by Flinders University and Clean Earth Technologies can absorb pollutants, including mercury and oil spills. The solution uses a polymer made from sulfur and plant oil to capture toxic substances in water, reducing environmental harm.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAdvanced Sustainable Systems·DateFeb 16, 2020

Researchers add order to polymer gels

Researchers have created a new polymer gel with an ordered structure, allowing for potential uses in chemical filters, sensors, and drug release. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in various fields by providing a more consistent material.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 6, 2019

Post-lithium technology

Researchers have developed a high-performance cathode made of an organic polymer for sodium-ion batteries, achieving excellent electrochemical performances. The new material outperforms current polymeric and inorganic cathodes in capacity delivery and retention.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 4, 2019

Creating miracles with polymeric fibers

A team of researchers from University College London has developed a new method for fabricating polymeric nanofibers and microfibers without the use of electric fields. The technique, called pressure gyration, produces thinner and more consistent fibers than traditional centrifugal spinning methods.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateOct 15, 2019

Multi-state switchable stationary phase opens new doors in chiral separation

Researchers from Kanazawa University have developed a three-state switchable chiral stationary phase that can be controlled using metal ions, enabling efficient separation of enantiomers. The phase's stability and separation performance were demonstrated over multiple cycles, opening new doors for drug discovery and other research areas.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 31, 2019

Shaping light with a smartlens

A team of researchers from ICFO demonstrates an adjustable technique to manipulate light without mechanical movement, enabling the creation of dynamically tuneable lenses with high control and low power consumption. The Smartlens technology has potential applications in high-end systems and simple end-user-oriented imaging devices.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 26, 2019

New polymer tackles PFAS pollution

A new polymer has been discovered that can effectively remove PFAS from water, reducing the risk of contamination in drinking water sources. The low-cost and environmentally friendly method uses waste cooking oil and powdered activated carbon to purify thousands of liters of water.

SourceFlinders University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateJun 5, 2019

Texas A&M researcher makes breakthrough discovery in stretchable electronics materials

Researchers at Texas A⚬M University discovered a new type of fracture in silicone elastomer that allows for greater stretchability and resistance to tears. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more tear- and fracture-resistant materials for applications in healthcare, energy and military industries.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2019

Polymers to give early warning signs

Researchers developed polymers that change color or fluorescence when subjected to mechanical load, addressing limitations of previous force-transducing molecules. The new concept allows for reversible detection of stress and is versatile, enabling applications in built-in monitors and stress mapping.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalACS Central Science·DateApr 24, 2019