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Researchers reveal reactive gallium-hydride species on gallium oxide surface

A research team from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics has revealed the existence of reactive gallium-hydride species on the surface of gallium oxide using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance. The discovery provides comprehensive information on the structural configuration and formation mechanism of these special M-H species.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 18, 2022

Recycling greenhouse gases

The TU Wien team has created a catalyst that can convert CO2 and methane into synthesis gas without the formation of carbon nanotubes. This approach, called dry reforming, has the potential to convert climate-damaging greenhouse gases into valuable products.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalApplied Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2022

Study obtains superconductivity at higher temperature than usual

Brazilian researchers used computer simulations to investigate the superconducting behavior of a dimolybdenum nitride monolayer, finding that it became superconductive at relatively high temperatures and showed strong correlation with strain applied.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNanoscale·DateAug 10, 2022

Amping up battery performance with black glasses grafted on micron silicon

Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a novel anode material consisting of black glasses grafted silicon microparticles, which shows great promise in enhancing lithium-ion battery performance and energy storage. The material exhibits high lithium diffusion ability, reduced internal resistance,...

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateAug 7, 2022
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

A simple, cheap material for carbon capture, perhaps from tailpipes

Researchers have created a cheap and energy-efficient way to capture carbon dioxide from smokestacks using porous melamine material. The process is simple to make and requires primarily off-the-shelf melamine powder, making it a promising solution for scaling down carbon emissions from vehicle exhaust or other movable sources.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

Building molecular bridges: New crystal engineering strategy to design ultrabright fluorescent solid dyes

A new study from Tokyo Institute of Technology introduces a novel crystal engineering strategy to design ultrabright fluorescent solid dyes. This approach allows for monomeric emission and suppressed intermolecular interactions, enabling the creation of highly dense crystalline structures with controlled electronic properties.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

New magnesium superionic conductor towards lithium-free solid-state batteries

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science create a metal–organic framework-based magnesium ion conductor showing superionic conductivity at room temperature, overcoming the limitations of magnesium ion-based energy devices. The novel Mg2+ electrolyte exhibits a high conductivity of 10−3 S cm−1, making it suitable for battery applica...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

Huddersfield researchers secure funding to illuminate chemistry

Huddersfield researchers are working on a new project to develop novel and sustainable molecular materials that harness light to drive useful chemical reactions. The project aims to address the limitation of using rare and expensive elements like ruthenium and iridium in current applications. By exploring the intrinsic properties of li...

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateAug 3, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

The structure of the smallest semiconductor was elucidated

Researchers at IBS and Xiamen University reported the synthesis of Cd14Se13 cluster, the smallest nanocluster synthesized as of today. The cluster has a core-cage arrangement with an adamantane-like CdSe structure, enabling the growth of nanocrystals with unusual structures.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalChem·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 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

Eco-friendly sound absorbers from seaweed

Researchers have created a biodegradable seaweed-derived film that effectively absorbs sounds in the range of human voices, traffic, and music. The agar-based composite films outperform traditional acoustic foams in terms of sound-absorbing qualities.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateJul 14, 2022

A four-stroke engine for atoms

Scientists have found a new phenomenon where an atomic switch has to be switched back and forth four times to return to its original state. The spin of gadolinium atoms performs one full rotation during this process. This discovery opens up possibilities for material physics and could potentially be used to store information.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Let machines do the work: Automating semiconductor research with machine learning

Researchers use machine learning to automatically analyze Reflection High-Energy Electron Diffraction (RHEED) data, enabling faster and more efficient discovery of new materials. The study focused on surface superstructures in thin-film silicon surfaces and identified optimal synthesis conditions using non-negative matrix factorization.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalScience and Technology of Advanced Materials Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

Brightest-known solid materials awarded $1.8 million from NSF

Indiana University researchers have discovered the world's brightest-known fluorescent solid materials, called SMILES, which can transform liquid materials into stable crystalline solids with unprecedented brightness. The grant will help advance research on SMILES to improve existing technologies and create new ones.

SourceIndiana University·DateJun 15, 2022

A new nanomaterial for precision medicine and the green transition

Researchers at Politecnico di Milano developed a new nanomaterial with a superfluorinated gold cluster, exhibiting unique optical and catalytic properties. The findings have potential applications in precision medicine and the green transition, including diagnostic and therapeutic applications and efficient production of green hydrogen.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2022
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Ink could enable devices powered by heat

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a thermoelectric coating that converts low-grade heat into electrical power, with potential to replace batteries in wearables and IoT devices. The coating can be applied to any surface that generates heat, enabling efficient energy harvesting.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 14, 2022

Novel strategy to make fast-charging solid-state batteries

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science discovered that microscopic voids in lithium anodes cause dendrite formation in solid-state batteries. By adding a thin layer of refractory metals to the electrolyte surface, they delayed dendrite growth and extended battery life.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 2, 2022
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Study reveals nature of five-coordinated aluminum on γ-Al2O3 surface

Researchers used ultrahigh-field NMR spectroscopy to study the structure of Al(V) on γ-Al2O3. They found flexible structural features and hydroxyl groups that can be removed under high-temperature dehydration, leading to surface reconstruction. Most Al(V) species aggregate into domains rather than forming tetragonal pyramids.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalACS Central Science·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 1, 2022

Is it topological? A new materials database has the answer

Researchers have discovered that 90% of known crystalline structures contain at least one topological property, and more than 50% exhibit some sort of topological behavior. The newly identified materials are stored in a freely accessible database, allowing scientists to quickly search for materials with robust electronic properties.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMay 19, 2022

Topology is everywhere

A team of scientists discovered that over half of known 3D materials in nature exhibit at least one topological state, challenging the long-held idea that these materials are rare. The study also introduces a new concept called 'supertopological' and makes its data freely available to researchers.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalScience·DateMay 19, 2022
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Safely storing dangerous gasses in pores

Scientists developed a new porous coordination polymer that can store and release acetylene, a highly flammable industrial gas, without using solvents. The material allows for the storage of large quantities of acetylene at pressures below 2 bar.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 21, 2022
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

X-rays help scientists uncover new forms of material using designer DNA

Researchers use DNA to program metal nanoparticles to assemble into new configurations, resulting in the discovery of three new crystalline phases. The approach enables symmetry breaking and creation of complex colloidal crystal structures with unique optical and catalytic properties.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 31, 2022

Researchers create a sea of nano-sized gold stars

A team of researchers from PNNL and UW successfully designed a bio-inspired molecule that directs gold atoms to form perfect nanoscale stars. The work is an important step toward understanding and controlling metal nanoparticle shape and creating advanced materials with tunable properties.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2022

A better way to separate gases

Researchers have developed a new type of membrane material that can significantly improve the efficiency of gas separation processes. The membranes, based on hydrocarbon ladder polymers, offer both high permeability and selectivity, making them outperform other polymer materials in many gas separations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMar 24, 2022

More efficient perovskite-based solar cells thanks to supramolecular chemistry. A study by the Politecnico di Milano

Researchers at Politecnico di Milano developed a new approach using additives that form halogen bonds with halide ions in perovskites, improving stability and efficiency. This technique enables the creation of hydrophobic and water-repellent perovskites, blocking trap states and increasing electrical energy conversion.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 15, 2022
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Chemists suggest using polymeric ionic liquids in supercapacitors

A team of researchers created a theoretical model demonstrating the difference in electrical differential capacitance between polymeric and ordinary ionic liquids. They predict a huge increase in capacitance for polymeric ionic liquids compared to regular ionic liquids with the same chemical composition.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateMar 11, 2022

Safer, more powerful batteries for electric cars, power grid

Solid-state batteries with little liquid electrolyte are safer than lithium-ion batteries in many cases. However, they also have limitations, such as slow lithium ion movement from the solid electrolyte to electrodes.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalJoule·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 7, 2022

Story tips: DNA in a drop, printing in the wind, drier air, revealing hidden biology and calculating better batteries

Researchers use environmental DNA to monitor aquatic species near hydropower facilities, while also developing a novel method for printing full-strength steel components using additive manufacturing. These advancements could lead to more efficient and cost-effective monitoring and renewable energy production.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 1, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

LSU chemists unlock the key to improving biofuel and biomaterial production

Researchers have discovered how carbohydrates interact with lignin in plant biomass, revealing new information on the organization of lignin-carbohydrate interfaces. This discovery can help advance technology for using biomass as a renewable resource for energy and materials.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 27, 2022

Bioengineered nanoparticles show promise for fibrinogen manufacture, says Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis study

Researchers developed a novel polymeric nanoparticle that selectively binds to fibrinogen in human plasma, offering a simpler and less expensive way to manufacture fibrinogen concentrate. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of more efficient fibrinogen-specific affinity reagents for drug development.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022

Recycling already considered in the development of new battery materials

Researchers explore circular economy approaches to improve battery recycling efficiency and purities of raw materials. A promising approach is 'Design for Recycling', which aims to standardize screw connections and design materials for automated disassembly and reduced solvent use.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJan 12, 2022
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Rubber material holds key to long-lasting, safer EV batteries

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have discovered a promising alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries made from a common material: rubber. The material, when formulated into a 3D structure, acts as a superhighway for fast lithium-ion transport with superior mechanical toughness.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

Organic aggregates: new insights on white light

Research reveals organic aggregates can emit polychromic and white light with high efficiency, opening up new avenues for OLEDs and encryption. However, more work is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and improve performance.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJan 11, 2022

Molecular paddlewheels propel sodium ions through next-generation batteries

Researchers at Duke University have discovered paddlewheel-like molecular dynamics that help push sodium ions through a quickly evolving class of solid-state batteries. The insights will guide researchers in their pursuit of a new generation of sodium-ion batteries to replace lithium-ion technology.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2022

SMART researchers discover novel way to perform ‘general inverse design’ with high accuracy

Researchers from Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) have discovered a way to perform 'general inverse design' with high accuracy. This breakthrough enables the creation of materials with specific characteristics and properties, paving the way for revolutionizing materials science and industrial applications.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2022

Professor Li Faxin’s group develops world's first DMA for hard materials

The Li Faxin Research Group at Peking University has developed the world's first dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) suitable for hard materials. This instrument measures Young's modulus, shear modulus, and internal friction under variable temperature conditions, offering accurate and quick analysis of material properties.

SourcePeking University·JournalScripta Materialia·DateDec 17, 2021
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Detective work on the fuel cell

Scientists have developed a unique measurement technique to study oxygen exchange pathways on pristine SOFC cathode surfaces, revealing that different materials follow the same mechanism. This breakthrough enhances understanding of defects and optimizes material performance.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2021

Catalysts: Poisoned and very much alive at the same time

Researchers at TU Wien discovered that a rhodium catalyst can be highly chemically active in some regions while completely inactive in others. The team found that the arrangement of atoms on the surface differs from grain to grain, leading to varying catalytic properties.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2021

Combining pressure, electrochemistry to synthesize superhydrides

The study found that applying an electrical potential can stabilize high-temperature superconducting superhydrides at much lower pressures than previously thought. This new method could lead to the creation of new materials with broad applications in consumer and industrial sectors.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 15, 2021
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

New scalable method resolves materials joining in solid-state batteries

Scientists at ORNL developed a scalable, low-cost method to improve materials joining in solid-state batteries, resolving one of the big challenges in commercial development. The electrochemical pulse method increases contact at the interface without detrimental effects, enabling an all-solid-state architecture.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2021

Innovative chip built by UCPH physicists resolves quantum headache

Researchers at University of Copenhagen have developed a new quantum circuit that can operate and measure all four qubits simultaneously. This breakthrough resolves a significant engineering headache in the development of large functional quantum computers.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalPRX Quantum·DateOct 29, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Oxidation-tolerant solid electrolyte provides high energy capacity for Li2S cathode

Researchers at Osaka Prefecture University create a high-capacity Li2S-based positive electrode using an oxidation-tolerant solid electrolyte, bringing all-solid-state batteries closer to reality. The study found that the electrochemical window of solid electrolytes must exceed 0.2V for high energy capacity.

SourceOsaka Prefecture University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeNews article·DateOct 28, 2021

Chemist develops synthetic materials for energy-saving applications

A chemist at UTA is working on creating new synthetic materials that can improve on inorganic metal oxides for use in various energy-saving applications, particularly in solar energy technology. The goal is to develop materials with improved stability and energy storage capability.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateOct 12, 2021

A new solid-state battery surprises the researchers who created it

Researchers at University of California San Diego created a high-performance all-solid-state battery using pure-silicon anode, showing safe, long-lasting, and energy-dense properties. The new battery technology offers a promising path forward for silicon anodes, which were previously limited by liquid electrolytes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2021
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Ferroelectrics everywhere?

Researchers have identified a new family of ferroelectric materials, including magnesium-substituted zinc oxide, that can be used for low-energy digital storage. These materials have the potential to revolutionize information and energy storage, offering improved performance and reduced power consumption.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateAug 31, 2021

Switched on IR-active organic pigments

Researchers developed a modular organic molecular system with customizable properties, creating a potent dye that absorbs light in the near-infrared range. The pigments' electronic switchability makes them suitable for studying electron transfer in photosynthesis and as efficient electron-transporting materials.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

NSF grant kicks off Center for Adapting Flaws into Features

The Center for Adapting Flaws into Features will explore chemical defects to optimize material properties, with a focus on creating better catalysts and electronics. The team aims to develop new approaches towards transformative technologies by leveraging advanced microscopy, spectroscopy, and data science.

SourceRice University·DateAug 3, 2021