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'Magic' alloy could spur next generation of solar cells

Researchers at University of Michigan develop cost-effective material to capture near-infrared light in solar cells, making concentrator photovoltaics more efficient and practical for large-scale electricity generation. The new alloy is significantly less expensive than previous formulations and enables easier manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 15, 2017

New synthesis method developed at UEF opens up new possibilities for Li-ion batteries

Researchers at UEF have developed a new synthesis method for Li-ion batteries, which uses readily available materials, is safe to dispose of, and has significantly longer cycle lifetimes. The new method solves the low electric conductivity problem, promising applications in fast-charging electric buses and high-power hybrid vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·DateFeb 17, 2016

Making sense of metallic glass

Researchers at Carnegie Institution explore the rules behind metallic glasses, materials that are stronger and more resistant than traditional metals. By studying alloys under extreme pressures, they found a consistent numeric relationship between structure and properties, which could aid further discovery and synthesis.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2016

'Goldilocks material' could change spintronics

A team at Trinity College in Dublin has discovered a new class of magnetic materials based on Mn-Ga alloys, which could revolutionize data storage and increase wireless data transmission speeds. The material has unique properties that make it immune to external magnetic fields and free from demagnetizing forces.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 24, 2015

Seeing tiny twins

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have made a groundbreaking discovery in the study of nanomaterials, revealing that tiny tungsten crystals can exhibit deformation twinning, which affects their strength and function. This phenomenon has significant implications for the development of nanostructured metals and alloys.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 9, 2015

Ti-V alloys' superconductivity: Inherent, not accidental

Physicists from India reveal Ti-V alloys' superconductivity is influenced by local magnetic fluctuations and spin fluctuations. The competition between these fluctuations and electron-phonon interaction determines the superconducting temperature threshold, contradicting previous assumptions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJun 23, 2014

Supercomputers join search for 'cheapium'

Duke University researchers used computational methods to identify dozens of new platinum-group alloys that could prove beneficial in applications such as catalytic conversion, corrosion-resistance, and fuel cells. The study provides detailed structural data on known materials and identifies potential targets for further research.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysics·DateJan 3, 2014

New aluminum alloy stores hydrogen

A new aluminum-based alloy has been successfully synthesized, enabling safe and efficient hydrogen storage for fuel cell vehicles. Researchers achieved the goal of creating a simple-structured aluminum-based interstitial alloy through extreme pressure and high temperature conditions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Materials·DateNov 5, 2013

Research shows copper destroys norovirus

New research from the University of Southampton reveals copper can rapidly destroy norovirus on surfaces, potentially disrupting infection cycles and lowering outbreak risks. The virus can remain infectious on solid surfaces, but copper alloy surfaces containing over 60% copper prove highly effective in destroying it.

Stars, jets and batteries

Researchers at Helmholtz Association confirm the existence of Tayler instability, a magnetic phenomenon that reduces rotation rates and creates powerful fluid flows. This discovery has significant implications for the development of liquid metal batteries and their potential use in renewable energy storage.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 20, 2012

Novel alloy could produce hydrogen fuel from sunlight

A novel alloy has been developed that can produce hydrogen fuel from sunlight using photoelectrochemical water splitting. The GaN-Sb alloy, made of inexpensive materials, functions as a catalyst in the process and can be reused indefinitely. This discovery could potentially have profound implications for the future of solar energy.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalPhysical Review B·DateAug 30, 2011

Data miners dig for corrosion resistance

Researchers used data mining to analyze the corrosion-resistant properties of Alloy 22, a key material for nuclear waste containment. They found that the alloy can predict future corrosion patterns under similar environmental conditions.

SourcePenn State·JournalCorrosion Science·DateApr 21, 2011