Materials

Silk made into strong plastic-like materials with 6G potential

Prickly pears show promise as the building materials of tomorrow

Smarter search for fuel-cell catalysts using machine learning

Researchers have developed a new computational workflow combining generative AI with atomistic simulations to identify promising platinum alloy catalyst structures for hydrogen fuel cells. The method produces high-performing candidates from several material combinations, addressing a longstanding challenge in catalyst design.

Scientists program materials just by spinning them

Researchers have developed a method to program metamaterials using rotation, enabling the global setting of memory in mechanical systems. By harnessing forces arising from a rotating platform, elastic beams can be made to snap between two stable states, allowing for the storage and retrieval of binary information.

Recent advancements in the tribovoltaic effect for human motion energy harvesting and wearable self-powered sensing

Researchers developed a novel tribovoltaic effect-based strategy for human motion energy harvesting, enabling stable direct current output and simplifying system design. Advanced device designs enhance flexibility, durability, and adaptability to complex human motions, making it suitable for wearable applications.

Carbon-free ferrocene alternative opens up new possibilities for future materials

Researchers have successfully synthesized a carbon-free boron alternative to ferrocene, opening up new possibilities for future materials. The new compound has stronger bonding and shows that boron can mimic carbon's ability to form stable rings and complex structures.

Move over cassette tapes, adhesive tape has memory, too

Ordinary adhesive tape stores a sequence of multiple memories with tunable strength, allowing for simple mechanical calculations. Researchers developed an automated device to create these memories by peeling the tape past designated distances.

Scientists unlock new way to engineer next generation glass

Researchers fine-tune a new type of glass made from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that efficiently trap gases like CO2 and hydrogen. The discovery provides a new design framework for making customized MOF glasses with tailored properties, enabling applications in gas separation, chemical storage, and advanced coatings.

The hidden structure behind a widely used class of materials

A team of researchers from MIT has directly characterized the three-dimensional atomic structure of a relaxor ferroelectric for the first time. This breakthrough provides a framework for refining models used to design next-generation computing, energy, and sensing devices.

Scientists uncover new ‘in-between’ materials for solar fuels and batteries

Researchers identify previously unknown 'in-between' materials that can be used to design better solar fuels, batteries, and catalysis materials. The study reveals a series of hidden intermediate stages during heating, opening up new opportunities for material discovery and development.

Direct Raman detection of ångström-scale ultrathin molecular layers at interfaces

Researchers have developed a coherent Raman spectroscopy method that directly detects ångström-scale molecular films at interfaces without plasmonic enhancement or electronic resonance. This approach suppresses strong substrate background signals, allowing for highly sensitive interfacial Raman spectroscopy.

A new strategy for synthesizing polyfunctionalized biaryls without transition-metal catalysts

Researchers develop substrate design strategy to selectively promote benzidine-type sigmatropic rearrangement of nitroarenes, enabling efficient synthesis of polyfunctionalized biaryls. The method achieves high yields without expensive transition-metal catalysts or complex prefunctionalization.

NSF CAREER Award winner hopes to improve design of soft materials

Wagner's research aims to bridge the gap between molecular structure and mechanical properties, using machine learning to analyze entanglements in polymer chains. This could lead to designing more effective biomimetic tissue implants and other cutting-edge biomedical devices.

Toward tougher, longer-lasting, more sustainable tires

Harvard engineers develop new method to preserve long molecular chains in natural rubber, resulting in composite materials that are both stiff and tough. The innovation has the potential to cut waste, reduce tire dust pollution, and open new avenues for high-performance elastomers.

Texas A&M opens world’s largest academic controlled-explosions lab

The new facility enables scientists to observe and measure detonation forces in unprecedented detail, shedding light on industrial safety risks and potential breakthroughs. Researchers aim to develop safer designs and protocols by examining detonation disasters like the Buncefield Fire.

Conquering the final frontiers in nanographene synthetic methodologies

Researchers have developed a new methodology for selective molecular transformations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), targeting the challenging L-region. This enables the creation of larger PAH structures and new nanographenes, increasing versatility in technological applications.

Scientists create atomically precise molecular chains to power next generation tech

Researchers developed nanoribbons with tailored electronic properties, enabling flexible electronics, ultra-small circuits and more efficient solar cells. The discovery paves the way for unprecedented control in next-generation technologies.

Scientists explore whether plastic particles could be linked to significant rises in liver disease

Researchers investigate whether micro- and nanoplastics contribute to liver disease through oxidative stress, fibrogenesis, and inflammation. They emphasize the need for increased research into plastic-induced liver injury and its potential impact on human health.

First actual measurement of “attempt time” in nanomagnets after 70 years of assumptions

Researchers at Tohoku University successfully measured the attempt time in nanomagnets for the first time, finding it to be 4-11 nanoseconds. This value can serve as a more accurate foundation for developing and evaluating the stability of magnetic devices.

Trapping light magic: MOF-derived nanoconfined hollow polyhedral photocatalyst

A novel MOF-derived nanoconfined hollow polyhedral bimetallic sulfide heterojunction exhibits enhanced light harvesting efficiency and promotes rapid tetracycline degradation, with a kinetic rate constant five times higher than pristine Ag2S. The material maintained over 90% efficiency in real water matrices.

Floatable, biodegradable composite beads show promise for large-scale oil spill remediation

Researchers have created a novel sorbent made from chitosan/cellulose acetate and bentonite composites that show promise for cleaning up oil spills. The beads are floatable, biodegradable, and environmentally compatible, making them an efficient and cost-effective solution.

Wiley expands trusted IT and Raman spectral library collections—helping analytical labs make faster, more confident decisions

Wiley has released additional data to its IR and Raman spectral libraries, significantly broadening compound coverage. The new release includes mineral spectra from the American Museum of Natural History, supporting researchers in making informed scientific decisions.

Mind the gap! Semiconductor industry is relying on the wrong materials

Researchers at TU Wien found that 2D materials are unsuitable for smaller electronic structures due to a tiny gap formed between the material and insulating layer. However, some materials can be combined with stronger bonds to eliminate this issue, potentially revolutionizing miniaturization steps.

3D bimetallic MOF arrays enable high-efficiency electrocatalytic air sterilization

A novel electrode material exhibits excellent water stability, conductivity, and catalytic activity for air sterilization applications. The 0.3Co-MOF/Cu@Cu structure generates reactive oxygen species to induce bacterial death.

Water-soluble cellulose adhesive enables strong, reusable bonding across extreme conditions

Researchers have developed a water-soluble cellulose ethyl phosphite (CEP) adhesive that integrates high bonding strength, environmental tolerance, and recyclability. The CEP adhesive demonstrates remarkable thermal stability and resistance to moisture-related degradation, making it suitable for various applications.

Record-breaking photonics approach traps light on a chip for millions of cycles

A team of researchers has developed a method to sculpt atomically thin van der Waals materials without destroying them, achieving record-breaking performance in photonic chips. The 'suit of armour' approach enables ultra-smooth vdW microdisks that trap light with extremely little loss.

Lead-free films sharpen MEMS harvesting

Researchers have developed a lead-free thin film that significantly improves the efficiency of microdevices in harvesting energy from ambient motion. The Mn-doped bismuth ferrite film exhibits stronger piezoelectric behavior, lower dielectric loss, and improved device-level performance.

Bio-inspired structural design improves impact resistance and energy absorption

Researchers developed a lightweight lattice structure inspired by butterfly wings, exhibiting enhanced mechanical strength, impact resistance, and energy absorption capabilities. The new design outperforms conventional lattice designs under compression and dynamic impact loading.

Microbial hockey

Researchers at ISTA's Materiali Molli Lab used E. coli bacteria to create an active bath that propelled sticky colloids into gel-like aggregates, rotating clockwise due to the bacteria's twisting motion. The study revealed that hydrodynamic interaction plays a key role in driving motion through the counter-rotation of body and flagella.

Review summarizes photocatalyst and biocatalyst for artificial photosynthesis

The review highlights the potential of semiartificial photosynthesis in overcoming natural photosynthesis limitations. Biocatalysts play a crucial role in this technology, enabling more efficient CO2 capture, utilization, and storage. The research aims to develop new catalysts for producing fuels and valuable substances from sunlight.

Versatile, degradable polymers through novel domino polymerization

Researchers have created a novel monomer that allows for the synthesis of poly(disulfide)s with arbitrary side-chain structures through domino polymerization. The polymers exhibit degradability in reducing environments, including biological systems, making them suitable for drug delivery systems and medical applications.

“Perfectly symmetrical” 2D perovskites boost energy transport

Rice University scientists have created a new type of two-dimensional semiconductor that exhibits no distortions, allowing for efficient energy transfer. The material's performance is an order of magnitude better than previously reported perovskites, making it suitable for applications such as solar cells and tandem devices.

The depths of Neptune and Uranus may be “superionic”

Researchers discover quasi-one-dimensional superionic state of carbon hydride under extreme pressures and temperatures found deep inside ice giant planets. This finding has implications for heat and electricity movement through planetary interiors and could influence magnetic-field generation.

Coffee waste transformed into high-performance, biodegradable insulation material

Researchers developed a biodegradable composite made from spent coffee grounds and natural polymer, offering strong thermal insulation while being environmentally sustainable. The new material has a thermal conductivity comparable to commercial expanded polystyrene and is fully derived from renewable resources.

‘An ‘aha’ moment’: Illinois Grainger engineers introduce first synthetic charged domain wall in 2D material

Researchers create highly conductive ferroelectric charged domain wall in 2D indium selenide material, exhibiting high conductivity and controllability. The discovery may advance the development of neuromorphic devices and reconfigurable electronics.

Porous nanofibrils spun from supramolecules with intrinsic cavities

Researchers created a new type of microporous aerogel that overcomes limitations of conventional materials, enabling flexible and highly processable shapes. The material's flexibility arises from reversible van der Waals interactions between metal–organic polyhedra molecules.

HKU Centre of Functional Materials for Energy and Sustainability joins third InnoHK research cluster

The Centre will address bottleneck challenges in advanced battery materials and electric-enabled technology for energy storage and green conversion. Collaborations with renowned institutions will drive innovation and accelerate translation of research outcomes into real-world impact.

From cells to smart gels: momentum in motion

Professor Timo Betz's project aims to develop synthetic materials that mimic key behaviors of living cells, including self-organization and physical adaptation. By studying the mechanical properties of living cells, he will recreate part of the cell's interior in a synthetic way.

Robots can’t feel; these sensors could change that

Researchers have developed a highly sensitive electronic 'skin' using tiny devices that can measure force applied over an area. This technology has the potential to improve prosthetic limbs and robotic manipulation, allowing robots to accurately track hand movements and grasp delicate objects.

AI agent accelerates catalyst discovery for sustainable fuel development

Researchers used AI to identify key characteristics of catalysts and guide their designs, discovering a universal design principle for copper-based single-atom alloy catalysts. The approach uses machine learning to predict catalyst performance and inspire generalizable design principles.

Preserving polarization while boosting light from atomically thin semiconductors with silicon nanospheres

Researchers have demonstrated that silicon nanospheres can enhance second-harmonic generation in monolayer transition-metal dichalcogenides while preserving valley-polarization information. The study provides design guidelines for efficient, polarization-preserving nonlinear light sources at the nanoscale.

Plasma and lemon juice: Milder method retrieves nearly 95% of critical minerals in battery waste

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to recover nearly all critical minerals from spent lithium-ion batteries, including metals like lithium and graphite. The process uses microwave-induced plasma treatment with room-temperature solvents, resulting in high recovery rates and minimal environmental impact.

A low-profile self-stealth programmable metasurface with in-band and out-of-band RCS reduction

Researchers developed a self-stealth metasurface that achieves in-band and out-of-band radar cross-section (RCS) reduction across multiple frequencies. The metasurface enables real-time digital control for beamforming, information modulation, and smart surfaces, resolving performance/power/integration trade-offs.

Lead-free thin films turn everyday vibrations into electricity

Scientists at Osaka Metropolitan University developed high-performance lead-free piezoelectric thin films directly on standard silicon wafers. The films achieved the highest piezoelectric response ever reported for bismuth ferrite, enabling a fivefold improvement in energy conversion efficiency.

Design of polyhedral cage-engineered MOFs for efficient methane purification from natural gas

Scientists in China have designed MOFs with 3D pyr-topology frameworks and polyhedral cages to efficiently purify methane from natural gas. The materials exhibit high adsorption capacities for C3H8 and C2H6 but extremely low CH4 uptake.

The ultimate dirt filter: 'Oxychar' offers a cheaper, smarter way to scrub toxic cadmium from farmland

Researchers develop oxychar, a highly efficient, budget-friendly alternative to traditional charred organic materials for toxic cadmium removal. The new material soaks up both agricultural ammonia and cadmium, promising a practical win for sustainable farming.

Researchers develop biochar-based photocatalyst that rapidly removes antibiotic pollutants from water

A new biochar-enhanced photocatalyst has been developed to efficiently degrade antibiotic contaminants in water, with the material demonstrating remarkable ability to break down sulfadiazine. The photocatalyst harnesses sunlight to drive chemical reactions capable of degrading antibiotic molecules, and its performance is substantially ...

Inside the light: How invisible electric fields drive device luminescence

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University discovered how shifting electric fields control light-emitting efficiency in devices like LEDs. By probing electron spin resonance, they found optimal electric field conditions for efficient recombination, leading to higher electroluminescence efficiency.

“Smart photonic healthcare devices” how light is transforming the future of healthcare

Recent advances in photonic nanomaterials and healthcare devices have led to the development of wearable and implantable medical devices. These devices utilize light for precise manipulation of cells and tissues, offering new possibilities for early disease detection, light-based therapies, and personalized precision medicine.

Thorny issue plaguing lithium-ion batteries laid bare in new study

Researchers directly measured lithium dendrites' mechanical strength, finding they exhibit unexpectedly high strength and brittle behavior under stress. The study provides insights into how dendrites respond to physical stresses within a battery cell, shedding light on the challenge of scale and access that hindered previous research.

Y-doped catalyst transforms ammonia into sustainable hydrogen energy

A new Y-doped catalyst has been developed to efficiently transform ammonia into sustainable hydrogen energy, enabling a cleaner energy future. The catalyst, composed of nickel and yttrium, improves the performance of the ammonia decomposition reaction, overcoming issues of intrinsic activity and energy barriers.

Researchers capture thermal fluctuations in polymer segments for the first time

Kyushu University researchers observed individual polymer chains' behavior on solid surfaces, revealing non-equilibrium dynamics and thermal fluctuations. The study contributes to enhancing adhesive performance and lightweighting of materials.

A dynamic twist of light’s ‘handedness’

The Harvard researchers' new device is elegantly designed to be tunable, with a bilayer design that becomes geometrically chiral and able to 'read' chiral light. By using the MEMS device to continuously vary the twist angle and interlayer spacing, the team showed they could tune the device's intrinsic ability to read different chiral l...

Mussel adhesion meets conductivity: new bioglue for bioelectronic implants

A conductive bioglue was developed to ensure firm adhesion and stable electrical signaling within the human body. It overcomes challenges in connecting damaged tissues or attaching bioelectronic devices, promoting muscle and nerve regeneration and stable implant stability.

How to make magnets act like graphene

Engineers at the University of Illinois have developed a way to engineer magnets to behave like graphene, a two-dimensional material with strong potential for tech applications. This new method has implications for radiofrequency technology and opens up new avenues for studying and engineering two-dimensional magnetic systems.

Large area MoS₂ reduces energy loss in magnetic memory films

Researchers at the University of Manchester found that large-area MoS₂ reduces energy loss in magnetic memory films by altering the film's internal crystal structure. This effect is not confined to laboratory-scale samples and has implications for real, scalable spintronic technologies.

Hybrid ‘super foam’: tunable, lightweight and ultra-durable

Researchers at Texas A&M University and DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory developed a hybrid foam with a 3D-printed plastic skeleton, offering tunable, lightweight and ultra-durable properties. The composite combines ordinary foam with plastic struts, allowing it to absorb more energy and withstand greater forces.

Photocatalytic material class: High expectations reinforced

Researchers from CASUS at HZDR developed a reliable computational framework to study polyheptazine imides' electronic and optical properties. This work confirms the potential of these materials for photocatalytic reactions, including water splitting and carbon dioxide reduction.

New technique spots hidden defects to boost reliability of ultrathin electronics

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new technique to spot hidden defects in ultrathin electronics, which can trap electrical charges and weaken the material. This method uses electron microscopy, cathodoluminescence mapping, and force-based measurements to detect defects before they undermine device performance.

The physics of a squeak

A team of researchers used high-speed imaging to investigate soft solids sliding on rigid substrates, discovering that squeaking emerges from supersonic detachment pulses. The study found a relationship between surface geometry and the repetition rate of these pulses, impacting frictional resistance.