Nanocrystals
Articles tagged with Nanocrystals
Perovskite nanocrystals in glass for high-efficiency and ultra-high resolution dynamic displays
Researchers develop fluoride-engineered perovskite nanocrystal glass for high-efficiency, full-color emission and ultra-high-resolution holographic displays. The glass matrix enables stable and efficient photoluminescence of PNCs, driving the creation of high-quality dynamic displays.
Light bends perovskite crystal lattice, opening way to new devices
Researchers have discovered a photostriction effect in perovskite crystals that reversibly changes shape when exposed to light. This property makes them 'smart materials' that can be tuned to respond to stimuli, potentially leading to new device designs such as sensors or actuators.
Microbes unlock a hidden natural source of mercury emissions from “stable” minerals
Researchers found that microbes can use mercury sulfide nanominerals as an energy source, releasing volatile elemental mercury into the air. The study estimates that this process could release hundreds of tons of mercury per year, comparable to cement production.
Composing nanomaterials – with AI and chemistry
LMU researchers created a tool that combines automated chemical synthesis, high-throughput characterization, and data-driven modeling to control nanocrystal growth. The Synthesizer platform enables precise predictions of material properties, such as color, brightness, or stability, for applications like LEDs, solar cells, and sensors.
Pressure‑modulated host–guest interactions boost effective blue‑light emission of MIL‑140A nanocrystals
Researchers developed a breakthrough strategy using pressure treatment to enhance blue-light emission of MIL-140A nanocrystals, offering a clean and efficient approach. The study highlights the importance of pore size and guest-ligand compatibility in achieving emission enhancement for high-performance luminescent materials.
Light-intensity-dependent transformation of mesoscopic molecular assemblies
Researchers in Japan have developed a supramolecular polymer system that can adaptively transform into different dimensional states depending on the intensity of light applied, revealing mechanisms behind these dynamic transformations using high-speed atomic force microscopy.
Atom-scale stencil patterns help nanoparticles take new shapes and learn new tricks
Researchers have developed atomic-level precision patterning on nanoparticle surfaces using stencils, creating 'patchy nanoparticles' with various shapes and functions. The technique allows for large-scale production of batched particles with intricate designs, enabling the creation of novel materials and metamaterials.
Meet Rainbow: the multi-robot lab racing to discover the next quantum dots
Researchers at North Carolina State University unveiled Rainbow, a self-driving laboratory that autonomously discovers high-performance quantum dots. The system combines advanced robotics and AI to conduct up to 1,000 experiments per day, accelerating materials discovery.
New book sheds light on synthesis and applications of advanced materials
The book sheds light on nanomaterials, metamaterials, and smart materials' synthesis, classification, and characterization techniques. It discusses size-dependent behavior, fabrication challenges, and interdisciplinary applications with practical implications for healthcare, energy, and electronics.
New book shows how nanotechnology is saving lives and protecting the planet
The new book provides a comprehensive overview of engineered nanomaterials' interactions with biological systems, driving breakthroughs in biomedical applications and environmental sustainability. It explores critical applications in sustainable technologies, including bioremediation and heavy metal adsorption.
Highly uniform nanocrystals synthesized by liquid crystalline antisolvent
A research team at POSTECH developed a synthesis method that precisely controls the size and shape of perovskite nanocrystals using liquid crystalline antisolvents. The method produces uniformly sized particles without additional purification processes, accelerating commercialization of optoelectronic devices.
Powering the future – ultrathin films are revolutionizing electrical conductivity
Researchers from Osaka University have developed an ultrathin vanadium dioxide film on a flexible substrate, preserving its electrical properties. This breakthrough enables adaptable electronics that can adjust to temperature, pressure, or impact in real-time.
Negative refraction of light using atoms instead of metamaterials
Researchers at Lancaster University have successfully demonstrated negative refraction using atomic arrays, eliminating the need for metamaterials. This achievement paves the way for novel technologies based on negative refraction, including perfect lenses and cloaking devices.
A tour de force: Columbia engineers discover new “all-optical” nanoscale sensors of force
Researchers create nanosensors that can measure piconewton and micronewton forces remotely using light, enabling multiscale sensing capabilities. These sensors operate in previously inaccessible environments with benign infrared light, revolutionizing technologies from robotics to medicine and space travel.
Novel quantum materials in the spotlight
German physicist Christian Schneider has been awarded a European Research Council Consolidator Grant to study the optical properties of two-dimensional materials. His team plans to develop experimental set-ups to investigate the unique properties of these materials, which could lead to new applications in quantum technologies.
Newly designed nanomaterial shows promise as antimicrobial agent
Rice scientists develop new nanomaterial that kills bacteria in biofluids under visible light, with minimal degradation and low lead leaching. The findings suggest potential applications in water treatment and therapeutics.
Cooling with light: Exploring optical cooling in semiconductor quantum dots
Optical cooling has been elusive due to challenges in reaching high emission efficiency, but researchers shed light on the phenomenon using a stable 'dots-in-crystal' material. The study demonstrated true optical cooling with a theoretical cooling limit of approximately 10 K from room temperature.
UChicago researchers unlock a ‘new synthetic frontier’ for quantum dots
Researchers at UChicago have developed a new technique to grow quantum dots using molten salt, allowing them to create previously unimaginable nanocrystals. This breakthrough opens up a whole group of novel chemical materials for future researchers' exploration.
New performance record for eco-friendly nanocrystal solar cells
ICFO researchers have reported on a post-deposition in situ passivation strategy that improves surface passivation, yielding nanocrystal ink films with enhanced optoelectronic properties. This approach has led to the development of ultrathin solar cells with higher power conversion efficiency than their multi-step deposition counterparts.
Innovating in the corners where atoms meet
Fadi Abdeljawad's team finds that triple junctions, where three nanocrystals meet, are key to maintaining stability and strength of materials. This discovery could lead to designing better nanocrystalline alloys for aerospace and energy industries.
Let there be light: Bright future for solar panels, TV screens and more
A breakthrough study by Curtin-led researchers reveals how to make more molecules stick to the surface of tiny nanocrystals, leading to improvements in everyday technology. The discovery could enhance the performance of devices such as LEDs, solar cells and medical imaging systems.
Ultrasound technology accelerates drying of renewable cellulose nanocrystals
A novel multi-frequency ultrasonic drying technology accelerates the drying of renewable cellulose nanocrystals by up to 50% while minimizing energy consumption. This method demonstrates superior stability in aqueous solutions and aligns with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
SNU researchers develop ultra-high efficiency next-generation perovskite light-emitting diodes by strengthening perovskite lattice
Researchers at Seoul National University developed ultra-high efficiency perovskite nanocrystal LEDs by incorporating conjugated molecular multipods to strengthen the lattice and reduce dynamic disorder, leading to improved luminescence efficiency. This achievement is expected to significantly accelerate the commercialization of next-g...
Quality control: neatly arranging crystal growth to make fine thin films
A team from Osaka Metropolitan University has created a way to control the growth of crystals on metal-organic frameworks thin films, reducing light scattering and resulting in high-quality films. These advanced films are expected to be used as optical sensors, optical elements, and transparent gas adsorption sheets.
A promising new method uses light to clean up forever chemicals
Researchers at Ritsumeikan University propose a room-temperature defluorination method that uses visible light to break down PFAS and other fluorinated polymers into fluorine ions. The method achieved 100% defluorination of perfluorooctanesulfonate within 8 hours of light exposure.
New research shows a frictionless state can be achieved at macroscale
A revolutionary new paper from SUNY Poly demonstrates macroscale superlubricity using carbon-coated metallic surfaces, reducing friction by up to 99.97% and enabling significant cost savings and environmental benefits. The study's findings have far-reaching implications for various industries.
Scientists from IOCB Prague are expanding the possibilities of using RNA in gene medicine
Scientists from IOCB Prague have created a novel composite vector nanomaterial for transporting ribonucleic acid (RNA) into cells, ensuring its non-toxicity. This breakthrough aims to overcome the obstacle of nucleic acid vectors' toxicity and pave the way for gene therapy applications.
Revolutionizing transistor technology with triply-degenerate semimetal PtBi2
Researchers successfully integrated PtBi2 flakes as interlayer contact, enhancing transistor performance and meeting stringent demands. The material's unique electronic structure and van der Waals contacts simplify device fabrication, leading to stable long-term performance.
Novel Au-BiFeO3 nanostructures for efficient and sustainable degradation of pollutants
Researchers developed Au-BiFeO3 nanocrystals with improved photocatalytic activity, achieving 98% methylene blue degradation efficiency. The nanoparticles' unique localized surface plasmon resonance and electron transfer mechanisms enhance their recyclability and stability.
Nanoscale movies shed light on one barrier to a clean energy future
Researchers at Duke University used nanoscale visualization techniques to study corrosion in electrolyzers used to produce green hydrogen. The study reveals that rare metal catalysts break down quickly due to acidic environments, but also identifies potential strategies to minimize these defects and extend the devices' lifetimes.
Aluminum nanoparticles make tunable green catalysts
Rice University researchers have developed a transformative approach to harnessing the catalytic power of aluminum nanoparticles by annealing them in various gas atmospheres at high temperatures. This allows for modifying the structure of the oxide layer, making the nanoparticles versatile tools for different applications.
Spontaneous curvature the key to shape-shifting nanomaterials
Scientists have identified spontaneous curvature as the factor determining how ultra-thin materials transform into useful tubes, twists, and helices. This process mimics nature's design and could lead to breakthroughs in creating chiral materials with exceptional properties.
Au@Cu7S4 Yolk@Shell nanocrystals set new hydrogen production activity record under visible and near infrared irradiation
Researchers developed innovative Au@Cu7S4 yolk@shell nanocrystals capable of producing hydrogen when exposed to both visible and NIR light, achieving a peak quantum yield of 9.4% in the visible range and 7.3% in the NIR range for hydrogen production.
Single proton illuminates perovskite nanocrystals-based transmissive thin scintillators
Researchers developed a transmissive thin scintillator using perovskite nanocrystals to track and count single protons with exceptional sensitivity. The new detectors offer unparalleled sensitivity and could revolutionize proton therapy and radiography.
Experiment could test quantum nature of large masses for the first time
A new experiment could test whether relatively large masses have a quantum nature, resolving the question of whether quantum mechanics works at a larger scale. The proposed experiment exploits the principle of measurement-induced collapse to observe changes in motion.
Revolutionizing stable and efficient catalysts with Turing structures for hydrogen production
Researchers from City University of Hong Kong developed a novel strategy to engineer stable and efficient ultrathin nanosheet catalysts using Turing structures. This approach effectively resolves the instability problem associated with low-dimensional materials in catalytic systems, enabling efficient and long-lasting hydrogen production.
Watching electrons at work
The study reveals that excited electrons in perovskites cause a shift towards increased symmetry in the crystal lattice. This attractive interaction between excitons could be exploited to enhance electron transport and improve solar cell performance.
Incheon National University researchers push the limits of gas sensing technology
The researchers propose a hybrid organic–inorganic gas sensor design that enhances gas sensing performance while maintaining sensing speed. The proposed design outperforms conventional sensors in terms of chemical sensitivity to NO2, showcasing impressive durability and higher potential for long-term installation.
Copper-doped tungstic acid nanocrystals transform infrared light conversion
Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed copper-doped tungstic acid nanocrystals that can harness all-solar energy, including infrared light. The nanocrystals exhibit enhanced photothermal and photo-assisted water evaporation characteristics, making them suitable for various applications.
Broad-spectrum inhibition of inflammasome activation by inorganic nanomaterials
Researchers discovered that nickel-cobalt alloy nanocrystals inhibit the activation of three inflammasomes, including NLRP3, NLRC4, and AIM2, in primary macrophages. The study found that these nanocrystals effectively treated colitis and acute peritonitis by reducing disease symptoms.
Illuminating the future of X-ray imaging: High-resolution and ultrastable solutions with lead-free anti-perovskite nanocrystals
Lead-free Cs3MnBr5 anti-perovskite nanocrystals embedded in glass matrices enable tunable emission and ultra-stable X-ray imaging. The results achieve exceptional X-ray detection limits, spatial resolutions, and dose irradiation stability.
Programmable 3D printed wound dressing could improve treatment for burn, cancer patients
Researchers created a new type of wound dressing material using advanced polymers, enabling customized dressings with fine-tuned surface adhesion. The material has potential applications in burn treatment and drug delivery for cancer patients, providing constant medication release outside the clinic setting.
New study unveils nanocrystal shines on and off indefinitely
Researchers at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology have made a breakthrough in creating ultra-photostable avalanching nanoparticles that can perform unlimited photoswitching. This achievement has significant implications for fields like optical probes, 3D optical memory, and super-resolution microscopy.
Ligand-nanocrystal interactions under visible light irradiation
Researchers at Ritsumeikan University demonstrate quasi-reversible displacement of organic ligands on nanocrystal surfaces under visible light irradiation. This finding opens up new avenues for enhancing the tunability and functionality of inorganic materials with aromatic molecules.
NUS scientists develop a novel light-field sensor for 3D scene construction with unprecedented angular resolution
The NUS team's light field sensor has a larger angular measurement range, high angular resolution and wider spectral response range, enabling higher depth resolution. It can capture 3D images of objects placed far away with accurate reconstructions of depth and dimension.
Unlocking the power of photosynthesis for clean energy production
University of Rochester researchers create a groundbreaking system mimicking photosynthesis using bacteria and nanomaterials to produce clean-burning hydrogen fuel. The innovative approach replaces fossil fuels in the process, offering an environmentally friendly alternative.
Researchers develop flexible sweat sensor based on photonic cellulose nanocrystal
A sustainable, insoluble, and chiral photonic cellulose nanocrystal patch enables calcium ion (Ca2+) sensing in sweat. The researchers developed a simple method to fabricate CNC-based hydrogels, which exhibit freeze resistance, strong adhesion, good biocompatibility, and high sensitivity to Ca2+.
Self-driven laboratory, AlphaFlow, speeds chemical discovery
Researchers developed a self-driven lab, AlphaFlow, that uses AI to optimize complex chemical reactions and discover new materials. The system significantly reduces the time needed to develop new chemistries from months to hours.
Facile and scalable production of a fuel-cell nanocatalyst for the hydrogen economy
A novel method has been developed to produce platinum-based alloy nanoparticles for efficient hydrogen fuel cells. The nanocatalysts exhibit enhanced power performance and stability, with high specific rated power of 5.9 kW/g Pt, surpassing 2025 targets set by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Researchers use lead recycled from car batteries to make photodetectors
A team of researchers developed an efficient strategy to recycle lead from discarded car batteries, creating a new market for recycled lead in high-tech equipment. The resulting photodetectors show excellent stability and fast response speeds, with potential applications in optical communication, chemical analysis, and imaging.
Stability of perovskite solar cells reaches next milestone
Researchers have developed a chemical variation that significantly improves the stability of perovskite thin films in solar cells, achieving efficiencies of up to 24.6%. The new coating, b-pV2F, wraps around individual microcrystals like a soft shell, reducing thermal stress and increasing efficiency.
Researchers uncover mechanisms to easily dry, redisperse cellulose nanocrystals
A team of Penn State researchers discovered a way to render cellulose nanocrystals highly redispersible in aqueous mediums while retaining their functionality. This breakthrough enables the easy storage and transportation of these bio-based nanomaterials, which are valuable for water treatment, packaging, and electronics.
Scientists fabricated highly long-life Li-S batteries based on multifunctional separators functionalized by porous mediators
Researchers fabricated Li-S batteries with ultra-long cycle life over 2000 cycles via multifunctional separator design. The novel hollow and hierarchically porous Fe3O4 nanospheres effectively regulate LiPSs behavior, achieving high sulfur utilization and excellent electrochemical performances.
Understand anisotropy dependence of damage evolution and material removal during nanoscratch of MgF2 single crystals
The study investigates the anisotropy dependence of damage evolution and material removal behaviors in ultra-precision machining of MgF2 single crystals. The research team developed a stress field model, revealing that plastic deformation and cleavage fracture mechanisms were activated depending on the crystal orientation.
Story tips: Genetic markers for autism, hiding in plain sight; Recyclable composites help drive net-zero goal; Evaluating buildings in real time; Nanoreactor grows hydrogen-storage crystals
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered genetic markers for autism, developed recyclable composites to drive the net-zero goal, and created a tool for real-time building evaluation. Additionally, they have made significant progress in growing hydrogen-storage crystals using a novel nano-reactor material.
Cleaner, more cost-effective way to make useful industrial chemicals
Researchers at McGill University developed a cost-effective way to produce nanocrystals from cellulose and chitin using high-humidity shaker aging. The new technique reduces water usage, eliminates toxic solvents, and increases yields.
IU to lead NSF-funded center focused on transforming nanocrystal research
A multi-institution team led by IU chemist Sara Skrabalak has been awarded $1.8 million to establish a research center focused on rapidly identifying and leveraging the unique properties of nanocrystals. The Center for Single-Entity Nanochemistry and Nanocrystal Design aims to transform how researchers think about nanocrystal diversity...
Tiny crystal vases
Scientists at the University of Tsukuba developed a method to produce uniform, hollow vessel-shaped crystals through spontaneous crystal growth. The crystals have hexagonal symmetry and can be used as tiny containers for nanotechnology experiments.
Yolk-shell nanocrystals with movable gold yolk: Next generation of photocatalysts
Researchers developed yolk-shell nanocrystals containing metallic gold yolk with semiconductor shells, exhibiting high photocatalytic activity. The structures were synthesized using a sequential ion-exchange process and evaluated using XPS and PL spectroscopy, revealing electronic interactions favorable for photocatalysis.