Articles tagged with Nanocrystals
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...
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.
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.
Researchers from KAUST have designed an all-inorganic halide-perovskite polymer-fiber-photodetector that can detect light in the green region (around 510 nm), enabling fast underwater optical communications. The system offers a 3dB bandwidth of 13.1 MHz, allowing data transmission speeds of up to 152.5 Mbit/s.
Scientists have successfully developed lead-free bismuth halide perovskites with broadband emission, overcoming toxicity and instability issues of traditional lead-based materials. The new material exhibits high efficiency and stability, paving the way for potential applications in artificial lighting and displays.
This special issue of Energy Material Advances highlights recent progress in synthesizing and tuning perovskite nanocrystals and other emerging nanocrystal materials. Research focuses on fundamental understanding of doping, synthesis, and spectroscopy, as well as applications in solar cells and light-emitting diodes.
Researchers shave off 'hairs' from nanocrystals to enable efficient electronic communication, a breakthrough that could lead to next-gen devices. The technique reduces gaps between crystals by a factor of three, increasing the probability of electrons jumping across.
A team of scientists developed a method to generate molecular triplets in colloidal nanocrystals through rapid spin-flip, which can be used for photochemical applications such as photon upconversion and singlet oxygen generation. The study demonstrates the potential of solution-processed semiconductor materials for new fields.
Researchers have created ultra-uniform nanodiamonds using a new chemical process that mimics the conditions found in natural diamond formation. The tiny crystals are crucial for drug delivery, sensors, and quantum computer processors. With this breakthrough, scientists can now control single atoms within larger structures.
Scientists have discovered a novel way to prevent the formation of ice crystals in ice cream by adding cellulose nanocrystals. The additive, which is more effective than current stabilizers, works by stopping the growth of ice crystals and slowing down their recrystallization process.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a 'self-driving lab' that uses artificial intelligence and fluidic systems to advance our understanding of metal halide perovskite nanocrystals. The technology can autonomously dope MHP nanocrystals, adding manganese atoms on demand, allowing for faster control over properties.
Researchers develop NAnocrystalling Transport path in Ultrathin dielectrics for REinforcing passivating contact to overcome surface passivation and conductivity tradeoffs. The new contact consists of three-layer structures made up of silicon nanoparticles sandwiched between two layers of oxygen-rich SiOx.
A study by researchers at Pusan National University has investigated the relationship between surface structures and nanoscale friction in multi-layered CVD graphene. They found that only the top-most layer of graphene was twisted with respect to the rest, affecting layer-dependent nanoscale friction.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin created a new nanocrystal gel that can be easily tuned to work as an optical filter, controlling heating or cooling dynamically. This versatile material has applications for thermal camouflage in defense and telecommunications.
Researchers have developed a new approach to fabricate ultrathin solar cells using disorder-engineered AgBiS2 nanocrystals, achieving absorption coefficients up to 5-10 times greater than existing materials. This breakthrough enables the creation of high-efficiency, low-cost, and lightweight solar cells.
Researchers at MIT have engineered a composite made mostly from cellulose nanocrystals, which is stronger and tougher than some types of bone, and harder than typical aluminum alloys. The material has a unique brick-and-mortar microstructure that resembles nacre, making it resistant to cracks and plastic deformation.
Researchers used energy dispersive diffraction to create high-resolution 3D maps of bioapatite arrangements within shark centra, revealing key structures and their functions. The study provides insights into the structure-function relationship of the shark skeleton and could be applied to other organisms.
A research group from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics used non-toxic GeX4 as precursors to synthesize Pb-free and Pb-based PNCs with improved optoelectronic quality. They attributed this success to better control over halide ion release, resulting in regular crystal surfaces with fewer point defects.
Scientists develop hairy cellulose nanocrystals to capture and remove excess chemotherapy drugs from the blood. The nanocrystals effectively removed over 6,000 milligrams of doxorubicin per gram, increasing DOX capture by two to three orders of magnitude compared to existing methods.
Researchers have designed and synthesized stable size/morphology-controlled MOF nanocrystals using a synergetic dual-ligand and hard-soft-acid-base strategy. The resulting 3D pillared-layer structure exhibits excellent cycling performance, with the Ni-Tdc network providing good stability during charging and discharging processes.
Scientists at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology discovered eco-friendly nanocrystal semiconductors that can self-heal after damage. The lead-free perovskites display unique electro-optical characteristics, making them efficient in energy conversion.
Stabilized blue phase crystals could lead to new optical technologies with better response times. By using a core and shell structure, researchers were able to trap chiral liquid crystal in a 'blue phase' state, allowing for perfect, uniform crystals that can be controlled and predicted.
Researchers linked microscopic and macroscopic approaches to describe a technologically important chemical reaction under realistic conditions. This allows understanding why catalyst particle size plays a crucial role in chemical processes.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt and Bonn have synthesized molecular nano spheres made of silicon atoms, known as silafulleranes, which can encapsulate chloride ions. The discovery of these new compounds may lead to improved applications in electronics, solar cells, and batteries.
Researchers have developed a stable perovskite nanocrystal material for LEDs, enabling bright and long-lasting light sources. The new material is made using a metal-organic framework structure, which keeps the nanocrystals separate and prevents degradation.
Researchers demonstrate conversion of infrared images to visible using ultrathin and transparent semiconductor nanocrystals. The proposed metasurface-based IR imaging approach offers novel opportunities for compact night vision instruments and sensor devices.
The study reveals an intricate connection between composition, light-induced lattice dynamics, and stability of the materials. It also found that energy transfer between vibrational modes in iodine-based perovskite nanocrystals is more pronounced than in bromine-based ones.
Scientists have created mega-crystals with unique properties by mixing different shapes of nanocrystals. These 'Lego materials' form long-range ordered dense lattices called superlattices, which exhibit superfluorescence and can be used for technical applications.
Scientists have developed a method to quantify internal OH- impurities in upconversion nanocrystals, revealing an exponential relation between luminescence intensity and OH- content. This discovery enriches our understanding of the quenching mechanism and paves the way for highly efficient lanthanide-doped materials.
Scientists at PNNL develop a novel material capable of capturing light energy, displaying high efficiency and programmability, with potential applications in photovoltaics, bioimaging, and beyond. The researchers' bio-inspired approach leverages natural hierarchical structures for exceptional properties.
Research reveals that the surface site and corresponding adsorbed methanol species determine the interfacial charge transfer process and photocatalytic efficiency in anatase TiO2 nanocrystals. Surface structure engineering of photocatalysts is proposed as a method to maximize efficiencies.
Researchers have developed a rapid, light-based detection system for deadly toxins using cutting-edge photovoltaic materials. The new sensing mechanism can detect a wide range of fumigants and chemical warfare agents, including teargas and mustard gas, with high sensitivity and speed.
Researchers have developed a flexible X-ray sensor using nanocrystals that can capture high-resolution images of curved 3D objects. The sensor uses persistent radioluminescence to emit light after exposure to X-rays, enabling the detection of defects in electronics and examination of valuable artworks.
A team of scientists from Ritsumeikan University discovered that Cu-doped zinc sulfide nanocrystals exhibit fast-switching photochromic properties when irradiated by light. The material changes color reversibly in a matter of microseconds, making it suitable for applications such as smart glasses and windows.
Researchers from Skoltech and colleagues developed two models explaining the light-emitting behavior of semiconductor nanoplatelets, which are promising building blocks for optoelectronics. The models reveal trapping of excitons at surface defects and its interplay with diffusion as key reasons for complex kinetics.
Scientists have successfully controlled the composition of perovskite ions in hybrid organic-inorganic nanocrystals, maintaining their morphology and light-emitting efficiency. This breakthrough enables the synthesis of perovskites with varying compositions, advancing the development of efficient solar cells and light-emitting devices.
Researchers designed nanocrystal structures using platinum compounds to effectively encapsulate and transport hydrophobic drugs. The study achieved high encapsulation efficiency of up to 79% and shows potential for biomedicine applications.
Researchers created a flexible film that changes color in response to stretching, pressure, or humidity, mimicking the color-changing properties of chameleon skin. The film is made from renewable cellulose nanocrystals and has potential applications in anti-counterfeiting measures, strain sensing, and encryption.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel approach to frequency doubling in nonlinear crystals, utilizing disordered nanocrystals to achieve efficient light conversion. The method, which combines two seemingly irreconcilable approaches, enables wide-range frequency tuning and minimizes material usage.
Researchers at UCI are learning about resilience from the mantis shrimp, which has a uniquely designed nanoparticle coating that absorbs and dissipates energy. This finding has significant implications for engineered materials in various industries.
A new study by Texas A&M University researchers demonstrates the use of cellulose nanocrystals to uniformly coat carbon nanotubes on carbon-fiber composites, resulting in increased strength and resistance. This innovative method enables the design of stronger, more efficient composite materials from the nanoscale.
Researchers developed a highly effective and safe nanocrystal to combat deadly radiation, increasing survival rates and reducing oxidative stress by five times compared to individual components.
Researchers reviewed the manufacturing methods and applications of hybrid materials made from cellulose nanocrystals. These materials exhibit excellent mechanical, thermal, and physico-chemical properties, making them suitable for various applications, including sensors, catalytic converters, and medical devices.
Researchers from ITMO University developed a new composite material with perovskite nanocrystals, increasing operating time by almost three times and improving stability in air and water. The material retained its optical properties when dispersed in water, making it suitable for biological applications.
Researchers at Aalto University have developed an eco-friendly adhesive using plant-derived cellulose nanocrystals and water, demonstrating exceptional strength and performance. The new glue outperforms commercial products in terms of sustainability and cost-effectiveness, making it a promising solution for various industries.
Scientists at University of California, Riverside and The University of Texas at Austin demonstrate photon up-conversion using silicon nanocrystals and organic molecules. This breakthrough brings them closer to developing photodynamic treatments for cancer and advancing new technologies for solar-energy conversion and quantum information.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a novel approach to improve perovskite nanocrystal durability by encasing them in a plastic and silica double-layer protection system. The new method enables high-quality, complex architecture perovskites with controlled dimensions and surface chemistry, unlocking potential for v...
Researchers have discovered that balancing elementary steps in alkaline hydrogen evolution reactions can improve electrocatalytic performance. By designing nanocrystals with tunable Ni/NiO heterosurfaces, the team found that a balanced composition ratio is crucial for promoting alkaline HER performance.
Research uses single-particle microscopy to study electroluminescence process on individual nanocrystals. The study finds that only a small number of nanocrystals actively emit light, leading to low efficiency, and intense fluctuations in electroluminescence intensity
A new class of lead-free double perovskites has been developed, showcasing broad emission across the entire visible spectrum and achieving a record-high photoluminescence quantum efficiency (PLQE) of 70.3%. The material's stability and potential for efficient warm white-light emission make it promising for LED applications.
Researchers developed a new technique to study the structure of silicon nanocrystals, revealing disordered layers on the surface and crystalline cores. This discovery can lead to optimized functions and tailored applications for various fields, including battery development and medical imaging.
Deep-sea dragonfish have evolved transparent teeth with nanostructured nanocrystals, allowing them to capture prey effectively in the dark depths. The unique adaptation helps the fish avoid being shunned away by its own huge teeth.
Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory developed a new approach to solve protein structures from tiny crystals, utilizing unique sample-handling and data-assembly techniques. The method enables the study of difficult-to-crystallize cell-surface receptors and other membrane proteins, improving our understanding of health and disease.
Scientists at Rice University have developed a new method to create porous envelopes around light-powered aluminum nanocatalysts using pseudomorphic replacement. This process enables the creation of greener catalysts that use solar energy and are made from abundant metals, reducing energy burden and environmental impact. The study demo...
The Flow Focusing technology has increased data acquisition per second in XFEL analysis, allowing for ultra-rapid and powerful X-ray pulses. GDVN technology has enabled the efficient transmission of protein microcrystals, enabling Serial Femtosecond Crystallography and revolutionizing molecular biology research.
Researchers from NUS developed novel lead halide perovskite nanocrystals for high-sensitivity X-ray detection, reducing diagnostic radiation dose by 400 times. These nanocrystals also enable lower-cost and faster imaging technology with improved resolution.
Researchers at Osaka University have discovered carrier multiplication in certain perovskites, increasing efficiency up to 44% compared to traditional solar cells. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of more efficient photodetectors and solar cells.
Researchers from Wuhan University developed a new type of upconversion nanocrystal that can display full-color patterns and multiple encoding levels. The material has excellent upconversion fluorescence properties under near-infrared laser excitation, making it suitable for high-security anti-counterfeiting applications.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have discovered a way to transform a liquid-like state into a solid-like state and back again by introducing a chemical compound. The study has implications for developing all-liquid electronics and interacting with cells, and could lead to new ways of controlling nanoscale elements.
A Northwestern University team developed a novel nanolaser that changes colors by controlling the spacing among metal nanoparticles, inspired by chameleons' skin structure. The laser is robust, tunable, reversible and highly sensitive to strain.