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First switchable graphene nanoribbon that twists on demand

Researchers at Nagoya University have built a graphene nanoribbon that can switch its twist using a natural solvent, opening opportunities for new optical switches, chemical sensors, and spintronic components. The discovery uses a natural chiral liquid to lock in a single spiral direction, with a high degree of helical bias.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2026

Exciting moments on the edge

Researchers demonstrate magnetic behavior of PNRs at room temperature and show how these properties can interact with light. The study reveals macroscopic magnetic properties in solution and thin films, akin to classic magnetic metals.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateMar 12, 2025

Material for future electronics: New method makes graphene nanoribbons easier to produce

Russian researchers have proposed a new synthesis method for high-quality graphene nanoribbons, which has a higher yield and is cheaper than the current method. The new approach uses nickel as a substrate and produces multilayer films of nanoribbons, which can be easily separated into individual monolayers.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateJan 11, 2021

The right formula for scaling production of promising material to decontaminate water

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a method to fabricate large quantities of Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2) in a controlled and tunable dimension, making it an attractive material for water treatment and various applications. The process reduces production costs by 3,000 times compared to previous methods.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 21, 2020

Science study: Chemists achieve breakthrough in the synthesis of graphene nanoribbons

Researchers at MLU, UT, and ORNL have successfully produced graphene nanoribbons directly on semiconductor surfaces, overcoming previous limitations. This breakthrough enables customization of the material's properties, paving the way for potential applications in storage technology, semiconductor industry, and quantum computing.

Electron correlations in carbon nanostructures

Researchers from Kiel and Copenhagen developed a new computational model to simulate the detailed behavior of electrons in graphene nanoribbons. The model predicts that correlation effects due to electron repulsion have a dramatic influence on local energy spectrum, enabling precise control over electronic properties.

SourceKiel University·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 3, 2019

Metal-organic framework nanoribbons

Researchers have developed a general method to prepare ultrathin MOF NRBs with high surface area, highly active surface and excellent catalytic efficiency. The proposed method is simple, efficient and versatile, which could be used for the preparation of a series of ultrathin MOF NRBs.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateSep 9, 2019

Tying down electrons with nanoribbons

Researchers have discovered that nanoribbons can trap individual localized electrons, potentially enabling new quantum materials with unique electronic and magnetic properties. The discovery was made by combining theoretical predictions with experimental synthesis, using topological insulators as a starting point.

A new 'periodic table' for nanomaterials

Researchers created a machine learning technique to categorize different molecules based on the nano-sized shapes they form. The approach could help materials scientists identify suitable precursor molecules for synthesizing target nanomaterials.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 23, 2018

Unzipping graphene nanotubes into nanoribbons

Researchers have developed a method to analyze electron flow in graphene nanoribbons using a simplified physics model. This approach uses a matching method to calculate transmission properties of electrons through the junction.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJun 5, 2018

Study boosts hope for cheaper fuel cells

Researchers at Rice University have optimized nanomaterials for fuel-cell cathodes, revealing that nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoribbons can replace platinum to boost fuel cell efficiency. The study showed that the right balance of binding energy is crucial for good catalytic performance.

SourceRice University·JournalNanoscale·DateJan 5, 2018

Nanoribbons in solutions mimic nature

Graphene nanoribbons exhibit properties similar to those of biological materials when in solution, forming folds and loops. The researchers found that their rigidity increases as oxide molecules are removed, making them suitable for designing and fabricating GNR-biomimetic interfaces.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 15, 2016

Rice de-icer gains anti-icing properties

Researchers at Rice University have developed a graphene-based de-icer that can prevent ice formation above 7 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for large applications like aircraft and power lines. The material is also conductive and can be heated with electricity to melt ice and snow in colder conditions.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 23, 2016

Microwaved nanoribbons may bolster oil and gas wells

Researchers at Rice University developed a method to treat composite materials with microwaves, increasing their stability and strength in wellbores for oil and gas production. The treatment involved combining graphene nanoribbons with thermoset polymers and heating them with low-power microwaves.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 12, 2016

Graphene composite may keep wings ice-free

A thin coating of graphene nanoribbons in epoxy has been proven effective at melting ice on a helicopter blade. The coating, developed by Rice University, may be an effective real-time de-icer for aircraft and other surfaces exposed to winter weather, reducing the need for glycol-based chemicals.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 25, 2016

Molecular nanoribbons as electronic highways

Researchers at Umeå University and UC Berkeley have developed a method to synthesise novel molecular nanoribbons that resemble graphene but in molecular form. The nanoribbons exhibit ideal properties as electronic highways for organic solar cells, with dimensions smaller than 10-15 nanometres.

SourceUmea University·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 5, 2015

Successful boron-doping of graphene nanoribbon

Researchers at the University of Basel have synthesized boron-doped graphene nanoribbons with controlled band gaps, enabling the development of highly sensitive gas sensors for nitrogen oxides. The material's chemical properties were characterized using atomic force microscopy, revealing high selectivity towards adsorption.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 27, 2015

The latest fashion: Graphene edges can be tailor-made

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a method to control the edge properties of graphene nanoribbons by manipulating the conditions under which they are pulled apart. This allows for the creation of semiconducting graphene with desirable electronic properties, opening up new possibilities for applications in modern electronics.

SourceRice University·JournalNanoscale·DateJan 23, 2015