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Porous liquids allow for efficient gas separation

Researchers developed a new material called porous liquids that can separate gas molecules of different sizes from each other. The material has the potential to replace traditional distillation methods and save up to 80% of energy used in the plastics industry.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature·DateAug 12, 2020

Space invaders as MOFs act as liquids

Researchers have developed a way to solubilize metal organic frameworks (MOFs) to create liquid-like materials. These MOF dispersions can separate gas mixtures with high efficiency and selectivity, making them suitable for industrial applications.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 10, 2020

How a crystalline sponge sheds water molecules

Scientists used dynamic in-situ x-ray diffraction to observe how a crystalline sponge changed shape as it lost water molecules. The study found that one water molecule leaves quickly, causing the crystal lattice to compress and twist, while the other two molecules leave together.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalStructural Dynamics·DateJul 29, 2020
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Battling harmful algae blooms

A team of scientists, including Kathryn Coyne from the University of Delaware, have developed protocols for studying the genetic underpinnings of marine algae. By analyzing the genetics of a specific species of algae that produces harmful blooms, they were able to create genetically modified strains and identify genes involved in toxin...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 23, 2020

Simple is best? Simple and universal design for fuel cell electrolyte

The study establishes a cost-effective synthetic strategy to gain highly proton-conductive porous organic polymers (POPs) with excellent conductivity of 10-2 to 10-1 S cm-1. This design offers a universal means for evolving structural design for highly proton-conductive materials.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalMaterials Chemistry Frontiers·DateJun 18, 2020

Two-dimensional carbon networks

Researchers have developed a simple bottom-up synthesis method for graphdiyne, a two-dimensional carbon network with adjustable electronic properties. The material demonstrates excellent lithium-storage capacity and stability, making it suitable for electrochemical applications.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 18, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

A 'hole' lot of sponge! New technique to create super-sponges is a game changer

Researchers from DGIST introduce a new post-synthetic modification (PSM) method for Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), generating highly porous mesostructures. This technique enables the introduction of desired functional groups and mesoscopic holes, improving adsorption kinetics.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 10, 2020

Porous materials for the 'Energy Revolution'

Researchers at TU Dresden are developing nanostructured porous carbon materials for sustainable energy applications. Prof. Qiang Xu joins the team to advance hydrogen evolution catalysis and electrical energy storage.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·DateJun 9, 2020
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

New material, modeling methods promise advances in energy storage

Researchers from the University of Houston have reported a structural supercapacitor electrode made from reduced graphene oxide and aramid nanofiber that is stronger and more versatile than conventional carbon-based electrodes. The new material offers promise for longer battery life and higher energy at a lighter weight.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 4, 2020

Flow-through electrodes make hydrogen 50 times faster

Researchers at Duke University have developed flow-through electrodes that can store hydrogen more efficiently than conventional electrolyzers. The new design increases the surface area of the electrode to allow for faster and more productive water electrolysis, with potential implications for affordable renewable energy storage.

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMay 26, 2020
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Gas storage method could help next-generation clean energy vehicles

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new material with ultrahigh porosity and surface area for storing hydrogen and methane. This breakthrough could enable the creation of more efficient fuel cell-powered vehicles by allowing for lower-pressure gas storage and reduced costs.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateApr 16, 2020

A chemical embrace from the perfect host

Researchers at KAUST have developed a new method to separate xylenes from benzene derivatives using cucurbit[7]uril, requiring no heating or elevated pressure. The process has high efficiency and low energy consumption, making it suitable for industrial implementation.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalChem·DateMar 30, 2020

New material developed could help clean energy revolution

Researchers at Aalto University developed a new graphene-carbon nanotube catalyst to improve the efficiency of hydrogen fuel cells and water electrolyzers. The catalyst's electrocatalytic activity can be altered depending on the material it is deposited on, offering a promising strategy for producing green technology.

SourceAalto University·JournalACS Catalysis·DateMar 23, 2020
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

World's smelliest fruit could charge your mobile phone

Researchers from University of Sydney have developed a method to store electricity efficiently using durian and jackfruit waste. The fruits' biomass is converted into super-capacitors that can quickly charge electronic devices, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of Energy Storage·DateMar 5, 2020

New state-of-the-MOF materials

Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully converted crystalline MOFs into glassy or liquid states, demonstrating porosity, ion conductivity, and optical properties. The new materials show promise for heat storage, gas permeation, and catalytic reactions.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 28, 2020

Dartmouth's Chenfeng Ke wins Cram Lehn Pedersen Prize

Chenfeng Ke, an assistant professor at Dartmouth College, has been awarded the 2020 Cram Lehn Pedersen Prize for his groundbreaking work on supramolecular chemistry. His research focuses on developing dynamic systems and macroscopic machinery materials that operate cohesively at the molecular level.

SourceDartmouth College·DateFeb 14, 2020
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Capillary shrinkage triggers high-density porous structure

Researchers found that capillary forces in graphene oxide hydrogels can be regulated by surface tension, allowing for the creation of dense yet porous materials. By using solvents with different surface tensions, the microstructure of the resulting materials can be precisely manipulated and densified.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateFeb 13, 2020

Miniature double glazing

Researchers create a novel material with different thermal conduction properties depending on direction, combining the benefits of insulation and heat dissipation. The material's unique structure allows for efficient transfer of heat within layers while blocking it perpendicular to the layers.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 17, 2020

'Self-cleaning' concrete could keep buildings looking new (video)

A new type of self-cleaning concrete has been developed by researchers, which repels dust particles and liquids, including milk and coffee. The material also boasts soundproofing and heat-insulating properties, making it an attractive option for building materials.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 20, 2019

Electric cloth

Chinese scientists developed a new material that enables the creation of flexible, wearable supercapacitors with high energy density. The electrodes are made from a hybrid material synthesized from two carbon nanomaterials and a metal-organic framework, which provides a balance of porosity, conductivity, and electrochemical activity.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 18, 2019
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

What doesn't crack them makes them stronger

Scientists discover that tiny holes in materials like concrete increase strength by spreading force and protecting weak zones. The phenomenon only applies where strong and weak zones are unevenly distributed, and it has the potential to predict material failure.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Physics·DateOct 10, 2019

Porcupinefish inspires sturdy superhydrophobic material

Scientists have created a durable and flexible super-water-repelling material by drawing inspiration from the spiky yet flexible skin of the porcupinefish. The material retains its water repellency after being repeatedly bent or twisted, making it suitable for applications such as self-cleaning, anti-icing, and corrosion prevention.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 18, 2019

Stronger graphene oxide 'paper' made with weaker units

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that mixing strong and weak graphene oxide flakes can create stronger paper, improving the material's durability. The finding sheds light on a general problem in materials engineering and has implications for other two-dimensional materials.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 15, 2019
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Natural gas storage research could combat global warming

A team led by Dr. Mert Atilhan and Dr. Cafer Yavuz developed a new porous polymer that can store natural gas more effectively than current methods. This breakthrough material has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by storing cleaner-burning fuels, such as natural gas, instead of coal or oil.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Energy·DateAug 6, 2019

SUTD researchers developed a unique method of fabricating 3D porous structures

Researchers from SUTD's Soft Fluidics Lab developed a new 3D printing method, immersion precipitation 3D printing (ip3DP), which allows for the fabrication of 3D porous models in one step. The porosity of the printed objects can be easily controlled by adjusting polymer concentrations and solvent types. This novel approach enables the ...

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateJul 31, 2019

New insights into the early stages of creep deformation

Computer simulations reveal that creep deformation can modify material properties, altering the chances of certain events occurring within the material. The researchers also found patterns in intervals between deformation events conforming to Omori law.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJul 31, 2019

First snapshots of trapped CO2 molecules shed new light on carbon capture

Scientists have taken first images of carbon dioxide molecules within a MOF, revealing the guest-host relationship and expansion of the cage as CO2 enters. This breakthrough using cryo-EM imaging demonstrates unprecedented insights into MOF chemistry and potential for separating gases.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalMatter·DateJun 26, 2019

Real-time analysis of MOF adsorption behavior

The research team developed a system that allows for the real-time observation of MOF adsorption behavior, enabling accurate measurements and assessments of gas adsorption isotherms. By analyzing individual pore molecules, they identified a stepwise adsorption process and quantified the effects of pore structure and adsorption molecule...

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 19, 2019
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Soaking up pharmaceuticals and personal care products from water

Scientists have developed an adsorbent membrane that can remove pharmaceuticals and personal care products from water, a problem exacerbated by increasing use of these substances worldwide. The membrane, coated with porous aromatic frameworks, has shown high capacities for removing three model PPCPs and was recyclable.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 8, 2019

Solar evaporator offers a fresh route to fresh water

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a self-cleaning solar evaporator made of wood that can efficiently produce clean drinking water from salty water. The device uses interfacial evaporation technology and minimizes maintenance needs, making it suitable for off-grid water generation in low-income countries.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 16, 2019

Rocket fuel that's cleaner, safer and still full of energy

Researchers at McGill University have created a new class of hypergolic fuels that are significantly cleaner and safer than current options. These fuels use metal-organic frameworks to unlock energy, offering a promising solution for the aerospace industry.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 5, 2019

Engineers craft the basic building block for electrospun nanofibers

A team from Michigan Technological University has developed a new way to produce customizable nanofibers for growing cell cultures, cutting out the need for toxic solvents and chemicals. By varying electric field strengths, they can create different pocket sizes in the fibers, ideal for various cell types.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalMaterialia·DateMar 27, 2019
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Polymer twin: New implant imitates bone structure

Scientists developed a new hybrid bone implant combining the properties of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The implant's unique structure allows for improved strength, elasticity, and affordability.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalMaterials Letters·DateFeb 19, 2019

Turning a porous material's color on and off with acid

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a porous material that turns yellow to reddish-brown when exposed to acid vapor, returning to its original color upon removal. The material's stability is remarkable, maintaining its structure at high temperatures and resisting common organic solvents.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 8, 2019
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Engineers harvest heart's energy to power life-saving devices

A team of engineers at Dartmouth College has developed a dime-sized invention that converts the kinetic energy of the heart into electricity, powering implantable devices like pacemakers and defibrillators. The new technology could potentially replace batteries with surgery, reducing complications and costs.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateFeb 4, 2019

Scientists use microorganism to fabricate functional bacterial cellulose in situ

A research team has developed a novel method for fabricating functional bacterial cellulose through in situ fermentation of Komagataeibacter sucrofermentans. The new approach provides environmentally friendly conditions, lower production costs, and controlled distribution of functional moieties.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 28, 2019
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Penn engineer's 'metallic wood' has the strength of titanium and the density of water

Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new material called metallic wood that has the strength of titanium but is four to five times lighter. The material's porous structure can be infused with other materials, making it suitable for applications such as plane wings or prosthetic legs that also serve as batteries.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 28, 2019

Liverpool scientists design new responsive porous material inspired by proteins

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have synthesized a flexible crystalline porous material that can change its structure in response to its environment, mimicking the properties of proteins. This breakthrough enables the design of materials that can dynamically select the structure needed for specific tasks.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature·DateJan 9, 2019

The stiffest porous lightweight materials ever

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed porous lightweight materials that approach theoretical maximum stiffness, outperforming traditional truss-based structures. These novel plate-lattice materials are stiffer, stronger, and more efficient than their counterparts, opening up new possibilities for various applications.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 12, 2018

Capturing the surprising flexibility of crystal surfaces

Researchers observed flexible changes on crystal surfaces using real-time imaging, finding porous coordination polymer crystals can dynamically change shape when introduced to guest molecules. This property makes them attractive for developing devices that selectively adsorb gas molecules.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 3, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Structure of fossil-fuel source rocks is finally decoded

Researchers at MIT and partners have created detailed 3D images of kerogen's internal structure, improving predictions of oil and gas recovery. The study reveals that mature kerogen has smaller pores connected by a network allowing for easier extraction.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2018

Wood sponge soaks up oil from water (video)

Researchers have created wood sponges that selectively absorb oil from water, then can be squeezed out and used again. The sponges absorbed 16-41 times their own weight in oil, comparable to or better than other reported absorbents.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 24, 2018
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Scientists develop unique materials to repair damaged organs and tissue

Researchers at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University create three-dimensional porous material made of collagen and chitosan to restore bone tissue after trauma or illness. The material stimulates natural tissue growth, eliminating the need for lifelong medication.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalCell and Tissue Biology·DateAug 6, 2018

Harmful dyes in lakes, rivers can become colorless with new, sponge-like material

A team at the University of Washington has developed a sustainable method to remove color from dyes in water using a sponge-like material created from wood pulp and palladium. This process can alter the dye structure and change its color to clear, allowing plants to grow normally again.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·DateAug 1, 2018

Controlling the manufacture of stable aerogels

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a new approach to create soft, porous materials with controlled porosity. By controlling the self-assembly of molecules, they were able to form an ultralight aerogel with permanent porosity, opening up potential applications in building insulation, energy storage and aerospace technologies.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 12, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.