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Porous materials make it possible to have nanotechnology under control

Researchers develop MOF, a hybrid material with porosity, enabling control over metallic nanostructures and their applications in catalysis and battery stabilization. The innovative methodology allows for precise control of material design, paving the way for diverse uses of these materials.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalDalton Transactions·DateMay 17, 2018

Scientists discover how a pinch of salt can improve battery performance

Researchers created 3D hierarchically organised carbon structures using a supermolecular sponge and salt, enabling rapid charging and high capacities in Lithium-ion batteries. These nano-diatoms could also be used as electrocatalysts for hydrogen production.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 14, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mimicking a sweet solution to mop up pollution

Scientists at KAUST have created a 3D porous material with repeating patterns of interconnected pores using a simple method. The film, made from polystyrene-b-poly(tertbutyl acrylate), shows promise for applications such as virus filtration and biological scaffolds.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 11, 2018

Lining MOF pockets to detect noxious gases

A team of scientists at KAUST created a porous material with tailor-made pockets to sense noxious gases, offering a promising step toward real-world devices that can monitor air quality. The MOF-based sensor can detect sulfur dioxide at concentrations as low as parts per billion in lab tests.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateMay 3, 2018

World's oldest insect inspires a new generation of aerogels

A team of international scientists has created a new form of highly-efficient, low-cost insulation based on the wings of a dragonfly. The material is ultralight and porous, with a piece weighing less than a kilogram, and can be replicated at an affordable cost.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 25, 2018

A UC3M study analyzes the keys to fragmentation of metallic materials

A UC3M study identifies inertia effects as key mechanisms controlling dynamic fragmentation in ductile metallic materials. This knowledge can improve manufacturing processes, reduce costs, and enhance the quality of protective structures used in industries such as nuclear power plants and aerospace sector.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·DateApr 9, 2018
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.

For energy experts, new method is a gas

Researchers have created a novel non-invasive method to quantify untapped natural gas reservoirs by analyzing the compositional distribution on porous surfaces inside shale rocks. This method provides both average and deviation values of material properties, aiding decision-making in the industry.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 26, 2018

Novel material cuts cost of substance purification for industry

A Brazilian startup has developed a porous silica magnetic microparticle that can selectively adsorb different molecules, allowing for efficient purification of substances in various industries. This technology reduces production costs by skipping filtration or centrifugation stages, resulting in lower costs and shorter production times.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateJan 24, 2018

TU Wien develops new semiconductor processing technology

Researchers at TU Wien have developed a method to manufacture porous silicon carbide structures with controlled porosity, opening up new possibilities for sensor technology, optical components, and biological applications. The technique allows for the creation of micro- and nanostructures with unique properties.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalAPL Materials·DateJan 22, 2018

Scientists develop a new material for manipulating molecules

Scientists have developed a novel porous material with controlled porosity, which can store and separate molecules. This breakthrough material has the potential to improve catalysis, gas adsorption, and electronic conductivity, marking a significant turning point in various scientific fields.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalScience·DateJan 17, 2018
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.

Toward designing/controlling flexibility of MOFs

Scientists at Sun Yat-Sen University present advances in controlling the flexibility of MOFs for improved performance. They summarize strategies for designing/synthesizing flexible MOFs with specified structural response and dynamic behavior towards external stimuli.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateDec 26, 2017

Shape separates substance

Japanese researchers developed a novel phase-field model to study phase separation in binary mixtures within porous materials. The model revealed a clear relationship between demixing and wetness, influenced by the topology of the pore structure.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 22, 2017
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Evaluation of novel hybrid membranes for carbon capture

Hybrid mixed matrix membranes show resilience to industrial gas impurities, allowing effective CO2 capture. This finding is crucial for natural gas sweetening and post-combustion carbon capture applications.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalJournal of Membrane Science·DateNov 17, 2017

Funding of millions for TU Graz-lead projects from university owned funds

TU Graz is awarding €2 million to the 'Mechanics, Modeling and Simulation of Aortic Dissection' project and €1.5 million to the 'Porous Materials @ Work' project to advance research in biomechanics and materials sciences. The funding will support the development of simulation models and algorithms to diagnose and treat aortic dissections.

SourceGraz University of Technology·DateOct 30, 2017

A new way to test body armor

Scientists at NIST have developed a new way to test high-performance fibers used in body armor, revealing critical damage mechanisms that lead to degradation. The technique uses positron beam analysis to characterize fiber structure, enabling the creation of more comfortable and effective vests.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Polymer Science·DateOct 17, 2017

Hints from hemoglobin lead to better carbon monoxide storage

Researchers have created a new material that can absorb carbon monoxide more effectively than other materials, with potential applications in syngas production and reactions where CO is an unwanted contaminant. The material uses less energy to capture and reuse CO compared to existing technologies.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateSep 11, 2017
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.

High-tech electronics made from autumn leaves

A new method converts tree leaves into porous carbon materials for use in high-tech electronics. The resulting supercapacitors exhibit remarkable electrical properties and potential applications in computer technology and hybrid vehicles.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateAug 29, 2017

Getting closer to porous, light-responsive materials

Researchers developed a light-responsive crystalline material that overcomes previous challenges in creating 'photoresponsive' materials. The material changes its porous nature when exposed to light, allowing for repeatable and reversible changes.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 26, 2017

Better cathode materials for lithium-sulphur-batteries

Researchers have developed a new cathode material that uses porous Ti4O7 nanoparticles to confine polysulfides, resulting in high specific capacity and stable performance. This material has the potential to replace expensive and toxic heavy-metal compounds used in traditional lithium-sulphur batteries.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 17, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Erasable ink for 3-D printing

Scientists at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology create a method to erase the ink used for 3D printing, allowing for the creation of structures that can be modified repeatedly. The technology has numerous applications in biology and materials sciences.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMay 2, 2017

Embryo development, gene scissors and self-squeezing sponges

Three TU Dresden scientists, Prof. Stephan Grill, Frank Buchholz, and Stefan Kaskel, receive significant ERC Advanced Grants to advance research in embryo development, efficient genetic surgery, and pressure amplifying materials with potential applications in energy and environmental technologies

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·DateApr 12, 2017

Seaweed: From superfood to superconductor

Researchers have developed a seaweed-derived material to improve the performance of superconductors, lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells. The material has shown high capacitance as a superconductor material and can be used in zinc-air batteries and supercapacitors.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 5, 2017

Looking for the next leap in rechargeable batteries

Researchers created a new membrane that improves the cycle life of lithium-sulfur batteries by reducing the shuttling of dissolved polysulfides. The MCM layer preserves energy density without losing capacity over time, leading to 100% capacity retention and up to four times longer life compared to batteries without it.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateFeb 17, 2017
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Delivering a power punch

A KAUST research team created integrated microsupercapacitors with three-dimensional porous electrodes, achieving high energy density of 200 microwatt-hours per square centimeter. The devices outperform state-of-the-art microsupercapacitors and thin film batteries, offering promising applications for self-powered sensors and IoT systems.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateDec 5, 2016

Enabling direct carbon capture

Researchers develop fluorine-containing MOF for selective carbon dioxide capture, suitable for air and industrial applications. The material's unique geometry allows for efficient trapping of CO2 even at very low concentrations.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 26, 2016

Recharging on stable, amorphous silicon

Researchers have developed a porous amorphous silicon modification that compensates for the disadvantages of crystalline silicon in lithium ion batteries. The resulting material exhibits excellent electrochemical characteristics with a capacity three times better than graphite and much longer cycling stability.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 11, 2016
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.

New kind of supercapacitor made without carbon

Researchers at MIT have developed a new class of materials for supercapacitors that can produce more power than existing carbon-based versions. The material, called Ni3(hexaiminotriphenylene)2, is highly porous and conducts ions well, making it suitable for use in energy storage devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 10, 2016

A nerve agent antidote that could be taken before an attack

Scientists have created a potential nerve agent antidote that can be taken before an attack, offering hope for soldiers and others exposed to these molecular weapons. The enzyme-based antidote was encapsulated in a porous metal-organic framework, enhancing its staying power and effectiveness.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 5, 2016

Study reveals new physics of how fluids flow in porous media

Researchers visualized fluid-fluid displacement in porous media, revealing optimal wettability conditions for efficient displacement. The findings could improve carbon sequestration, oil recovery, and fuel cell performance.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 23, 2016

Map helps maximize carbon-capture material

Researchers at Rice University have developed a recipe to make carbon capture materials the best they can be. Experiments showed that once a sorbent material achieved a surface area of 2,800 square meters per gram, neither more surface area nor larger pores made it more efficient at capturing carbon dioxide.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateAug 22, 2016
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.

Finding a new formula for concrete

Researchers at MIT have designed a new bioinspired framework to improve concrete's strength and durability. By studying natural materials such as bones and shells, they have developed guidelines for engineers to design cement with precise control over its internal structure and properties.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·DateMay 26, 2016

Video: Morphing metal shapes future of soft robotics

Cornell University engineers have developed a hybrid material combining stiff metal and soft rubber foam for dynamic shape changes, self-healing and improved load-bearing capabilities. The material features a unique ability to melt and reform, mimicking the flexibility of an octopus.

SourceCornell University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 21, 2016

How to make porous materials dry faster

Researchers found that subtle changes in the air-water interface shape near the surface of capillaries significantly impact drying rates. By controlling microstructure, drying time can be improved. The study's findings could lead to more efficient porous materials for various industries.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMar 9, 2016
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.

New approaches for hybrid solar cells

Researchers at TUM developed a new method to produce extremely thin and robust, yet highly porous semiconductor layers using nanostructured germanium. These layers can be custom tailored with organic polymers to create hybrid materials suitable for small solar cells or batteries.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 7, 2015

New membrane may solve fresh water shortages

Researchers at Hiroshima University have developed a new ultra-thin layered membrane that separates salt from seawater to produce fresh water through reverse osmosis. The membrane is heat-resistant and resistant to chlorine, making it suitable for desalination plants.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalJournal of Membrane Science·DateNov 29, 2015

Cereal science

Researchers at San Diego State University have discovered a new phenomenon in materials science using puffed rice cereal. They found that highly porous, brittle materials can deform differently depending on compaction velocity, with three distinct deformation patterns emerging at low, medium, and high velocities.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 18, 2015

Shocking new way to get the salt out

A new approach to desalination, called shock electrodialysis, uses an electrically driven shockwave to separate salty and fresh water streams, allowing easy separation without filters or boiling. This method can be scaled up for large-scale seawater desalination and may also sterilize contaminated water.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateNov 12, 2015
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

What smacks into Ceres stays on Ceres, research suggests

Researchers found that impacts on Ceres tend to retain large proportions of material, suggesting a homogeneous surface composed of meteoritic material collected over billions of years. This could have implications for asteroid sample return missions and require careful landing site selection.

SourceBrown University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 14, 2015

Solar energy: Hydrogen for all seasons

Chemists at LMU München have created a new class of porous organic materials that can be used as molecularly tunable photocatalysts for light-driven hydrogen gas production. These materials exhibit features facilitating photocatalytic processes and offer a combination of practicality and efficiency.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 30, 2015
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.

Science provides new way to peer into pores

Rice University researchers have developed a new technique to characterize the space within porous materials, allowing them to measure dimensions and dynamics at the nanoscale. This breakthrough could improve protein separation processes for the pharmaceutical industry.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 9, 2015

Carnegie Mellon chemists characterize 3-D macroporous hydrogels

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed two novel methods to characterize 3-dimensional macroporous hydrogels, a promising material for creating responsive catalysts and tissue engineering scaffolds. The team successfully visualized the reversible porous structure within these materials using noninvasive X-ray microscopy.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJun 30, 2015

Framework materials yield to pressure

Researchers demonstrate a novel approach for generating new phases using high-pressure crystallographic studies of molecular materials. The study reveals the structural changes in α-Co(dca)2 under pressure, shedding light on its correlation with magnetic properties.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalActa Crystallographica Section B·DateJun 11, 2015

Trees are source for high-capacity, soft and elastic batteries

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a method to create an elastic, foam-like battery material from nanocellulose broken down from tree fibres. This material can withstand shock and stress, enabling the storage of significantly more power in less space than conventional batteries.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 2, 2015
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.

An inexpensive rival to graphene aerogels

Researchers created a cheap alternative to graphene aerogels for electromagnetic absorption, with properties similar to graphene aerogels. The new material has low loss and wide effective bandwidth, making it suitable for various applications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 2, 2015

3-D printing technique explored to help treat type 1 diabetes

Researchers developed a 3D printing technique to create scaffolds for insulin-producing cells, which showed full functionality and improved transplantation success rates. The bioplotting method enabled the creation of porous structures that facilitated glucose and insulin exchange, while protecting the cells from the immune system.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBiofabrication·DateMay 27, 2015

Catalyst destroys common toxic nerve agents quickly

A new zirconium-based metal-organic framework (MOF) material has been developed to destroy toxic nerve agents like Soman (GD) and VX, with degradation rates of under three minutes. The material's effectiveness is attributed to its unique zirconium node and porous MOF structure.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 16, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Study shows how planetary building blocks evolved from porous to hard objects

A team of scientists found that collisions helped transform initially porous materials into solid asteroids and meteorites by absorbing energy in the porous matrix. This process likely occurred due to electrostatics and shock waves generated by high-velocity collisions, resulting in a cosmic speed limit for colliding objects.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2015