Rice chemists gain edge in next-gen energy
Rice chemists create a nanoporous film of molybdenum disulfide for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction and energy storage, with potential applications in fuel cells and supercapacitors.
Porous Materials
Articles tagged with Porous Materials
Grooving crystal surfaces repel water
Scientists at Kyoto University create porous coordination polymers (PCPs) with exterior surface grooves to repel water, allowing for stable gas storage and separation. The new materials demonstrate selectivity in isolating organic molecules from mixtures, overcoming a major drawback of traditional PCPs.
SourceInstitute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 2, 2014
Free pores for molecule transport
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology researchers found that corrosion of MOF layers on the surface causes surface barriers, which limit their application opportunities. Water plays a central role in this process, and water-free synthesis strategies are proposed to prevent these barriers.
A noble gas cage
A new porous material called CC3 effectively traps radioactive krypton and xenon gases from nuclear fuel, using less energy than conventional methods. The material's selectivity is higher than other experimental materials, making it a promising solution for removing unwanted elements.
New materials for future green tech devices
Researchers have discovered a way to create thermoelectric materials with low thermal conductivity by incorporating porous substances. This design allows for more efficient conversion of heat to electricity, making it a promising material for future green tech devices.
Silicon sponge improves lithium-ion battery performance
Researchers developed a porous silicon material to replace traditional graphite in lithium-ion batteries, allowing for more energy storage capacity and longer runtime. The new material maintained over 80% of its initial capacity after 1,000 charge-and-discharge cycles.
New material improves wound healing, keeps bacteria from sticking
A new material has been developed to improve wound healing and prevent bacterial infections, leading to faster recovery times compared to existing commercial dressings. The material was tested on mice and showed complete wound healing within two weeks.
Sunlight generates hydrogen in new porous silicon
Researchers at Penn State have developed a method to manufacture porous silicon using solar energy, which can generate hydrogen from water when exposed to sunlight. The material's high surface area and nanoscale size enable it to act as an effective catalyst, aiding in the production of hydrogen gas.
New device stores electricity on silicon chips
Researchers develop novel supercapacitor design using porous silicon and graphene coating, enabling over two orders of magnitude improvement in energy density. The device has the potential to power consumer electronics and renewable energy systems.
Uncovering liquid foam's bubbly acoustics
Researchers discovered liquid foams have low effective sound velocities, ranging from 20 to 60 meters per second, lower than its constituents. The type of foaming solution influences acoustic properties, with shaving foam showing a higher effective sound velocity.
'Chemical architects' build materials with potential applications in drug delivery and gas storage
University of Pittsburgh researchers design a family of ultra-porous materials with potential applications in drug delivery, gas storage, and industrial separations. The materials' high porosity could enable more efficient pharmaceutical delivery into the human body and lower-cost industrial separations.
Discovery of new material state counterintuitive to laws of physics
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have found a way to make a material expand instead of compress under pressure. This counterintuitive discovery could lead to the creation of new porous framework materials with unique properties.
SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 12, 2013
Cry me a river of possibility: Scientists design new adaptive material inspired by tears
Researchers at Harvard University developed a tunable material system that can adapt to different environments, functions like self-adjusting contact lenses, pipelines, and textile materials. The bioinspired material is a continuous liquid film that changes shape in response to deformation, offering fine control over various properties.
SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 8, 2013
USF and KAUST chemists develop efficient material for carbon capture
Researchers have discovered a highly efficient material for capturing CO2, which could make clean-coal technology more efficient and reduce energy costs. The breakthrough material, SIFSIX-1-Cu, is less expensive and reusable than existing materials, with the potential to improve air quality and combat climate change.
Gap geometry grasped
A new algorithm analyzes void space in sphere packing to study the geometry of liquids and their flow through porous media. The method can also be applied to protein structure analysis, revealing key quantities such as buried cavity sizes and solvent accessibility.
Disappearing act
Researchers from Northwestern University and others demonstrate 'transient electronics' that dissolve in a well-controlled manner. These biocompatible devices could be used for medical implants, environmental monitors, or military applications, offering advantages over conventional electronics.
World record: Scientists from northern Germany produce the lightest material in the world
Researchers from Kiel University and Hamburg University of Technology have developed Aerographite, a three-dimensionally interwoven porous carbon tube material that is incredibly strong yet extremely light. The material has unique properties, including being electrically conductive, ductile, and non-transparent.
Researchers create 'rubber-band electronics'
Scientists have developed a design that allows electronics to bend and stretch up to 200%, overcoming the major obstacle of rigid electronics. This breakthrough enables medical monitoring devices to track vital signs and transmit them wirelessly, opening up new possibilities for patient care.
Faster, cheaper gas and liquid separation using custom designed and built mesoscopic structures
Researchers at Kyoto University's iCeMS have developed a process to create custom-designed porous coordination polymer architectures for high-efficiency, low-cost gas and liquid separation. The new method, called 'reverse fossilization,' transforms inorganic materials into organic structures with preserved shape and form.
SourceInstitute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 24, 2012
Potential carbon capture role for new CO2-absorbing material
Researchers have developed a novel porous material with unique carbon dioxide retention properties, which could be used in new carbon capture products to reduce emissions from fossil fuel processes. The material's structure allows selective adsorption of CO2, even at low temperatures.
Light-induced delivery of nitric oxide eradicates drug-resistant bacteria
A team of researchers at UCSC has developed a photoactive compound that releases nitric oxide when exposed to light, eradicating highly resistant 'Iraqibacter' bacteria. The treatment was tested in laboratory models and showed promising results.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 30, 2012
Boston University researchers develop novel drug delivery system
Researchers at Boston University have developed a unique material and drug delivery mechanism that can slow the release of anti-cancer drugs over months. The system uses a biocompatible, porous polymer material with air pockets to prevent immediate release in case of water flooding.
SourceBoston University College of Engineering·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 31, 2012
Pitt researchers discover one of the most porous materials to date
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have created a new class of highly porous materials that can efficiently store large amounts of drug molecules or gas molecules, such as carbon dioxide or methane. This breakthrough has significant implications for alternative energy and the pharmaceutical industry.
Fast, cheap, and accurate: Detecting CO2 with a fluorescent twist
Researchers at Kyoto University have designed an inexpensive new material capable of quick and accurate detection of carbon dioxide gas. The compound gives off variable degrees of visible light in correspondence with different gas concentrations, enabling the development of easy-to-use monitoring devices.
SourceInstitute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 4, 2011
Effortless sailing with fluid flow cloak
Researchers at Duke University have demonstrated a theoretical ability to significantly increase the efficiency of ships by creating a 'fluid flow cloak' that tricks the surrounding water into staying still. The cloak uses porous materials and tiny pumps to push flowing water along, greatly reducing the energy needed to propel vessels.
Improving DNA sequencing: Sponge-like biosensor crams enormous power into tiny space
Engineers at Vanderbilt University created a 'spongy' silicon biosensor that detects small molecules with high sensitivity. The new sensor's porous structure increases its surface area, allowing it to capture more molecules than traditional sensors.
Enhanced electrical energy storage may result from professor's research
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have created a new porous, three-dimensional carbon that can be used as a greatly enhanced supercapacitor. This discovery offers promise for energy storage in various fields, including energy grids and electric cars.
New method for making tiny catalysts holds promise for air quality
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a simpler method to add iron to tiny carbon spheres, creating catalytic materials that can remove pollutants. The new technique uses ultrasonic spray pyrolysis and produces ash-free, inexpensive materials with potential applications for fuel cells and environmental remediation.
World records by UCLA chemists, Korean colleagues enhance ability to capture CO2
Researchers achieve world records for porosity and carbon dioxide storage capacity in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a crucial property for capturing heat-trapping emissions. The breakthrough could lead to cleaner energy and the development of synthetic genes to capture CO2.
Barrier to faster integrated circuits may be mere speed bump, scientists say
Researchers propose a mechanism for reducing 'roughening' in pSiCOH materials etched in fluorocarbon plasmas. The findings could help overcome scaling challenges in integrated circuit manufacturing.
'Ferropaper' is new technology for small motors, robots
Researchers at Purdue University have created a magnetic 'ferropaper' made from ordinary paper that can be used to make low-cost micromotors, tiny tweezers, and miniature speakers. The material is impregnated with iron oxide nanoparticles and can be controlled using a magnetic field.
Chemists offer new hydrogen purification method
Researchers have created a new class of porous materials that effectively separate hydrogen from complex gas mixtures. The materials exhibit superior performance in separating hydrogen from carbon dioxide and methane, increasing the efficiency of producing pure hydrogen.
Coming soon: Improved lithium ion batteries?
A team of scientists has developed a new material for anodes that can store more lithium ions than graphite, leading to improved battery performance. The highly porous silicon structure allows for rapid charging and discharging, enabling devices like mobile phones and laptops to run for longer periods.
Metal foam has a good memory
Researchers have developed a new class of magnetic shape-memory foams with improved strain capabilities. The porous alloy's structure amplifies the shape-change effect, making it suitable for tiny motion control devices or biomedical pumps without moving parts.
Advance by chemists may lead to better displays on laptop computers, cell phones
Researchers at UCLA have developed a new material that can produce polarized light, a key component for brighter displays in consumer electronics. The material uses aligned nanoscale pores to confine light and enhance lasing, making it 20 times easier to generate polarized light than traditional methods.
Acoustic noise contains valuable geophysical information
Researchers at Delft University of Technology and the Colorado School of Mines have developed a unified theory to extract meaningful signals from acoustic noise. This theory enables the determination of parameters in flowing media, viscous media, and electrokinetic coupling parameters of porous reservoir rock.
Dually porous glass shows promise in helping damaged bone regenerate
A new type of biocompatible glass with dual porosity has been developed to mimic the vital functions of bone, facilitating vascularization and cell adhesion. The glass has successfully tested in laboratory experiments and is being further investigated for its potential to stimulate bone regeneration.
Electronic life extension
A new electrode material has been developed that improves battery power and charge retention. The material, which combines nickel, cobalt, and manganese ions at regular intervals, allows for high rates of discharge and energy storage.
Crystal sponges excel at sopping up CO2
Researchers have invented a new class of materials called metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that can store vast amounts of carbon dioxide. One MOF, dubbed MOF-177, sops up 140% of its weight in CO2 at room temperature and reasonable pressure.
Purdue finding could help develop clean energy technology
The Purdue team used a unique method to study the oxidation of methane on a palladium catalyst, revealing that the rate is always the same regardless of the surface exposed. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient catalytic combustion technology, reducing pollution and improving energy efficiency.
MRI identifies cause of salt damage in cultural heritage
Researchers used MRI to study salt crystallisation in model systems and found that it causes damage in materials with small pores. The study provides new insights into the mechanism behind salt damage in building materials and stones.
Laboratory advances the art and science of aerogels
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a process to modify silica aerogels with silicon and transition metal compounds using chemical vapor techniques. This enhancement increases the aerogel's strength by four-fold while retaining its valuable porosity and density characteristics.
Staying on the path - One atom at a time
A new percolation model allows researchers to study cell signaling and track the movement of single atoms in complex pathways. This breakthrough enables fundamental chemical reactions to be observed at the molecular level in living cells.
New lightweight materials may yield safer buildings, longer-lasting tires
Researchers have developed new aerogel nanocomposites that are 100 times more resistant to breakage and almost totally insensitive to moisture. The materials could be used for a variety of applications including building insulation, impact-resistant automobile bumpers and lighter aircraft frames.
Smallest silicon particles light way for new sensors, materials
Purdue University researchers have developed a method to stabilize the surface of porous silicon, enabling its use in creating new types of drug-delivery systems and biological sensors. By functionalizing the surface with specific chemicals, scientists can tailor the material's response to specific chemical environments or cues.
'Rainbow metal,' similar to opal, suggests light-steering computer parts and catalysts
Researchers at the University of Delaware have created a porous, rainbow-colored metal that acts like a prism, diffracting a spectrum of colors. The material's tiny holes are 20,000 times smaller than existing metal meshes and could be used to steer light in photooptic computer components.
Research models high-efficiency materials in air filters
Researchers found that new high-efficiency filter materials can lead to uneven contaminant distribution and reduced efficiency when used in devices with high airflow rates. Manufacturers of vacuum cleaners and other air-filtering devices can improve performance by running products at lower speeds or increasing filter size.
Porous Silicon Joining Humans To Machines
Researchers at De Montfort University discovered a porous version of silicon with potential for biocompatibility, allowing for the transmission of signals between mechanical devices and human tissue. This breakthrough could lead to innovative applications in sensing and prosthetics.
Some, Like Russian Dolls, Fit Inside Each Other: Self-Assembled Nanospheres May Be Helpful Against Disease Or Terrorism, Or As Fillers And Coatings
Researchers have created self-assembling nanospheres that can control the release of drugs and have superior characteristics to traditional fillers. These durable silica spheres range in size from 2-50 nanometers and can absorb organic and inorganic substances, making them useful for various applications.
Porous "Nanobubblepack" Materials Discovered
Researchers have developed a new class of porous materials, called nanobubblepack, with ordered crystal-like arrangements of ultra-small spherical spaces. They can produce these materials in a range of pore sizes and fill them with various substances.
Air Could Be The Secret To Faster Computers
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have created aerogels with a dielectric constant of 1.0, making them ideal insulators for computer chips. The new materials could double computing speeds and be used by industry within five years.
Light-Emitting Silicon Coupled With Conventional Circuitry
Engineers have successfully integrated a porous silicon light-emitting diode into conventional microelectronic circuitry, creating an all-silicon system that can process both light and electricity. The breakthrough strengthens the material to withstand manufacturing processes, making it more suitable for mass production.