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High-throughput inkless printing: Laser-generated dry aerosols enable green manufacturing of electronics

Researchers have developed Laser Ablation Dry Aerosol Printing (LADAP) that generates nanoparticles from solid targets using pulsed laser ablation, enabling the printing of metals and oxides without inks. The technique produces structures with fine-resolution microstructures and thick deposition within a high-throughput process.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateOct 16, 2025

Two hundred times better catalysts thanks to carbon

Scientists have discovered that adding carbon to metal nanoparticles makes them 200 times more active, which could lead to significant cost savings and improved efficiency in industrial processes. The discovery was made possible by precise measurements and simulations of the interaction between metal nanoparticles and a carbon substrate.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2024

Turning silver to gold: A diacetylene derivative-based metallic luster materials

Scientists create diacetylene derivative-based luster materials with tunable colors and metallic lusters, opening new possibilities for applications in jewelry, printing inks, and cosmetics. The developed material can express a golden luster selectively using light irradiation, minimizing environmental footprint and weight.

SourceChiba University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2024

Early medieval money mystery solved

A team of researchers analyzed 49 silver coins from the Fitzwilliam Museum and found a chemical and isotopic signature matching third- to seventh-century silver from the Byzantine Empire. The study reveals a surge in trade involving these silver coins between 660 and 750 AD, which had a significant impact on people's lives. Later analy...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAntiquity·DateApr 8, 2024

Common wristbands ‘hotbed’ for harmful bacteria including E. coli, staphylococcus

A study by Florida Atlantic University found that nearly all wristbands (95%) are contaminated with harmful bacteria, including E. coli and staphylococcus. The study suggests using metal types like gold and silver, which had little to no bacteria, and recommends regular sanitizing of wristbands, especially after gym activities.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAdvances in Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2023

Gentle method allows for eco-friendly recycling of solar cells

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed a new recycling method for solar cells that uses acidic solutions to separate precious metals. The process recovers up to 100% of the silver and 85% of the indium, making it more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than traditional methods.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalSolar Energy Materials and Solar Cells·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2023

New study reveals design clues for silver-based superatomic molecules

Researchers from Japan have synthesized two di-superatomic molecules composed of Ag and evaluated the factors involved in their formation. The study found that a twist between the two icosahedral structures stabilizes the nanocluster by shortening the distance between them. Additionally, the presence of Pd and Pt central atoms was foun...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2023

Nano-sensor detects pesticides on fruit in minutes

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed nano-sensors that can detect pesticide residues on fruit surfaces in just five minutes. The sensors use flame-sprayed nanoparticles made from silver to increase the signal of chemicals, overcoming high production costs and limited batch-to-batch reproducibility.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJun 7, 2022

Anti-odor coating is no washout

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a cost-effective and convenient method to apply an antimicrobial silver coating to textiles using polyphenols found in wine and chocolate. The coating maintains its properties even after multiple washes and has potential applications in hospitals and other sterile environments.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2022

Precious metal commodities can enhance investment portfolio performance, say Pusan National University researchers

A study published in Applied Economics analyzed the relationship between precious metal commodities and equity markets, revealing that gold and aluminum are the most desirable metals for investment. The research also found that copper and zinc have the largest spillovers on global equity indices.

SourcePusan National University·JournalApplied Economics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2022

Printing a better microgrid

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new particle-free silver microgrid conductor that surpasses traditional indium tin oxide (ITO) in flexible high-performance transparent electrodes. The microgrids demonstrate better transparency, lower roughness, and mechanical durability.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalACS Applied Electronic Materials·DateJun 2, 2021

Silver ions hurry up, then wait as they disperse

Researchers at Rice University reveal a two-step process by which silver ions are released from nanoparticles, with the possibility of stabilizing the alloy through gold manipulation. The discovery could lead to the development of new catalysts and materials for various applications.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 22, 2021

High strength through hierarchy

Researchers develop hierarchical structure for lightweight materials by self-organization, creating a new type of exceptionally strong yet light material. The material's open network structure results in an impressive density reduction and mechanical properties superior to state-of-the-art materials.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon·JournalScience·DateMar 4, 2021

Weak force has strong impact on nanosheets

Rice University scientists found that van der Waals force can indent rigid nanosheets, changing their electromagnetic properties. The researchers discovered that the force is sufficient to deform 8-nanometer-thick silver sheets into curvilinear structures with potential applications in nanophotonic research and catalytic systems.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 15, 2020

A spicy silver lining

Researchers developed a simple, low-cost method to synthesize silver nanoparticles using habanero peppers. The process utilizes the antioxidant properties of the peppers to reduce silver ions, resulting in stable nanoparticles with potential applications in optics, biosensing, and antimicrobial coatings.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Nanophotonics·DateSep 3, 2020

Research sheds light on how silver ions kill bacteria

Researchers used advanced imaging to study proteins at the molecular level in live E. coli bacteria. Silver ions caused paired DNA strands to separate and protein binding to weaken, resulting in faster protein movement. This new understanding could help develop better antibiotics using silver nanoparticles.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateApr 9, 2020

Mystery solved: The origin of the colors in the first color photographs

Researchers at CNRS/Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle/Ministère de la Culture have solved the mystery of the world's first colour photographs. They found that colours were due to the presence of metallic silver nanoparticles, which reorganise according to light energy, absorbing all colours except their own.

SourceCNRS·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 30, 2020

Inventing the world's strongest silver

Researchers create metal that is 42 percent stronger than previous record while maintaining electrical conductivity. The team's discovery combines nanocrystalline and nanotwinned structures to overcome traditional trade-offs between strength and conductivity.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 2, 2019