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SNU researchers develop ‘Selective Metal Films Deposition Technique’ enabling fabrication of soft electronics with various form factors

The research team developed a printing-based selective metal thin film deposition technique, enabling the fabrication of high-performance soft electronic devices and circuits in various forms. The method utilizes polymer patterns to block metal vapor condensation, allowing for patterning on multi-curvature or elastic substrates.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2024

Why petting your cat leads to static electricity

Researchers at Northwestern University have finally uncovered the mechanics of static electricity generated by rubbing objects together, explaining how forces on different parts of an object create electrical charges and a current. This breakthrough could lead to new solutions for industrial fires, pharmaceutical dosing, and other issu...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 18, 2024

Researchers create the first comprehensive characterization of the extraordinary thermoelectric properties of cadmium arsenide thin films

Scientists have discovered a material that can harness waste heat, increasing energy efficiency and sustainability. The researchers found that thinner cadmium arsenide films exhibit higher thermoelectric sensitivity, allowing for more efficient cooling in cryogenic environments.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 27, 2024

Breakthrough research uncovers hidden phenomena in ultra-clean quantum materials

Researchers have discovered unusual transport phenomena in ultra-clean SrVO3 samples, contradicting long-standing scientific consensus. The study's findings challenge theoretical models of electron correlation effects and offer insights into the behavior of transparent metals.

Magnesium still has the potential to become an efficient hydrogen store

A Swiss-Polish team has found the answer to why previous attempts to use magnesium hydride for efficient hydrogen storage failed. The researchers developed a new model that predicts local, thermodynamically stable clusters are formed in magnesium during hydrogen injection, reducing hydrogen ion mobility.

Magnetization by laser pulse

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have identified a promising phenomenon where certain iron alloys can be magnetized using ultrashort laser pulses. The team has now expanded its findings to an iron-vanadium alloy, revealing a new class of materials with potential applications in spintronics and magnetic sensors.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2023

New quantum effect demonstrated for the first time: Spinaron, a rugby in a ball pit

Scientists at the University of Würzburg validated an alternate theory proposing the spinaron effect, where individual cobalt atoms exhibit perpetual motion and interact with electrons in a unique manner. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in magnetic information encoding and transportation, making IT more energy-efficient.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2023

Science in the kitchen

Researchers from the University of Warsaw explore how kitchen phenomena lead to breakthroughs in biomedicine and nanotechnology. They describe bubbles in champagne, Leidenfrost effect, and surface tension, revealing surprising connections between food science and scientific discoveries.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalReviews of Modern Physics·DateJun 22, 2023

Producing large, clean 2D materials made easy: just KISS

Researchers have developed a simple method to produce large and very clean 2D samples from a range of materials using three different substrates. The kinetic in situ single-layer synthesis (KISS) technique allows for the production of air-sensitive 2D materials, overcoming the drawbacks of previous methods.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2023

‘Gluing’ soft materials without glue (video)

Scientists have discovered a universal method to bond soft materials together using electricity, eliminating the need for traditional adhesives. The new technique, called electroadhesion, uses oppositely charged materials to form strong bonds that can withstand gravity and last for years.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 3, 2023

Stanford scientists illuminate barrier to next-generation battery that charges very quickly

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new understanding of how nanoscale defects and mechanical stress cause solid electrolytes to fail. By studying over 60 experiments, they found that ceramics often contain tiny cracks on their surface, which can lead to short circuits during fast charging. The discovery could pave the ...

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023

Gold-based passive heating for eyewear

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a gold-based transparent coating that absorbs infrared radiation selectively, heating up to 8 degrees Celsius. The coating is thinner, pliable, and more efficient than traditional antifogging methods, requiring minimal gold material costs.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022

Magnetism or no magnetism? The influence of substrates on electronic interactions

Researchers at Monash University found that electric fields and applied strain can turn magnetism on and off in two-dimensional metal-organic frameworks. This discovery could lead to applications in magnetic memory, spintronics, and quantum computing.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·Journalnpj Computational Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 9, 2022

Surfaces at realistic conditions

The Replica Exchange Grand Canonical (REGC) method describes how surfaces change in contact with reactive gas phases under different temperature and pressure conditions. The approach identifies 25 thermodynamically stable surface phases and predicts stability phase diagrams for real systems.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2022

Tonga volcano eruption was among the most powerful ever observed, triggering atmospheric gravity waves that reached the edge of space

The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai submarine volcano eruption created the largest recorded volcanic explosion, producing massive gravity and atmospheric waves that reverberated around the earth. The study, published in Nature, highlights the importance of this event for improving weather and climate models.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateJun 30, 2022

The platinum riddle

Researchers have solved a long-standing puzzle in surface physics, explaining how individual atoms of a catalyst capture molecules to transform them. The breakthrough reveals that both the catalyst and its anchor material assume energetically unfavorable states for a short time to facilitate the reaction.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

CityU new structured thermal armour achieves liquid cooling above 1,000°C; solves challenge presented by Leidenfrost effect since 1756

Researchers have designed a novel thermal armour that successfully inhibits the Leidenfrost effect up to 1,150°C and achieves efficient liquid cooling across a wide temperature range. The breakthrough has significant implications for applications in aerospace, space engineering, and next-generation nuclear reactors.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2022

Surface science methodology reveals relaxation and failure mechanisms of energy storage devices

A research team from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics discovered the critical surface/interface behaviors governing ESDs' operation and failure. They visualized atmosphere-dependent relaxation and failure processes using in situ Raman, X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 29, 2021

A CARE-ing route to advanced nanoelectronics

Osaka University researchers developed an ultra-thin film of magnetite with superior crystallinity and conductive properties, overcoming challenges in spintronics technology. The discovery enables the film to undergo a temperature-dependent resistivity change, crucial for implementation in quantum computing technologies.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2021

Anticorrosion coating sets new benchmark

Researchers created a sulfur-selenium alloy that outperforms traditional coatings in protecting steel from corrosion and oxidation. The material's self-healing properties allow it to recover from scratches and damage, making it suitable for infrastructure applications.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021