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Robust and ultralow-energy-threshold ignition of lean fuels by an ultrashort-pulsed laser

Researchers successfully ignite lean methane/air mixtures using intense fs-lasers, achieving a 100% ignition success rate with sub-mJ energy. The approach has general applicability to complex combustion conditions and provides possibilities for ultrafast physical/chemical processes investigation.

Thin layer protects battery, allows cold charging

A self-assembling monolayer of electrochemically active molecules protects the surface of the lithium anode, preventing dendritic growth and increasing cycle life. This technology enables cold charging and quick-charging capabilities in lithium metal batteries.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Energy·DateAug 25, 2020

KIER raised possibilities for urban use of ultralight flexible CIGS thin film solar cell

The Korea Institute of Energy Research has successfully developed a lightweight and flexible CIGS thin-film solar cell on polymer substrate with an efficiency of 20.4%, surpassing the existing highest efficiency of 20.8%. The researchers introduced a new low-temperature film formation technology to enhance device efficiencies.

A better building block for creating new materials

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a way to synthesize organic 'Legos' that can be easily connected to make new materials. The new method uses electricity to create thin films of 2D sheets stacked in multiple layers, resulting in lightweight and heat-tolerant materials with enhanced properties.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 28, 2020

Researchers use remote sensing to estimate nitrogen deposition in North China

The study estimated nitrogen deposition in northern China using a combination of remote sensing data and atmospheric chemical transport model simulations, revealing an average flux of 54.5 kg N per hectare. This represents 10% of the annual nitrogen application for winter wheat-summer maize rotation in the region.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJan 6, 2020

Discovery of the oldest evidence of mobility on Earth

An international team has uncovered fossilized traces of motility in a 2.1 billion-year-old fossil deposit in Gabon, shedding light on the evolution of life on Earth. The discovery provides evidence of sophisticated multicellular organisms that could move through their mud in search of nutrients.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2019

'Pinning down' how salty droplets dry

Scientists at Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a method to pin the edge of drying droplets, creating various geometric patterns. By adding microscopic latex particles to salt solution droplets, they can achieve controlled re-crystallization and form beautiful snowflake-like patterns.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 22, 2018

Looking inside the lithium battery's black box

Researchers at Columbia University have used Stimulated Raman Scattering microscopy to directly observe ion transport in electrolytes for the first time. They discovered a lithium deposition process with three stages: no depletion, partial depletion, and full depletion of lithium ions. The study also found a feedback mechanism between ...

Strain-free epitaxy of germanium film on mica

Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute successfully grow strain-free germanium films on mica using van der Waals forces, overcoming the challenge of lattice mismatch. This breakthrough enables the growth of relaxed films with potential applications in high-efficiency solar cells and advanced electronic devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateNov 17, 2017

Microfluidics probe 'cholesterol' of the oil industry

Researchers at Rice University have developed microfluidic devices to study the interaction between asphaltene and dispersants, revealing that smaller particles are more likely to stick together. The study found that dispersants can break down deposits by increasing repulsion between aggregates, creating softer asphaltenes.

SourceRice University·JournalEnergy & Fuels·DateOct 20, 2017

Hamburg researchers develop new transistor concept

Researchers at the University of Hamburg have developed a new transistor concept based on metal nanoparticles, which exhibit energy gap properties due to Coulomb repulsion. This approach enables scalable synthesis, high-quality thin films and flexible devices with adjustable electrical characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Hamburg·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 14, 2017