Thin Films
Articles tagged with Thin Films
New method reveals hidden proton transport pathways in ultrathin polymer films
Researchers developed a method to separate and quantify proton transport at individual interfaces in ultrathin ionomer films, enabling the evaluation of interfacial transport properties. The study revealed that proton transport at different interfaces is of a similar order of magnitude.
Sustainable carbon additives offer eco-friendly solution to $2.5 trillion global corrosion problem
Researchers are exploring the use of sustainable carbon-based additives to replace toxic coatings and prevent corrosion on modern steel infrastructure. The proposed solutions aim to reduce environmental damage while protecting infrastructure worth over $2.5 trillion annually.
Printed oxygen "highways" shatter the 2D transistor speed limit
A research team has successfully removed the primary obstacle to post-silicon computing by creating a record-breaking electronic connection for atomic-thin materials. The new GaOx layer enables 'hybrid tunnelling' mechanism, reducing contact resistance and allowing transistors to operate at much lower voltages without sacrificing speed.
Hemp waste biocomposites offer a lower-carbon alternative for packaging and agricultural films
New study finds anaerobic digestion of hemp hurd-based bioplastic systems delivers the best environmental outcome, generating up to 6.1 kg less CO2 emissions per 1 kg mulch film treated. The production process significantly affects the final carbon footprint of biocomposites.
Hannover Messe: Thin polymer films – the material behind a new generation of pumps
Researchers at Saarland University have developed a new class of miniature actuators using ultrathin silicone film-based pumps. The pumps can operate without motors, compressed air, or lubricants and can be switched on and off as needed.
Electrocatalysts: New model for charge separation at the solid-liquid interface
Researchers developed a powerful model to understand charge separation at the interface, influencing catalytic activity. The model provides insights into the formation of electric double layers and local electric potential variations.
Water-soluble cellulose adhesive enables strong, reusable bonding across extreme conditions
Researchers have developed a water-soluble cellulose ethyl phosphite (CEP) adhesive that integrates high bonding strength, environmental tolerance, and recyclability. The CEP adhesive demonstrates remarkable thermal stability and resistance to moisture-related degradation, making it suitable for various applications.
Green tea and biochar combine to create smarter fertilizers that boost crops and cut emissions
A new study reveals a innovative fertilizer technology that combines biochar, natural polymers, and green-synthesized iron nanoparticles to release nutrients only when plants need them. The results show significant improvements in soil health and reduced environmental impacts.
Finnish researchers developed a new method for precise molecular thin film growth
Researchers from University of Jyväskylä and Aalto University develop area-selective atomic/molecular layer deposition of europium-organic thin films on graphene and other 2D materials. The method enables precise construction of films with different shapes, one molecule-thick layer at a time.
Mechanochemically modified biochar creates sustainable water repellent coating and powerful oil adsorbent
Researchers developed a solvent-free method to transform biochar into a hydrophobic material that repels water and absorbs oil. The material, created through mechanochemical functionalization, was applied to hemp fibers, providing strong water repellent properties while allowing oil absorption.
A dynamic twist of light’s ‘handedness’
The Harvard researchers' new device is elegantly designed to be tunable, with a bilayer design that becomes geometrically chiral and able to 'read' chiral light. By using the MEMS device to continuously vary the twist angle and interlayer spacing, the team showed they could tune the device's intrinsic ability to read different chiral l...
Jeonbuk National University researchers track mineral growth on bioorganic coatings in real time at nanoscale
Researchers compared mineralization of calcium phosphate on titanium dioxide nanoparticles coated with zein and polydopamine, finding PDA-coated particles accumulated more mineral mass. The study's findings could guide the design of better implants, water purification materials, and sensing technologies.
Turning orchard waste into climate solutions: A simple method boosts biochar carbon storage
Researchers developed a low-cost method to transform agricultural waste into high-quality biochar, increasing its ability to store carbon and combat climate change. The new method uses limewater treatment to improve biochar production, resulting in a 34% increase in carbon retention and improved soil structure and chemistry.
Reduce rust by dumping your wok twice, and other kitchen tips
Researchers from Brown University study thin film fluid flows in the kitchen, finding that waiting a few minutes to dump water out of a wok can minimize rusting. The team also develops an equation for determining how long to wait to collect 99% of remaining liquid in jars.
Physicists discover long-predicted ‘clock magnetism’ in an atomically thin crystal
Researchers observed a sequence of exotic magnetic phases in an ultrathin material, realizing a theoretical model of two-dimensional magnetism. The discovery may lead to new technologies by stabilizing magnetic vortices at nanoscale.
Diamond owl swoops in with new method to keep electronics cool
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to grow patterned diamond surfaces that can decrease operating temperatures in electronics. This approach uses microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition to create ordered layers of diamond crystals on substrates, allowing for controlled seed placement and scalable growth.
How ultra-thin metal films learned to follow the curve
Researchers at Harbin Institute of Technology in China report a method to fabricate transparent conductive films on curved surfaces. The technique, using multi-angle co-velocity fitting deposition model, produces smooth and continuous films with high transparency and low electrical resistance.
MANA scientists enable near-frictionless motion of pico- to nanoliter droplets with liquid-repellent particle coating
Researchers at Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA) propose a novel strategy for controlling tiny droplets on surfaces, reducing friction and enabling precise control. The study demonstrates that particle-coated droplets can move with reduced force, opening new avenues in micro-scale systems and applications.
From biocidal coatings to medicines: A nanocomposite sting for microorganisms
The B-STING silica nanocomposite acts as a nanofactory of reactive oxygen species, activating itself in response to changes in the chemical environment. This material can be used to create biocidal coatings that are safe, durable, and resistant to dirt, with potential applications in medicine and other industries.
A nanomaterial flex — MXene electrodes help OLED display technology shine, while bending and stretching
Researchers developed a flexible OLED display that can be stretched to 1.6 times its original size while maintaining most of its luminescence. The technology uses MXene nanomaterial and an exciplex-assisted phosphorescent layer, improving the OLEDs' ability to efficiently produce light under strain.
A new 3D-printed solar cell that’s transparent and color-tunable
A new study introduces a semi-transparent, color-tunable solar cell designed for flexible surfaces and windows. The 3D-printed pillar structure allows for precise control over light transmission and appearance, enabling better integration of solar technology into building façades and curved surfaces.
Joint research validates new semiconductor etching process, achieving five times speed improvement
Researchers at Nagoya University and Tokyo Electron Miyagi Ltd. have developed a new semiconductor etching method that significantly reduces processing time and enhances energy efficiency. The process employs plasma etching with hydrogen fluoride at very low temperatures, eliminating the need for fluorocarbon gases.
Light-speed learning: A brain-inspired chip that thinks with light
Researchers developed a bio-inspired neuron platform that processes and learns information using light and electronics integrated on a single platform. The chip achieves 92% image recognition accuracy and demonstrates key synaptic behaviors found in biological learning.
Electrons lag behind the nucleus
Scientists at ETH Zurich have discovered that electrons in flat layered materials like MXenes respond with a delay to the motion of atomic nuclei. This challenge to the standard Born-Oppenheimer approximation could lead to more precise mathematical models and novel opto-electronic devices.
Detecting the hidden magnetism of altermagnets
Altermagnets exhibit unique magnetic structure due to unconventional symmetries, enabling spin-polarized electron currents. A new method reveals this hidden structure using circularly polarized light and resonant photoelectron diffraction.
Chonnam National University researchers resolve long-standing limitation in thin-film solar cells
Researchers at Chonnam National University have developed a new approach to thin-film solar cells using a nanometric germanium oxide layer, resulting in improved performance and device stability. The innovative design boosts power conversion efficiency by up to 4.81%.
Cool satellites and flexible electronics
Researchers at Empa's Mechanics of Materials and Nanostructures laboratory are working to improve the insulation material used in satellites and space probes. They have developed a new intermediate layer that makes the material more elastic and resistant to cracks and flaking, enabling better superinsulation for future satellites.
New superconducting thin film for quantum computer chips
Researchers at RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science have created a new superconducting thin film from iron telluride, suitable for quantum computing applications. The film's unique crystal structure, resulting from intentional misalignment of atomic layers, reduces lattice distortion and enables low-temperature superconductivity.
Kono awarded American Physical Society’s Isakson Prize
Kono recognized for his contributions to optical physics, light-condensed matter interactions and photonic applications of nanosystems. His research explores how light interacts with materials at the nanoscale, potentially leading to new technologies in electronics and quantum communication.
Engineering defects could transform the future of nanomaterials
Materials scientists at the University of Minnesota have discovered a way to control tiny 'flaws' inside ultra-thin materials, giving them new properties. The study found that patterned regions can achieve up to 1,000 times higher density of extended defects than unpatterned areas.
Study shows light can reshape atom-thin semiconductors for next-generation optical devices
Researchers at Rice University have discovered that light can trigger a physical shift in atomic lattice, creating tunable behavior and properties in transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) materials. This effect could advance technologies using light instead of electricity, such as faster computer chips and ultrasensitive sensors.
Giant resistivity reduction in thin film a key step towards next-gen electronics for AI
Researchers developed a new atomically layered material that reduces resistivity by five orders of magnitude when oxidized, exceeding similar non-layered materials. The team discovered a synergy between oxidation and structural modification driving dramatic changes in physical properties.
Game-changing heat shield to revolutionize aerospace manufacturing with long-life engines
Researchers at Hanbat National University have developed a game-changing heat shield technology that provides dual-layer protection for high-temperature alloys. The sequential B-Si coating technology allows these alloys to withstand extremely high temperatures, potentially transforming the aviation industry.
Cracking the Secret of Kanazawa Gold Leaf’s Brilliant Texture
A team of Japanese researchers has uncovered the deformation processes that give Kanazawa gold leaf its remarkable thinness and brilliance. The study used electron microscopy to reveal the activation of a rare crystal slip system, providing insights into the traditional crafting technique.
Molecular coating cleans up noisy quantum light
A novel molecular coating enhances the consistency and precision of quantum light sources, increasing their spectral purity and controlling photon energy. The coating protects single-photon emitters from atmospheric contaminants, enabling reliable quantum devices for secure communications and ultra-precise sensors.
Rice scientists use electrons to pattern light sources and wiring directly onto crystals
Rice scientists developed a method to pattern device functions with submicron precision directly into an ultrathin crystal using focused electron beams. The approach created bright blue-light emitting traces that also conduct electricity, potentially enabling compact on-chip wiring and built-in light sources.
Breakthrough in atomic-level etching of hafnium oxide, a promising material for advanced semiconductors
Researchers successfully etched hafnium oxide films at atomic-level precision and smoothness without halogen gases. The new method uses nitrogen and oxygen plasmas to form volatile byproducts, resulting in reduced surface roughness and improved device performance.
Transparent mesoporous WO₃ film enhances solar water splitting efficiency and stability
A newly developed mesoporous WO₃ film exhibits exceptional efficiency and stability for photoelectrochemical water splitting, enabling advanced tandem devices for renewable hydrogen production. The film achieved unprecedented efficiency and long-term stability, particularly in neutral pH conditions.
Researchers demonstrate new technique for controlling phase boundaries in thin films
A new technique for controlling phase boundaries in thin films allows researchers to engineer lead-free energy storage materials with promising dielectric properties. By manipulating the film thickness, they can control the distribution of crystalline structures and enhance specific characteristics of the material.
A new window into Earth’s upper atmosphere
Researchers have developed a novel way to reach the unexplored mesosphere using lightweight flying structures that can float using sunlight. The devices, which were built at Harvard and other institutions, levitated in low-pressure conditions and demonstrated potential for climate sensing and exploration.
Ripples of the future: Rice researchers unlock powerful form of quantum interference
Researchers at Rice University have demonstrated a strong form of quantum interference between phonons, revealing record levels of interference. The breakthrough could lead to new technologies in sensing, computing, and molecular detection.
New method to steer electricity in atom-thin metals may revolutionize devices
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered a way to manipulate charge flow in ultrathin metallic films using light. This breakthrough could lead to energy-efficient optical sensors, detectors, and quantum information devices.
TFLN-based RGB multiplexer for energy-efficient laser beam scanning
Researchers have developed a new RGB multiplexer based on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) that enables faster and more energy-efficient light modulation for laser beam scanning systems. The multiplexer successfully combined red, green, and blue laser beams, generating mixed colors such as cyan, magenta, and yellow, and even white light.
Metal-free supercapacitor stack delivers 200 volts from just 3.8 cm³
Researchers developed a new method for building powerful, compact energy storage devices using thin-film supercapacitors without metal parts. The device can output 200 volts, equivalent to powering 100 LEDs for 30 seconds or a 3-watt bulb for 7 seconds.
Polymer coating extends half life of MXene-based air quality sensor by 200% and enables regeneration
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a low-cost, long-lasting indoor formaldehyde sensor with a unique polymer coating. The coating extends the sensor's half-life by 200% and enables it to regenerate when performance degrades.
New coating for glass promises energy-saving windows
Researchers at Rice University developed a new glass coating that forms a thin, tough layer that reflects heat and resists scratches and moisture. The coating improves energy savings by 2.9% compared to existing alternatives, making it a promising solution for cities with cold winters.
MXenes: materials on the move
MXene materials have been engineered to respond to light, enabling their use in soft robotics applications. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new types of robots that can change shape and function in response to external stimuli.
Researchers uncover new mechanism of ion transport in nanofiltration membranes
A research team discovered a counter-ion competition mechanism that explains the superiority of negatively charged nanofiltration membranes in separating lithium and magnesium ions. This finding provides critical insights for designing next-generation NF membranes with tailored ion selectivity.
Hydrogen treatment for dramatically improving the performance of polycrystalline germanium thin films for semiconductors
Researchers introduced hydrogen into high-quality Ge thin films, reducing hole density by three orders of magnitude. Low-temperature annealing repaired surface defects, further improving device performance and applicability.
Novel manufacturing technique for piezoelectric thin films
Empa researchers have developed a novel deposition process for piezoelectric thin films using HiPIMS, producing high-quality layers on insulating substrates at low temperatures. The technique overcomes the challenge of argon inclusions by timing the voltage application to accelerate desired ions.
Rice researchers lay groundwork for designer hybrid 2D materials
Researchers at Rice University have successfully created a genuine 2D hybrid material called glaphene by chemically integrating graphene and silica. The new material exhibits unique properties, including new electronic and structural behavior, due to the interaction between its layers.
A leap forward in transparent antimicrobial coatings
Researchers have discovered that hydrogen boride nanosheets can inactivate a wide range of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi, without the need for light activation. The nanosheets' ability to denature microbial proteins through strong physicochemical interactions confirms their effectiveness in combating various microbi...
Nano-engineered thermoelectrics enable scalable, compressor-free cooling
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory have developed nano-engineered thermoelectric refrigeration technology with controlled hierarchically engineered superlattice structures (CHESS) that is twice as efficient as traditional bulk materials. The CHESS technology offers a scalable alternative to traditional c...
New color-changing sensor detects alcohol with a smartphone snap
A portable and highly sensitive ethanol sensor has been developed using a copper-based metal–organic framework thin film, enabling precise optical measurements without complex lab equipment. The sensor can visually detect varying ethanol levels, even at low concentrations, and can be integrated with a smartphone app for easy use.
Advances bring us closer to new ‘light-squeezing’ technologies
Researchers have developed thin films that can compress infrared light, improving its propagation distance and wavelength range. The technology has potential applications in thermal management, molecular sensing, and photonics.
Resistance is futile: Superconducting diodes are the future
A team led by Junichi Shiogai successfully observes the superconducting diode effect in an Fe(Se,Te)/FeTe heterostructure, exhibiting rectification under various temperature and magnetic fields. This breakthrough paves the way for ultra-low energy electronics built from superconductors.
Team develops digital lab for data- and robot-driven materials science
The dLab fully automates processes from material synthesis to analysis, enabling researchers to synthesize thin-film samples and measure their properties autonomously. This system demonstrates advanced automatic and autonomous material synthesis for data- and robot-driven materials science.
Vapour-deposited perovskite semiconductors power next generation circuits
Researchers developed a technology to produce high-quality p-type transistors using vapor-deposited tin-based perovskites, achieving high mobility and low power consumption. The innovation enables large-area device arrays and reduces manufacturing costs.
Investigating charge behavior in multilayer OLEDs using a laser spectroscopic technique
Scientists studied charge transport through organic light-emitting diodes using electronic sum-frequency generation spectroscopy. The study found changes in spectral signal intensities when applying voltages, indicating different internal charge flow across the organic layers.