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A simple way to get complex semiconductors to assemble themselves

Researchers developed a simple and fast way to create complex semiconductors by growing 2D perovskites precisely layered with other materials, resulting in crystals with wide electronic properties. The assembly takes place in vials where chemical ingredients tumble around in water, with barbell-shaped molecules directing the action.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2021

Star attraction: Magnetism generated by star-like arrangement of molecules

A new study reveals the emergence of magnetism in a 2D organic material due to strong electron-electron interactions in its unique star-like atomic-scale structure. The findings have potential applications in next-generation electronics based on organic nanomaterials.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2021

Copper and PTFE stick together to support better 5G

Osaka University researchers have created an adhesive-free method to strongly combine copper foil with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), reducing transmission losses in electronic circuits. The heat-assisted plasma treatment technique improves adhesion strength without adding intermediate layers.

SourceOsaka University·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021

Keeping it random

Scientists created a reliable true random number generator using atomically thin two-dimensional films, overcoming long-term stability issues and power consumption concerns. The innovation uses memristors to produce fluctuating electronic signals with an exceptionally high degree of randomness.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 26, 2021

The Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology study examines thin film surface symmetries

Researchers at GIST develop a non-contact, nondestructive approach to characterize crystal structures in thin films, shedding light on surface symmetries in SrRuO3. The technique offers a platform for structural characterization of surfaces and interfaces using optical techniques.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Mixing a cocktail of topology and magnetism for future electronics

Researchers explore joining topological insulators with magnetic materials to achieve quantum anomalous Hall effect, promising building blocks for low-power electronics. The 'cocktail' approach allows tuning of both magnetism and topology in individual materials, enabling operation closer to room temperature.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 5, 2021

Printed solid-state batteries

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a new method for creating high-quality, high-performance solid-state electrolyte thin films. This 'printing and radiative heating' approach enables rapid production of dense and uniform films with superior ionic conductivity.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 18, 2020

Coating plastics by porous nanofilm

Researchers from Tohoku University developed a new method for creating MOF thin films with designable pores, opening up its use for humidity sensing, gas sensing and resistive switching devices. The 'layer-by-layer' method involves sequential immersing of substrates into ingredient solutions.

SourceTohoku University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 9, 2020

Printing organic transistors

Scientists at the University of Tokyo have created a new method for printing organic transistors, which could lead to the development of new display technologies and wearable electronic products. The breakthrough uses a lyophobic surface and a special U-shaped metal-film pattern to create uniformly grown semiconductor films.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 7, 2020

Customising an electronic material

PSI scientists investigate strontium-iridium oxide, an antiferromagnetic material, to systematically control its magnetic and electronic properties. By manipulating thin films, they can fine-tune the material's properties, leading to potential applications in data storage.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 21, 2020

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, June 17, 2019

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed an online tool to evaluate the moisture durability of a building's envelope, enabling better-informed decisions for energy efficiency. Additionally, the lab has pioneered a new technique using pressure to manipulate magnetism in thin film materials used in electronic devices.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 17, 2019

Nanosized ferroelectrics become a reality

Researchers at the University of Groningen have successfully created nanosized ferroelectric materials using hafnium oxide, which can store information like magnetic bits. The discovery could lead to more efficient and compact computer memory by leveraging the unique properties of these materials.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 22, 2018