Carbon coating gives biochar its garden-greening power
A thin organic coating created through composting improves biochar's ability to store nutrients and promote plant growth, offering an eco-friendly alternative to inorganic nitrogen fertilizers.
Thin Films
Articles tagged with Thin Films
DNA: The next hot material in photonics?
Researchers fine-tune DNA-based thin films to achieve a range of refractive indexes four times greater than silicon, enabling the creation of thinner optical fibers. This could lead to applications in photodynamic therapy, optogenetics, and biosensors.
Extra sulphur improves electronic structure of quantum dots
Researchers from University of Groningen have discovered a way to increase charge conductivity in lead-sulphur quantum dots by adding extra sulphur. This breakthrough enables the tuning of electric properties, improving efficiency of quantum dot solar cells above current records.
A simple additive to improve film quality
Glycol ethers added to thin film manufacturing boost perovskite crystal structure and efficiency, increasing solar cell performance.
World's thinnest hologram paves path to new 3-D world
The RMIT team has developed a nano-hologram that is simple to make, can be seen without 3D goggles and is 1000 times thinner than a human hair. The discovery could transform industries such as medical diagnostics, education, data storage, defence and cyber security with the potential to display a wealth of data.
Elusive atomic motion captured by electron microscopy
Scientists at Linköping University have directly observed dislocation-pipe diffusion, a phenomenon that has eluded materials scientists for decades. The movement of atoms between layers of a thin film was captured using high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy.
Estimating the glass transition temperature for polymers in 'confined geometries'
Scientists developed a simple formula to predict glass transition temperatures for confined liquids, taking into account film thickness and density profile. This approach has important implications for various applications such as photolithography and lab-on-a-chip devices.
Researchers develop new method to program nanoparticle organization in polymer thin films
Researchers developed a new method to control nanoparticle organization in ultrathin polymer films through entropy-driven segregation. This approach, SCPINS, enables well-controlled nanoparticle organization on a submicron scale without tuning enthalpic interactions through chemistry.
Reducing conducting thin film surface roughness for electronics
University of Massachusetts Amherst engineers develop a physical processing method to reduce surface roughness in conducting thin films. This approach uses electrical surface treatment to smooth out the metallic surface, reducing its ability to conduct electrical and thermal energy.
Squid, jellyfish and wrinkled skin inspire materials for anti-glare screens and encryption
A team of chemists created materials that change color or texture in response to environmental changes, inspired by squid, jellyfish, and human skin. These materials can be used for encrypting secret messages, creating anti-glare surfaces, or detecting moisture or damage.
Flipping a chemical switch helps perovskite solar cells beat the heat
Researchers at Brown University have developed a new method to convert one type of perovskite into another, improving thermal stability and light absorption. The technique uses gas-based methods to flip the chemical switch, preserving the microstructure and morphology of the material.
New thin film transistor may lead to flexible devices
Researchers at the University of Alberta have invented a new transistor that could revolutionize thin-film electronic devices with its bipolar action architecture. The device has power-handling capabilities up to 10 times greater than commercially produced transistors, making it suitable for flexible electronics applications.
HKUST scientists explain the theory behind Ising superconductivity
Researchers at HKUST discovered a new type of superconductor, called Ising superconductors, that can withstand strong magnetic fields. These materials have potential applications in quantum computing and may lead to the creation of Majorana fermions.
NSF funds industry/university center for atomically thin coatings
The NSF-funded Industry/University Collaborative Research Center will design and develop advanced two-dimensional coatings to address fundamental scientific and technological challenges. The Center for Atomically Thin Multifunctional Coatings (ATOMIC) aims to create spin-out companies and solve issues like corrosion, oxidation, and abr...
First solar cell made of highly ordered molecular frameworks
Researchers at KIT have created a novel solar cell using metal-organic framework compounds, demonstrating high efficiency in producing charge carriers and mobility. The material's photophysical properties are attributed to the formation of indirect band gaps, playing a crucial role in photovoltaics.
Recovering a rare metal from LCDs to avoid depleting key resource
Scientists have developed a new way to recover indium from liquid-crystal displays (LCDs), which could help prevent the depletion of this rare metal. The researchers found that crushing and grinding LCD glass into tiny particles and bathing them in sulfuric acid solution can effectively extract indium.
Artificial photosynthesis: New, stable photocathode with great potential
Researchers have developed a novel photoelectrode that solves the problems of inefficient hydrogen generation in acidic electrolytes. The new composite presents high photovoltage and photocurrent densities, as well as chemical protection against corrosion.
The microscopic topography of ink on paper
A team of Finnish scientists has created a nano-scale map of toner ink thickness on paper, revealing that wood fibers receive relatively thin coatings and roughness dictates ink thickness rather than chemical variations.
An improved method for coating gold nanorods
Gold nanorods are being investigated for use in biomedical applications due to their surface plasmon resonance, allowing them to absorb and scatter light. The improved method enables large-scale production and controlled shell thicknesses, paving the way for stable gold nanorods with chemically functionalized surfaces.
Dance of the nanovortices
Scientists at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have successfully created and tracked magnetic nanovortices with mass, a discovery that challenges previous theories on skyrmions. The researchers used holographic recording techniques to track the movement of these nanovortices, which were found to move along spiral trajectories.
New materials for more powerful solar cells
Researchers at INRS have developed a new class of multiferroic materials for solar cells, increasing conversion efficiency to 8.1%. The team's triple-layer coating captures different wavelengths of light, converting more light into electricity.
UH researcher wins $1.5 million federal solar energy award
The University of Houston researcher aims to produce high-efficiency, inexpensive thin film photovoltaics with a goal of achieving 24% efficiency and 20 cents per watt. His innovative approach utilizes roll-to-roll manufacturing technology to create solar cells on low-cost metal substrates.
Which structure has optimal resistive switching characteristics?
Researchers investigated the effects of TiOx interlayer thickness on resistive switching performance. The Pt/TiOx (5nm)/ZnO/n+-Si structure exhibits optimal switching characteristics, outperforming other structures.
Scientists enhance synthesis of chromium dioxide (100) epitaxial thin film growth
Researchers successfully fabricated high-quality CrO2 films on TiO2 substrates using a simple route, exhibiting half-metallic ferromagnetism and unique transport properties. The films show narrow crystallinity, low coercive field, and temperature-dependent magnetization following Bloch's T3/2 law.
Mathematical models explain how a wrinkle becomes a crease
Researchers from Brown University developed a mathematical model that helps engineers control wrinkle, crease, and fold structures in various materials. The model shows that at low compression, wrinkles form across the surface, but as compression increases, critical points lead to the localization of ripples into sharp creases.
Move over, silicon, there's a new circuit in town
Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering developed a hybrid circuit combining carbon nanotube thin film transistors with indium, gallium and zinc oxide (IGZO) thin film transistors. This energy-efficient hybrid circuit has the potential to replace silicon as the traditional transistor material used in electronic chips.
KAIST made great improvements of nanogenerator power efficiency
KAIST researchers have developed a new technique to increase the energy efficiency of piezoelectric nanogenerators, enabling the creation of self-powered flexible energy harvesters that can supply power to wearable and implantable electronic devices. The improved nanogenerators can harness energy from human movements and natural resour...
Researchers change coercivity of material by patterning surface
By patterning the surface of nickel ferrite (NFO) thin films, researchers have reduced coercivity by 30-80%, depending on film thickness. This technique improves device performance and reduces energy use in applications like sensors, microwave devices, and antennas.
On the road to Mottronics
Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Advanced Light Source have demonstrated the ability to control the conducting/insulating phases of ultra-thin films of Mott materials using epitaxial strain. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient transistors and memories with higher energy efficiencies and faster switching ...
Making nanoelectronics last longer for medical devices, 'cyborgs'
Developers have created a metal oxide shell that increases the stability of nanowire devices, which can detect disease biomarkers and record heart cells. This coating allows nanoelectronic devices to last several months in human body conditions.
Atomic-scale catalysts may produce cheap hydrogen
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new method for producing cheap hydrogen using atomic-scale catalysts made of molybdenum sulfide (MoS2). The study found that the thickness of the MoS2 film is crucial to its catalytic performance, with thinner films being more conductive and effective as catalysts.
From a carpet of nanorods to a thin film solar cell absorber within a few seconds
Researchers discovered a novel solid-state reaction that lets kesterite grains grow within seconds and at low temperatures. This process can produce near-micrometer-sized crystal grains suitable for thin film solar cells.
Growing thin films of germanium
Researchers developed a new technique to produce thin films of germanium crystals without high temperatures or other crystals as seeds. This allows for the production of large-area germanium films, opening new ways to create advanced flexible electronics.
Try clapping your wet hands; a physics lesson from Virginia Tech engineers
Researchers studied the dynamics of squeezing fluids using a simple experiment of clapping with wet hands. The study sheds light on the behavior of fluids at the microscale level and has implications for fuel efficiency and pharmaceutical drug deliveries.
New NIST nanoscale indenter takes novel approach to measuring surface properties
The NIST nanoindenter uses a touchless surface detector to accurately measure the mechanical properties of thin films and biomaterials without contact. It applies forces up to 150 millinewtons and takes readings a thousand times a second with an uncertainty lower than 2 micronewtons.
Light-carved 'nano-volcanoes' hold promise for drug delivery
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed nano-volcanoes that can store precise amounts of materials and control the release of drugs. The structures are created by shining light through a nanoscale 'crystal ball', allowing for precise control over their shape and size.
Advanced paper could be foundation for inexpensive biomedical and diagnostic devices
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology create a new type of paper that repels a wide variety of liquids, including water and oil, using the 'lotus effect'. The modified paper could be used as a foundation for inexpensive biomedical diagnostics and provide an improved packaging material that is recyclable and sustainable.
Moth-inspired nanostructures take the color out of thin films
Researchers developed nanostructures that suppress 'thin-film interference', a phenomenon causing light loss in multiple-layered thin films. These nanostructures reduce reflection by up to 100 times, potentially increasing the efficiency of thin-film solar cells.
Solid-state controllable light filter may protect preterm infants from disturbing light
A new solid-state controllable light filter has been developed to shield preterm infants from most wavelengths of visible light, promoting better maturation. The device switches between blocking out all light and allowing red light through, enabling medical staff and parents to monitor the infants without disrupting their sleep.
Device may lead to quicker, more efficient diagnostics
Researchers developed a new thin film technology that allows for simultaneous analysis of multiple substances, leading to faster and more efficient diagnostics. The device can detect changes in chemical composition using optical fingerprints, offering improved accuracy and reliability compared to existing state-of-the-art technology.
New spectroscopy method could lead to better optical devices
A new spectroscopy method has been developed to analyze light emission from layered nanomaterials, enabling researchers to determine the orientation of emitters and potentially improve the efficiency of optical devices. The technique uses energy-momentum spectroscopy to study interference effects in thin films.
Researchers strain to improve electrical material and it's worth it
University of Illinois researchers have devised a method to make ferroelectric thin films with twice the strain, resulting in improved performance. The films have a built-in electric field, called an intrinsic potential, which opens the door for new applications such as smaller, faster and longer lasting computer components.
Bottom-up approach provides first characterization of pyroelectric nanomaterials
For the first time, researchers have observed how reducing dimensions affects ferroelectrics' susceptibility to size- and strain-induced effects. This work provides a detailed modeling and experimental study of pyroelectricity, with direct implications for next-generation devices.
A mathematical formula to decipher the geometry of surfaces like that of cauliflower
Scientists have found a model that describes the evolution of cauliflower-type fractal morphologies for nanoscopic systems, offering insights into natural structures like sea coasts and blood vessels. This breakthrough may help improve technologies used in thin film coatings and generate textures in computer simulations.
University of Texas at Austin Team develops a microwave-assisted method for producing thin films
Researchers at UT Austin create a novel process to grow ceramic thin films onto plastic substrates using microwaves, reducing growth temperature from over 450°C to under 150°C. The method enables controlled film growth in a single step, with potential applications in developing thin-film batteries and solar cells.
Stanford scientists build the first all-carbon solar cell
Researchers developed an all-carbon solar cell that absorbs near-infrared wavelengths, offering a low-cost alternative to traditional photovoltaic devices. The device uses carbon nanomaterials and has the potential to improve efficiency through better materials and processing techniques.
A KAIST research team has developed a high performance flexible solid state battery
A KAIST research team has developed a high performance flexible all-solid-state battery, overcoming limitations of existing lithium-ion batteries. The breakthrough allows for the creation of fully flexible electronic systems, such as rollable displays, with improved power density and thermal stability.
Novel clay-based coating may point the way to new generation of green flame retardants
Researchers at NIST have developed a novel clay-based coating that outperforms traditional flame retardants in polyurethane foam, reducing flammability by up to 17% while requiring only half the amount of chemicals.
Physicists discover mechanisms of wrinkle and crumple formation
Researchers at UMass Amherst identify fundamental mechanism for spontaneous emergence of complex patterns like wrinkles and crumples. The discovery confirms theoretical predictions and reveals unusual sequence of transitions underlying these morphological complexities.
Thermal conductivity of argon at high pressures and temperatures
Researchers used diamond anvil cells to apply extreme pressure to argon, heating it with microsecond laser bursts to 2,500 degrees K. The results confirmed kinetic theory as a better model for argon's thermal conductivity than Green-Kubo formalism.
Fabrication method can affect the use of block copolymer thin films
Researchers found that film casting methods can affect the ordering of block copolymers in thin films. Spin casting led to fewer residual stresses and improved cylinder alignment for computer memory devices, suggesting a potential route for enhanced device performance.
Golden potential for gold thin films
Researchers at Berkeley Lab directed the self-assembly of gold nanoparticles into device-ready materials using a simple and inexpensive technique. The method has potential applications in computer memory storage, energy harvesting, remote-sensing, catalysis, light management, and plasmonics.
Functional oxide thin films create new field of oxide electronics
Researchers developed functional oxide thin films for efficient electronics, creating a new field of oxide electronics. This innovation enables high-power devices and smart sensors by overcoming the limitations of silicon-based electronics.
Scientists carve nanowires out of ultrananocrystalline diamond thin films
Researchers have successfully fabricated ultrananocrystalline diamond nanowires with exceptional electrical properties, including sensitivity to gas molecule adsorption at grain boundaries. The discovery offers new possibilities for advanced nanoscale sensors.
Compression experiments lead to shocking results
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory scientists used an ultrafast spectroscopic technique to measure breakouts in aluminum thin films at high strain rates. The research tested fundamental scaling laws and revealed unexpected insight into shock wave phenomena.
Pentagonal tiles pave the way towards organic electronics
Scientists at University of Cambridge and Rutgers University develop new class of organic thin films on surfaces, exhibiting unique properties ideal for high-density stable thin films. The findings pave the way for creating smaller electronic devices, replacing conventional fabrication techniques.
Ultrafast laser 'scribing' technique to cut cost, hike efficiency of solar cells
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new manufacturing method that employs an ultrafast pulsing laser to create high-quality microchannels in thin-film solar cells. This technique could significantly increase the efficiency and reduce the cost of solar cells, enabling widespread adoption.
New forms of highly efficient, flexible nanogenerator technology
Researchers developed a bio-eco-friendly ceramic thin film nanogenerator that can convert tiny human movements into electrical energy without breaking down. The technology uses freely bendable piezoelectric ceramic materials to harness biomechanical forces produced by the body.
Solar cells thinner than wavelengths of light hold huge power potential
Stanford engineers discovered that ultra-thin solar cells with nanoscale roughness can absorb more energy than predicted by conventional theory. Light trapping technique increases energy absorption beyond the theoretical limit, opening a new door to designing highly efficient solar cells.
Scientists create nano-patterned superconducting thin films
A team of scientists created nano-patterned superconducting thin films that can change their electrical resistance in response to an external magnetic field. The discovery could lead to new electronic devices, as the material's fluctuating response to a magnetic field could result in switchable superconducting wires.