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Graphene gets a Teflon makeover

Researchers at the University of Manchester have created fluorographene, a one-molecule-thick material similar to Teflon with chemical inertness and thermal stability. The team hopes to use it in electronics, such as LED devices and ultra-thin tunnel barriers, while retaining mechanical strength.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalSmall·DateNov 8, 2010

Chemist tames longstanding electron computation problem

A chemist at the University of Chicago has developed a new method to predict many-electron chemistry using only two electrons, allowing for faster and more accurate chemical reaction predictions. This breakthrough could lead to significant advances in fields such as atmospheric ozone depletion, greenhouse gas reduction, and drug design.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 10, 2008

Researchers build sharpest tip

Scientists at the University of Alberta developed a unique coating process to make the sharpest tip known, opening doors to new possibilities in electron microscopy and nanotechnology. The sharp tips can withstand extreme temperatures and enable finer resolution in electron microscopes.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJul 11, 2006

Chemists forge a new form of iron

Chemists have synthesized a new species of iron, designated as iron VI, which has two valence electrons and is highly reactive. This discovery adds to our understanding of fundamental iron chemistry and its catalytic properties, potentially leading to novel compounds for industry and biomedicine.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateJun 1, 2006

Computer simulation and lab synthesis sift through vast universe of possible molecules for the best

A team of researchers at Duke University has developed a computer-assisted method to find novel and superior materials by simulating and lab synthesizing vast universes of possible molecules. The technique, called LCAP, uses a universal property applicable to all molecules to identify optimal candidates for various applications.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 1, 2006

Experts debate the future of nanotechnology

Experts K. Eric Drexler and Richard E. Smalley disagree on the possibility of molecular assemblers, devices that can precisely manipulate atoms and molecules. Drexler proposes guiding chemical synthesis with reactive molecules, while Smalley questions the feasibility of such devices.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateDec 2, 2003

U of T team makes 'movie stars' of atoms

The U of T team has developed a technique to capture the atomic-level melting process of aluminum, revealing the solid's arrangement as it changes into a liquid. The researchers observed the transformation in real-time using laser and electron pulse technology, shedding light on the fundamental processes governing chemistry and biology.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateNov 20, 2003

Dancing molecules on the make

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research successfully observed the formation and dynamics of coordination compounds on a copper surface. They directly imaged single molecules and monitored their movements, revealing how rotating molecules act as dynamic atom traps for individual Cu atoms.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 16, 2002

Fantastic Voyage -- Filled buckeyball now a step closer to becoming a drug-delivery device

Researchers have successfully attached a water-soluble group to an 80-atom fullerene, creating a buckeyball with biological functionality. The aim is to get these molecules into the bloodstream for potential drug delivery. This innovation marks a first step in developing drugs and expands MRI reagents and nanotube applications.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 9, 2002

Engineered Glass Tempering Halts Cracks

Researchers have developed a new method to engineer glass that can withstand stress without catastrophic failure, reducing the variability in strength. This new approach creates internal compressed layers that stop crack propagation, making the glass more consistent and reliable.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateFeb 25, 1999

Mirror Surfaces With Nary An Atom Exposed

A team of researchers is working on creating silicon surfaces that are essentially totally flat, which could improve the performance of transistors in the semiconductor industry. The technique uses a basic hydrofluoric acid solution to etch away surface atoms one by one, producing small areas with perfect flatness.

Atom By Atom Chemistry On A Catalytic Surface

Researchers at Fritz Haber Institute use scanning tunneling microscope to investigate CO oxidation reaction, revealing surface oxygen atoms and molecules form islands that separate into reactive species. The study determines reaction rates with island separation accounted for, consistent with previously measured values.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateDec 12, 1997