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Step right up for bigger 2D sheets

Researchers at Rice University have developed a theory explaining why monolayer crystal islands align on vicinal substrates, allowing for large-scale growth of 2D materials like graphene and h-BN. The 'digital filter' mechanism helps to overcome small indentations in the steps, enabling seamless merging of the crystals.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 4, 2019

Making steps toward improved data storage

Researchers at Kyoto University successfully created intense terahertz pulses to fine-tune the switching behavior of a phase-change memory material. This breakthrough could lead to faster and more stable memory technologies with increased density.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 6, 2018

A material without limits

Researchers at Lehigh University have developed a new, more efficient way to produce cubic boron nitride, a material with exceptional durability and potential for improved power conversion efficiency in electronic devices. The approach enables larger crystals of the material to be produced at lower costs and reduced energy consumption.

Novel method to fabricate nanoribbons from speeding nano droplets

A novel VLS growth mechanism yields nanoscopic semiconductor ribbons only a few atoms thick, opening doors to highly integrated electronic and photonic devices. The breakthrough method uses liquid droplets to mediate the growth of MoS2 ribbons in a unique 'crawling mode', allowing for direct 1D growth of van der Waals layered materials.

A crystal method

UCSB researchers have developed a computational method to predict the growth rates of ionic crystals, which may save time and energy in industrial processes. The method uses transition path sampling to understand the events leading up to the transition state, providing insights into the role of water molecules and ion interactions.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2018

Drip by drip

Researchers from University of Konstanz have observed non-classical growth of crystals, where liquid preliminary stages accelerate growth rates. This finding has implications for basic research and practical applications, including faster-dissolving medicines.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 21, 2017

Why don't fish freeze to death in icy water?

Researchers from Hokkaido University conducted microgravity experiments on the International Space Station to measure ice crystal growth rates. They found that glycoproteins in fish blood facilitate growth, but also lead to a slowing effect when flat faces are truncated by slower-growing faces.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 17, 2017

Crystallization made crystal clear

Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science directly observed crystallization process on molecular level, validating recent theories and showing that knowing how crystal grows can predict end structure. The study found that dense phases lead to lower energy barrier and more stable crystals.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateApr 9, 2017

Adding some salt to the recipe for energy storage materials

A team of researchers from Drexel University and two Chinese universities discovered a way to grow thin sheets of conductive metal oxides using salt crystals as a template. This method produces larger and more chemically pure materials, which are better suited for storing energy in devices like batteries and capacitors.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 22, 2016

Outsourcing crystal growth...to space

Japanese researchers grew protein crystals in space using interferometry to measure growth rate and dissolution properties. The results showed an increased growth rate despite expected suppression of solution convection, which may be due to suppressed transport speed of impurity molecules.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateMar 15, 2016

Taking a cue from nature

Researchers are developing a new class of molecules called peptoids that can alter zeolite growth, changing the shape of these crystals from cylinders to flat platelets. This improvement will significantly extend the lifetime of catalysts, enabling companies to carry out processes more efficiently and at lower costs.

Crystal mysteries spiral deeper, NYU chemists find

Researchers found that L-cystine crystals form stacked hexagonal 'islands' with one screw dislocation, contradicting long-standing BCF theory. However, further analysis revealed that the crystals actually grow in a manner predicted by the theory, showcasing the complexity of crystal growth.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 2013

Tin nanocrystals for the battery of the future

Researchers from ETH Zurich have created tin nanocrystals that can absorb and release lithium ions more effectively, leading to improved energy storage capacity. The smaller crystals are able to store more energy than larger ones, making them ideal for future lithium ion batteries.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 8, 2013

Scientists watch as peptides control crystal growth with 'switches, throttles and brakes'

Researchers produced single-molecule resolution images of peptide-mineral interaction, revealing mechanisms that molecules use to bind to surfaces. Peptides slow down or speed up crystal growth depending on conditions, offering potential solutions for pathological mineralization and kidney stone treatment.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2009