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Quantum simulation of quantum crystals

Researchers from the University of Freiburg and their collaborators have developed a new method to simulate the formation of quantum crystals using dipolar atoms. This allows for unprecedented precision in measuring structures that have not been observed before, providing insights into the quantum properties underlying crystal formation.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 27, 2020

A protein with an unprecedented fold helps bacteria uptake thiosulfate as a sulfur source

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology discovered a novel membrane protein YeeE that enables bacteria to uptake thiosulfate from the environment. This unique mechanism provides a sophisticated method for sulfur synthesis, potentially lowering production costs in industries like food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 26, 2020

Unusual electron sharing found in cool crystal

Researchers at Nagoya University found a highly unusual atomic configuration in a tungsten-based material, where three atoms share only two electrons to form a tritungsten molecule. This discovery suggests the potential for compounds with new and interesting electronic properties.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2020

Way, shape and form: Synthesis conditions define the nanostructure of manganese dioxide

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a novel approach to synthesize manganese dioxide nanoparticles with specific crystalline structures and porous structures. The study found that adjusting the acidity of the solution can produce large spherical pores in β-MnO2 nanoparticles, leading to better catalytic performance.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJul 31, 2020

Cherned up to the maximum

Researchers have observed that palladium gallium (PdGa) reaches the maximum allowed Chern number of four, a fundamental aspect yet to be settled in topological physics. The team also demonstrated control over the sign of the Chern number by manipulating the crystal's handedness during growth.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2020

Regulating the properties of MAPbBr3 single crystal via voltage and application

Researchers developed a technique to modify defect populations in perovskite crystals without chemical additives, enabling the material to act as a memristor device with multiple resistance states. The voltage regulation engineering helps improve optical and electrical properties by passivating deep-level donor-like defects.

Electrons in the fast lane

Researchers discovered ferroelastic twin domains in perovskite crystals that can influence electron movement. These structures, or 'electron highways,' could make perovskite solar cells more powerful and improve their efficiency.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJul 7, 2020

Crystal wars

A team of researchers at The University of Tokyo and Fudan University studied crystallization processes when multiple structural arrangements are possible. They found that transient precursors of various crystalline orderings coexist and compete with each other, leading to complex crystal engineering methods.

Crystal power

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory developed a single-crystal electrode that provides a deeper understanding of charge-discharge processes in advanced batteries. The study reveals new information about the cathode chemistry, including the origin of extra capacity and the formation of detrimental phases during cycling.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMay 4, 2020

Pressing 'pause' on nature's crystal symmetry

Drexel researchers have discovered a way to chemically manipulate polymer structures to form spherical crystals with controlled symmetry. This technique could improve the mass production of targeted therapies by allowing for precise control over crystal shape and size.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 1, 2020

It takes a neutron beam to find a proton

A team of researchers has used neutron crystallography to determine the structure of a large oxidase protein with high-resolution structural details. They found unusual proton behavior between a cofactor and an amino acid residue, and established a complete picture of topa quinone 30 years after its discovery.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2020

Shedding light on dark traps

Researchers identify 'deep trap' caused by clusters of smaller atomic-sized defect sites at grain boundaries, leading to power losses and instability. The discovery could streamline efforts to increase efficiency of perovskites, bringing them closer to mass-market production.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateApr 15, 2020

Stable perovskite LEDs one step closer

Scientists have created a stable perovskite LED with an efficiency of 17.3%, significantly surpassing previous results. The breakthrough composite thin film, made by embedding a perovskite into an organic molecule matrix, has enabled the development of long-lasting LEDs.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 1, 2020

A tale of shepherds and helices

A team of scientists has identified a triple-helix structure in calcium acetate hemihydrate, a compound formed on an ancient artwork through corrosion. The structure is similar to that found in collagen proteins and may have potential applications for bioinorganic chemistry.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 16, 2020

New material could turn clothing into a health monitor

Researchers have developed a new material that can be woven into fabric to detect slight changes in body temperature, serving as an early warning system for injury or illness. The material, capable of maintaining a pliable disordered structure, can alert someone monitoring the change to potential need for intervention.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateMar 4, 2020

New state-of-the-MOF materials

Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully converted crystalline MOFs into glassy or liquid states, demonstrating porosity, ion conductivity, and optical properties. The new materials show promise for heat storage, gas permeation, and catalytic reactions.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 28, 2020

Columbia researchers develop new method to isolate atomic sheets and create new materials

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a new method to isolate atomic sheets from layered van der Waals crystals, producing large-area atomically thin layers with high quality. The monolayers can be stacked in any desired order and orientation to generate a whole new class of artificial materials.

Creating custom light using 2D materials

Scientists have created custom light using 2D materials by combining different transition metal dichalcogenides to form artificial semi-conductors emitting specific colors. This discovery opens up new strategies for manipulating light with precise energy and color, paving the way for mass industrialization of tailor-made lighting.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 18, 2020