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Towards more efficient and eco-friendly thermoelectric oxides with hydrogen substitution

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have discovered a new approach to improve the performance of thermoelectric materials by substituting hydrogen for oxygen. This substitution reduces thermal conductivity while maintaining high electronic conductivity, leading to improved thermoelectric conversion efficiency.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Controlling thermal conductivity in liquid crystals

By doping liquid crystals with azobenzene molecules, researchers can induce reversible changes in thermal conductivity under ultraviolet light. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for designing materials with tunable thermal conductivity to address challenges in microelectronics.

SourceCenter for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS)·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·DateApr 17, 2023

Too hot to handle

A new study from the University of Pittsburgh reveals that metal organic frameworks (MOFs) can heat up significantly when absorbing gases, leading to a loss of efficiency. The researchers identified MOFs with high densities and small pores as more capable of conducting heat, paving the way for their practical commercial implementation.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateMar 13, 2023
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Examining heat transfer in granular materials

Researchers have discovered that thermal conductivity in granular materials is heavily influenced by particle sizes and surface roughness. For smaller particles, heat transfer occurs mainly through water capillary bridges, while larger particles rely on air transmission.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateFeb 23, 2023

Solid-state thermal transistor demonstrated

A research team at Hokkaido University has created a stable and effective solid-state electrochemical thermal transistor that can control heat flow with electrical signals. The device outperforms current liquid-state thermal transistors in terms of stability and efficiency.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2023
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Correlated rattling atomic chains reduce thermal conductivity of materials

Researchers discovered that correlated rattling atomic chains can suppress thermal conductivity in thermoelectric materials, a mechanism that can aid in producing high-performance materials. The study provides new guidelines for engineering improved thermoelectric materials with lower thermal conductivity.

SourceTohoku University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 18, 2023

Clemson researchers, "father of Thermoelectrics" team up to develop new method to evaluate thermoelectric materials

A team of Clemson researchers has developed a new method to evaluate the efficiency of thermoelectric materials, called the figure-of-merit (zT), which considers temperature, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity. The new method uses Peltier cooling to measure zT with higher resolution and accuracy.

SourceClemson University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2023

Best of both worlds: New elastic and durable crosslinked anion exchange membranes

Developed by Incheon National University researchers, the new membranes exhibit high mechanical strength, phase separation, and ionic conductivity. The 40% crosslinked membrane showed the highest relative humidity, normalized conductivity, and peak power density, surpassing commercial membranes.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalJournal of Membrane Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2023
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Physics World cites UH research among top 10 breakthroughs of 2022

University of Houston researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in cubic boron arsenide, demonstrating exceptional high carrier mobility. This finding has significant implications for the development of efficient semiconductors, with potential applications in various electronic and optical fields.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalPhysics World·DateDec 20, 2022

Solving the puzzle: Cubic silicon carbide wafers demonstrate high thermal conductivity, second only to diamond

Researchers at the University of Illinois have solved a long-standing puzzle about cubic silicon carbide's thermal conductivity, which is higher than previously thought. The team measured an isotropic high thermal conductivity of over 500 W m–1 K–1, ranking it second only to diamond.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 8, 2022

Pusan National University researchers introduce an energy-efficient method to enhance thermal conductivity of polymer composites

Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a new, energy-efficient process to control the orientation of filler particles in thermally conductive polymer composites. This allows for improved heat dissipation in electronics and batteries, reducing energy costs and extending device lifespan.

SourcePusan National University·JournalPolymer Testing·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2022

Soft touch sensitivity

Researchers at KAUST have developed a soft and flexible electronic 'e-skin' that can detect minute temperature differences between inhalation and exhalation, as well as touch and body motion. The material's island-bridge atomic structure provides an inherent softness and flexibility ideal for on-skin applications.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 29, 2022

UCLA-led research unearths obscure heat transfer behaviors

Researchers found that boron arsenide's thermal conductivity decreases at extremely high pressures, breaking the general rule of pressure dependence. This discovery may lead to novel materials for smart energy systems with built-in 'pressure windows'.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 28, 2022
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Smarter sensor sniffs out target gases

A new AI-based chemical sensor can accurately detect specific gases in the air by analyzing temperature changes in a microbeam resonator. The device uses machine learning to differentiate between gases with varying thermal conductivities, achieving 100% accuracy in identifying helium, argon, and CO2.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalIEEE Sensors Journal·DateNov 10, 2022

New study introduces the best graphite films

Researchers at UNIST have developed a method to synthesize single-crystalline graphite films of up to inch scale, overcoming the critical issue of small size due to weak interaction between layers. The resulting films exhibit exceptional thermal conductivity and uniform quality.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 4, 2022

Plant fibers for sustainable devices

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered that plant-derived cellulose nanofibers exhibit high thermal conductivity, potentially replacing environmentally damaging synthetic polymers. The discovery was made using a novel method to align the fibers, allowing for efficient heat transfer.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Uncovering the link between epoxy resins and thermal conductivity

A University of Illinois team discovered liquid crystalline epoxy resins with high thermal conductivity, outperforming common polymers by up to 5 times. The breakthrough was achieved by precisely controlling the lengths of ethylene repeat units in the polymer structure.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2022

Shanghai Polytechnic University researchers develop new efficient phase change microcapsules for storing solar energy

Researchers from Shanghai Polytechnic University developed new efficient phase change microcapsules for storing solar energy, demonstrating superior photothermal conversion and thermal conductivity. The study found that the novel PCM microcapsule shells showed a 54.9% photothermal conversion efficiency, significantly higher than non-do...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalEnergy Storage and Saving·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2022

Topological materials become switchable

Researchers have successfully switched on and off topological states in a material, exploiting the interaction of electrons to manipulate their behavior. The discovery opens up new possibilities for technical applications, including quantum computers and sensor technology.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022

New nanocomposite films boost heat dissipation in thin electronics

Scientists developed a cellulose nanofiber-carbon fiber composite film with excellent in-plane anisotropic thermal conductivity, improving heat dissipation in thin-film devices. The material also exhibits recyclability and can be reused after burning the cellulose matrix.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Efficient, stable, and eco-friendly thermoelectric material discovered

A team of researchers at Hokkaido University has developed a barium cobalt oxide thermoelectric converter that is reproducibly stable and efficient at temperatures as high as 600°C. This breakthrough material shows promise for wide deployment in high-temperature thermoelectric conversion devices.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

Topology and machine learning reveal hidden relationship in amorphous silicon

Researchers used topological mathematics and machine learning to identify a hidden relationship between nano-scale structures and thermal conductivity in amorphous silicon. They found that the persistent homology diagram can be used as a descriptor for machine learning, achieving accurate predictions about thermal conductivities.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 24, 2022
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

UVA researchers harness the power of a new solid-state thermal technology

Researchers at UVA School of Engineering and Applied Science have discovered a way to make a versatile thermal conductor that can be controlled on demand. This advancement has promise for managing heating and cooling in electronic devices, green buildings and space exploration, with potential applications including the Mars Rover.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2022

New method helps exfoliate hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets

Researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences developed a scalable and controllable approach to exfoliate high-quality hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets. The new method uses a rapid volume expansion of water in icing to reduce interlayer interaction, resulting in efficient exfoliation.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateJun 16, 2022

Carbon nanomaterials are hot property

KAUST researchers have developed a method to manufacture high-performance flexible heaters using graphene domains in nanoscale-thick graphite films. The heaters can reach temperatures of several hundred degrees within seconds when applying a small voltage, and they exhibit excellent stability and cooling rates.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Thermal insulation for quantum technologies

Scientists at HZB created sintered porous silicon-aluminum nanomaterials with reduced thermal conductivity using a novel process. The resulting materials have tiny pores, crystalline nanoparticles, and domain boundaries that suppress heat conduction.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNano Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022

Failed eruptions are at the origin of copper deposits

Scientists from the University of Geneva discover that copper deposits are formed by mechanisms similar to those causing large volcanic eruptions. The 'porphyry' deposits, containing copper, form when hot fluids release from cooling magmas and develop under the earth's surface.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeNews article·DateMay 9, 2022

Hidden distortions trigger promising thermoelectric property

Researchers uncover a new mechanism for lowering thermal conductivity in a unique material, which could aid the search for materials converting heat to electricity or vice versa. The discovery reveals a quantum mechanical twist on what drives exceptional thermoelectric properties.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Finding Terra Incognita

A team of scientists has developed a solution to accurately simulate how the atmosphere works by linking large- and small-scale simulations. This helps model winds, transport of pollutants, climate projections, and weather forecasts with greater accuracy.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalMonthly Weather Review·DateApr 26, 2022

Controlling heat flow in a solid by switching crystal structure dimensionality

Scientists have created a material that can reversibly switch between high and low thermal conductivity by changing its crystal structure dimensionality, opening up new possibilities for thermal management. The material's ability to alter its thermal conductivity allows for more efficient heat flow control.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2022

Nanopores feel the heat

A team of researchers at Osaka University created a thermocouple made of gold and platinum nanowires to measure the temperature directly next to a nanopore. They found that thermal energy was dissipated in proportion to the momentum of the ionic flow, in line with Ohm's law predictions.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2022

CityU new structured thermal armour achieves liquid cooling above 1,000°C; solves challenge presented by Leidenfrost effect since 1756

Researchers have designed a novel thermal armour that successfully inhibits the Leidenfrost effect up to 1,150°C and achieves efficient liquid cooling across a wide temperature range. The breakthrough has significant implications for applications in aerospace, space engineering, and next-generation nuclear reactors.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Earth’s interior is cooling faster than expected

Researchers have discovered that Earth's interior is cooling at a faster rate than expected, with implications for plate tectonics and the planet's overall activity. The study suggests that this increased heat flow will accelerate mantle convection, leading to a faster cooling of the Earth.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2022

Heat rectification via suspended asymmetric graphene nanomesh

Researchers at JAIST have demonstrated a high thermal rectification ratio on suspended asymmetric graphene nanomesh devices at low temperatures. The device shows promise for developing a high-efficiency thermal rectifier based on graphene nanomesh structure.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalNano Futures·DateJan 7, 2022

Heat conduction important for droplet dynamics

A team of engineers found that thermal conduction is the most prominent form of heat transfer during droplet impact on smooth surfaces, influencing cooling efficiency and droplet behavior. Heat conduction also affects droplet dynamics on rough surfaces, leading to lower heat transfer rates.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalExperimental Thermal and Fluid Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2022
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Living walls can reduce heat lost from buildings by over 30%

A study at the University of Plymouth found that retrofitting an existing building with a green wall reduced heat loss by 31.4%. The study suggests that living walls can provide significant energy savings and help reduce carbon emissions in existing buildings.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalBuilding and Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021

Fabricating MgB2 superconductors using spark plasma sintering and pulse magnetization

New research from Shibaura Institute of Technology reveals that spark plasma sintering produces highly dense MgB2 bulks with improved mechanical and superconducting properties. The resulting samples exhibit superior strengths and high trapped field performance, making them suitable for space applications and electric machines.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalMaterials Science and Engineering B·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Reduced heat leakage improves wearable health device

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a flexible thermoelectric generator that converts body heat into electrical energy with improved efficiency. The device achieves significant reductions in heat leakage, resulting in higher output power density figures compared to previous versions.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·Journalnpj Flexible Electronics·DateMar 8, 2021

Nanodiamonds feel the heat

Researchers created nanodiamond sensors that can act as both heat sources and thermometers, allowing for the measurement of thermal conductivity inside living cells. This breakthrough may lead to new diagnostics tools and cancer therapies, as well as a better understanding of metabolic disorders such as obesity.

SourceOsaka University·DateJan 15, 2021
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

New method sees fibers in 3D, uses it to estimate conductivity

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a method to create 3D images of fiber orientation in composite materials, enabling accurate predictions of thermal conductivity. This innovation has far-reaching implications for designing high-performance materials and heat shields.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalComputational Materials Science·DateDec 1, 2020
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Game changer in thermoelectric materials could unlock body-heat powered personal devices

Researchers at the University of Wollongong have developed a new thermoelectric material with record-high conversion efficiency, improving heat-to-electricity conversion by over 60%. The discovery could enable the creation of body-heat powered personal devices, revolutionizing low-maintenance electronics and zero-carbon power generation.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateNov 28, 2020

Clemson researchers decode thermal conductivity with light

A team of Clemson researchers and international scientists have discovered a new way to measure thermoelectric material properties by using light. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of more efficient thermoelectric materials with higher zT values, which convert heat energy into useful electric energy.

SourceClemson University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateNov 9, 2020

Surface waves can help nanostructured devices keep their cool

Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, the University of Tokyo, have demonstrated a new cooling solution for nanostructured devices using surface waves. Surface phonon-polaritons (SPhPs) enhance thermal conductivity in thin membranes, improving heat transport beyond conventional acoustic phonon limitations.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 12, 2020

Topology-optimized thermal cloak-concentrator

Researchers at Shinshu University developed a topology-optimized thermal cloak-concentrator that can cloak and concentrate heat flux using general materials. The study utilized topology optimization to create an optimized structure that achieved both functions simultaneously.

SourceShinshu University·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·DateSep 24, 2020
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Investigating a thermal challenge for MOFs

Researchers found that MOFs become more insulated when filled with gases, contrary to expectations. This discovery poses challenges for the use of MOFs outside research labs and highlights the need for further investigation into their properties.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 11, 2020

Minimizing thermal conductivity of crystalline material with optimal nanostructure

The study successfully minimizes thermal conductivity by designing and fabricating an optimal nanostructure-multilayer material through materials informatics. The researchers created a superlattice structure that maximizes wave interference of lattice vibrations to regulate thermal conductivity at near room temperature.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJun 12, 2020
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Skoltech researchers use machine learning to aid oil production

Researchers used machine learning algorithms to accurately predict rock thermal conductivity from well-logging data, outperforming traditional methods. This breakthrough can enhance geothermal investigations and basin modeling, leading to more efficient oil production.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalGeophysical Journal International·DateJun 10, 2020