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Graphene: Everything under control

A team of scientists from Bielefeld and Berlin successfully controlled graphene's nonlinearity by applying modest electrical voltages, enabling efficient processing of high-frequency signals. This breakthrough paves the way for using graphene in THz frequency converters, mixers, and modulators.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 8, 2021

A new dye shakes up solar cells

Researchers have developed a new dye called MS5 that significantly enhances the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), which are already being manufactured on a large scale. The new dye produces an open-circuit voltage of 1.24 Volts and achieves a power conversion efficiency of 13.5%, surpassing previous records in the field.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 19, 2021

New material: Rapid color change

Scientists have developed a new material with faster and more efficient electrochromic properties than existing materials. The material, called Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs), can be triggered by an applied electrical voltage, allowing for rapid color change and high sensitivity to electrochemical oxidation.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 18, 2021

How do good metals go bad?

Researchers found that exotic metallic materials exhibit poor electrical conductivity due to tiny amounts of impurities or defects. These defects cause electrons to remain localized, hindering current flow at low frequencies, but allowing it at high frequencies.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 15, 2021

Discovery of potential cosmic-ray accelerator in the galaxy opens window for PeV cosmic rays origin

The Tibet ASgamma experiment has discovered gamma rays beyond 100 TeV from a supernova remnant, suggesting that cosmic-ray nuclei are accelerated up to PeV energy and collide with a nearby molecular cloud. This discovery identifies the first candidate object in the Milky Way that can accelerate cosmic rays up to 1 PeV.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMar 2, 2021

Magnetic effect without a magnet

Researchers find giant Hall effect in material Ce3Bi4Pd3, exceeding theoretical predictions by a thousand times. The effect is caused by complex electron interactions and the Kondo effect, leading to unexpected potential for next-generation quantum technologies.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2021

Diamonds need voltage

Researchers have found that tiny diamonds can form in the presence of small electric fields, which play a central role in their creation. The experiments conducted by the Russian research team showed that applying less than one volt triggers a chemical transformation process, resulting in pure carbon in the form of diamond.

Potential extreme condition history detector - recoverable PL achieved in pyrochlore

A team of scientists has achieved strong tricolor photoluminescence (PL) in non-photoluminescent pyrochlore Ho2Sn2O7 under high-pressure treatment. The PL is retained and largely enhanced after pressure release, with the potential applications for pressure threshold sensors on extreme conditions.

Killer electrons in strumming sky lights

A team of researchers led by Nagoya University has discovered that killer electrons, resulting from the pulsating aurora, could be involved in ozone destruction. The high-energy electrons are believed to cause damage when they penetrate satellites, and their presence in the middle atmosphere is associated with the pulsating aurora.

SourceNagoya University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 30, 2020

KIST identified cause of external pressure-induced performance deterioration in solar cells

Researchers have identified the structural changes and metallization caused by external pressure in hybrid Perovskite solar cells. The study provides a theoretical explanation for phase transition and metallization, paving the way for high-performance solar cell materials that can withstand extreme environments.

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.

Double-walled nanotubes have electro-optical advantages

Researchers at Rice University have discovered that double-walled carbon nanotubes can create a staggered band alignment, allowing for more efficient separation of positive and negative charges in photovoltaic applications. This effect is caused by the interplay of different curvatures between the inner and outer walls of the nanotube.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 27, 2020