Headline: Decoding the structure and properties of near-infrared reflective pigments

■ Release Date: 2022.7.25

■ Published by: Nagoya Institute of Technology

■ Keywords: perovskites, infrared reflect 

■ Abstract:

Layered perovskites like titanium-added calcium manganese oxide ceramics have attracted attention as materials that can prevent solar heat absorption by reflecting near-infrared (NIR) radiation better than commercial pigments. However, the mechanism underlying their high NIR reflectivity is unclear. Now, researchers have adopted a combination of experimental and theoretical approaches to provide useful insights into the structure, properties, and functioning of these layered perovskites that can be extended to a broad range of crystalline ceramics.

Headline: A new leap in understanding nickel oxide superconductors

■ Release Date: 2022.7.25

■ Published by: DOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

■ Keywords: nickel oxide, superconductors

■ Abstract:

Researchers discover that nickel oxide superconductors contain a phase of quantum matter, known as charge density waves, that's common in other unconventional superconductors. In other ways, though, they're surprisingly unique. Unconventional superconductors contain a mix of weird quantum states. Researchers found one of them -- frozen electron ripples known as charge density waves -- in a nickelate superconductor they discovered three years ago.

Headline: Researchers develop nanoporous zinc electrodes that make primary alkaline zinc batteries rechargeable

■ Release Date: 2022.7.25

■ Published by: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

■ Keywords: zinc batteries, alkaline

■ Abstract:

A research team has developed a new electrode design that is set to enable the rechargeability of alkaline zinc batteries, one of the most common types of non-rechargeable batteries used in our daily lives, shedding light on a wider application of rechargeable batteries.

Headline: Understanding friction, the unavoidable enemy

■ Release Date: 2022.7.25

■ Published by: University of Pittsburgh

■ Keywords: tungsten, asperity 

■ Abstract:

For machines with mechanical elements, friction is an unavoidable enemy. It is a major source of service failure and can reduce the lifespan of any machinery, from bicycles and cars to airplanes and assembly lines. New research unveils the atomic-scale friction of a single tungsten asperity, or rough edge, in real time, showing atomic motion using electron microscopy.

Headline: The structure of the smallest semiconductor was elucidated

■ Release Date: 2022.7.25

■ Published by: Institute for Basic Science

■ Keywords: cadmium selenide, semiconductor

■ Abstract:

Knowledge of the atomic-level structures of materials is extremely important for correlating the properties and functions of material in any scientific discipline, including chemistry, biology, and physics. However, the determination of the structures of the magic-sized nanoclusters, which typically serve as nuclei of the semiconductor nanocrystals, remains highly challenging largely due to instability and inhomogeneity. In a recent finding, the researchers identified that the tertiary diamine and halide ligands can overcome these hurdles together, and revealed the core-cage structure in a subnanometer-sized 27-atom semiconductor cadmium selenide nanocluster, Cd14Se13.

Headline: Towards high-quality manganese oxide catalysts with large surface areas

■ Release Date: 2022.7.27

■ Published by: Tokyo Institute of Technology

■ Keywords: manganese, oxide 

■ Abstract:

The octahedral molecular sieve (OMS-1) is a very powerful manganese oxide-based catalyst, and researchers have found a remarkably simple way to synthesize it. By using a low-crystallinity precursor and a straightforward solid-state transformation method, they managed to produce high-quality OMS-1 nanoparticles. Their unprecedented catalytic performance and durability prove the potential of this novel synthesis approach for developing efficient catalysts and functional materials.

Headline: Graphene scientists capture images of atoms 'swimming' in liquid

■ Release Date: 2022.7.27

■ Published by: University of Manchester

■ Keywords: graphene, liquid 

■ Abstract:

Graphene scientists have created a novel 'nano-petri dish' using two-dimensional (2D) materials to create a new method of observing how atoms move in liquid.

Headline: Magnetic quantum material broadens platform for probing next-gen information technologies

■ Release Date: 2022.7.27

■ Published by: DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory

■ Keywords: iron trichloride, magnet 

■ Abstract:

Scientists have used neutron scattering to determine whether a specific material's atomic structure could host a novel state of matter called a spiral spin liquid. By tracking tiny magnetic moments known as 'spins' on the honeycomb lattice of a layered iron trichloride magnet, the team found the first 2D system to host a spiral spin liquid.