Headline: Materials science engineers work on new material for computer chips

■ Release Date: 2022.10.11

■ Published by: University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science

■ Keywords: hafnium, ferroelectric, semiconductor

■ Abstract:

Members of a multifunctional thin film research group have published two landmark studies that explain how to engineer and enhance the stability of ferroelectric hafnium oxides, which are compatible with mainstream semiconductors. Their research advances ambitions in the semiconductor industry to save energy in computing by co-locating computation and memory elements in an integrated circuit.

Headline: Engineers weave advanced fabric that can cool a wearer down and warm them up

■ Release Date: 2022.10.11

■ Published by: Shinshu University

■ Keywords: phase-change materials, nano-threads, carbon nanotube

■ Abstract:

Textile engineers have developed a fabric woven out of ultra-fine nano-threads made in part of phase-change materials and other advanced substances that combine to produce a fabric that can respond to changing temperatures to heat up and cool down its wearer depending on need. Materials scientists have designed an advanced textile with nano-scale threads containing in their core a phase-change material that can store and release large amounts of heat when the material changes phase from liquid to solid. Combining the threads with electrothermal and photothermal coatings that enhance the effect, they have in essence developed a fabric that can both quickly cool the wearer down and warm them up as conditions change.

Headline: Physicists probe 'astonishing' morphing properties of honeycomb-like material

■ Release Date: 2022.10.12

■ Published by: University of Colorado at Boulder

■ Keywords: manganese, tellurium, electrical conductor

■ Abstract:

A newly-discovered material structured like a honeycomb can transform from an electrical insulator, like rubber, into an electrical conductor, like metal, in a matter of seconds. Now, researchers think they can explain why.

Headline: Battery tech breakthrough paves way for mass adoption of affordable electric car

■ Release Date: 2022.10.12

■ Published by: Penn State

■ Keywords: battery, lithium, faster-charging

■ Abstract:

A breakthrough in electric vehicle battery design has enabled a 10-minute charge time for a typical EV battery. This is a record-breaking combination of a shorter charge time and more energy acquired for longer travel.

Headline: Revealing the mysteries of the universe under the skin of an atomic nucleus

■ Release Date: 2022.10.12

■ Published by: Chalmers University of Technology

■ Keywords: precious metals, gold, platinum

■ Abstract:

Massive neutron stars colliding in space are thought to be able to create precious metals such as gold and platinum. The properties of these stars are still an enigma, but the answer may lie beneath the skin of one of the smallest building blocks on Earth -- an atomic nucleus of lead. Getting the nucleus of the atom to reveal the secrets of the strong force that governs the interior of neutron stars has proven difficult. Now a new computer model can provide answers.

Headline: Researchers develop automatic drawing machine for making paper-based metamaterials

■ Release Date: 2022.10.13

■ Published by: Optica

■ Keywords: graphite, metamaterial, paper-based

■ Abstract:

Researchers have developed an automatic drawing machine that uses pens and pencils to draw metamaterials -- artificially engineered composite materials that derive their properties from patterned microstructure -- onto paper. They demonstrated the new approach by using it to make three metamaterials that can manipulate the microwave region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Headline: Scientists count electric charges in a single catalyst nanoparticle down to the electron

■ Release Date: 2022.10.13

■ Published by: Kyushu University

■ Keywords: platinum, nanoparticle, titanium oxide

■ Abstract:

Researchers demonstrated the direct counting of small electric charges in individual catalyst nanoparticles. Ultrahigh sensitivity and precision electron holography improved by the developed noise reduction process revealed the potential distribution around a platinum nanoparticle on a surface of titanium oxide and identified the individual nanoparticle's charge state -- the number and sense (positive or negative) of the charge. This sophisticated microscopy technique will be key for developing highly functional catalysts.

Headline: 'Smart plastic' material is step forward toward soft, flexible robotics and electronics

■ Release Date: 2022.10.13

■ Published by: University of Texas at Austin

■ Keywords: rubber, catalyst, plastic

■ Abstract:

Scientists have developed a new material that can change from soft and stretchy to hard and rigid after exposure to a catalyst and visible light.