Headline: Want a stronger biodegradable plastic? Add a 'pinch' of cream of tartar
■ Release Date: 2023.1.30
■ Published by: American Chemical Society
■ Keywords: tartar, plastic, bioplastics
■ Abstract:
Cooking a delicious risotto and making plastics are actually very similar processes. In both, ingredients come together and are heated to create a product, but current recipes for synthesizing bioplastics often fall flat, producing flimsy materials. So, taking a hint from chefs, researchers now report on a way to 'season' biodegradable plastics to make them stronger. It just takes a 'pinch' of cream of tartar (tartaric acid) or citric acid.
Headline: Researchers work to reduce the amount of precious metals in catalytic converters
■ Release Date: 2023.1.30
■ Published by: University of Central Florida
■ Keywords: catalytic converters, platinum, palladium
■ Abstract:
The precious metals, such as platinum, palladium and rhodium, in catalytic converters make the vehicle devices attractive to thieves, but researchers are working to reduce the amount of precious metals needed in them -- down to single atoms -- while still maximizing their effectiveness. In recent studies researchers showed that they could, respectively, use atomic platinum to control pollutants and operate the system at lower temperatures, which is crucial to removing harmful chemicals when a vehicle first starts.
Headline: Researchers can 'see' crystals perform their dance moves
■ Release Date: 2023.1.30
■ Published by: Rice University
■ Keywords: perovskites, solar, cells
■ Abstract:
Researchers already knew the atoms in perovskites react favorably to light. Now they've seen precisely how the atoms move when the 2D materials are excited with light. Their study details the first direct measurement of structural dynamics under light-induced excitation in 2D perovskites.
Headline: Superconductivity switches on and off in 'magic-angle' graphene
■ Release Date: 2023.1.30
■ Published by: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
■ Keywords: superconductivity, graphene, carbon atom
■ Abstract:
Physicists have found a new way to switch superconductivity on and off in magic-angle graphene. The discovery could lead to ultrafast, energy-efficient superconducting transistors for 'neuromorphic' electronics that operate similarly to the rapid on/off firing of neurons in the human brain.
Headline: Powering wearable technology with MXene textile supercapacitor 'patch'
■ Release Date: 2023.1.30
■ Published by: Drexel University
■ Keywords: supercapacitor, lithium chloride, battery
■ Abstract:
Researchers are one step closer to making wearable textile technology a reality. Materials scientists have reported a new design of a flexible wearable supercapacitor patch. It uses MXene to create a textile-based supercapacitor that can charge in minutes and power an Arduino microcontroller temperature sensor and radio communication of data for almost two hours.
Headline: Thin, lightweight layer provides radiation barrier for perovskites in space, protection from elements on Earth
■ Release Date: 2023.1.31
■ Published by: DOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory
■ Keywords: perovskites, solar, cells
■ Abstract:
An ultrathin protective coating proves sufficient to protect a perovskite solar cell from the harmful effects of space and harden it against environmental factors on Earth, according to newly published research.
Headline: Silver nanoparticles show promise in fighting antibiotic-resistant bacteria
■ Release Date: 2023.1.31
■ Published by: University of Florida
■ Keywords: silver, nanoparticles, bacteria
■ Abstract:
A new study found that small amounts of silver nanoparticles combined with a low dose of a common antibiotic inhibited the growth of resistant bacteria.
Headline: Seawater split to produce 'green' hydrogen
■ Release Date: 2023.2.1
■ Published by: University of Adelaide
■ Keywords: hydrogen, seawater, catalyst
■ Abstract:
Researchers have successfully split seawater without pre-treatment to produce green hydrogen.
Headline: New research computes first step toward predicting lifespan of electric space propulsion systems
■ Release Date: 2023.2.1
■ Published by: University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering
■ Keywords: graphite, thrust, ion erosion
■ Abstract:
Electric space propulsion systems use energized atoms to generate thrust. The high-speed beams of ions bump against the graphite surfaces of the thruster, eroding them with each hit, and are the systems' primary lifetime-limiting factor. Researchers used data from low-pressure chamber experiments and large-scale computations to develop a model to better understand the effects of ion erosion on carbon surfaces -- the first step in predicting its failure.