Headline: Nanoparticles self-assemble to harvest solar energy

■ Release Date: 2023.2.21

■ Published by: American Institute of Physics

■ Keywords: nanoparticles, solar, thermoelectric materials

■ Abstract:

Researchers design a solar harvester with enhanced energy conversion capabilities. The device employs a quasiperiodic nanoscale pattern, meaning most of it is an alternating and consistent pattern, while the remaining portion contains random defects that do not affect its performance. The fabrication process makes use of self-assembling nanoparticles, which form an organized material structure based on their interactions with nearby particles without any external instructions. Thermal energy harvested by the device can be transformed to electricity using thermoelectric materials.

Headline: Enhanced arsenic detection in water, food, soil

■ Release Date: 2023.2.21

■ Published by: American Institute of Physics

■ Keywords: arsenic, silver, sensor

■ Abstract:

Scientists fabricate sensitive nanostructured silver surfaces to detect arsenic, even at very low concentrations. The sensors make use of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy: As a molecule containing arsenic adheres to the surface, it's hit with a laser and the arsenic compound scatters the laser light, creating an identifiable signature. The technique is a departure from existing methods, which are time-consuming, expensive, and not ideally suited to on-site field assays.

Headline: New design for lithium-air battery could offer much longer driving range compared with the lithium-ion battery

■ Release Date: 2023.2.22

■ Published by: DOE/Argonne National Laboratory

■ Keywords: lithium-ion, battery, air battery

■ Abstract:

Scientists have built and tested for a thousand cycles a lithium-air battery design that could one day be powering cars, domestic airplanes, long-haul trucks and more. Its energy storage capacity greatly surpasses that possible with lithium-ion batteries.

Headline: Electronic nose' built with sustainably sourced microbial nanowires that could revolutionize health monitoring

■ Release Date: 2023.2.22

■ Published by: University of Massachusetts Amherst

■ Keywords: nanowire, wearable sensor, chemical tracer

■ Abstract:

Scientists recently announced the invention of a nanowire 10,000 times thinner than a human hair that can be cheaply grown by common bacteria and tuned to 'smell' a vast array of chemical tracers -- including those given off by people afflicted with a wide range of medical conditions, such as asthma and kidney disease. Thousands of these specially tuned wires, each sniffing out a different chemical, can be layered onto tiny, wearable sensors, allowing healthcare providers an unprecedented tool for monitoring potential health complications. Since these wires are grown by bacteria, they are organic, biodegradable and far greener than any inorganic nanowire.

Headline: This new sensor can detect mercury ions with just a tap

■ Release Date: 2023.2.22

■ Published by: American Chemical Society

■ Keywords: sensor, mercury, lead

■ Abstract:

Although many measures are in place to prevent contamination, pollutants, such as mercury and lead, can still end up in the environment. Sensing them often requires complicated processes, but what if you could detect them with the tap of a fingertip? Researchers have now developed a self-powered nanosensor that can discover small amounts of mercury ions and immediately report the result.

Headline: Study offers details on using electric fields to tune thermal properties of ferroelectric materials

■ Release Date: 2023.2.22

■ Published by: North Carolina State University

■ Keywords: ferroelectric, sensor, thermal properties

■ Abstract:

New research sheds light on how electric fields can be used to alter the thermal properties of ferroelectric materials, allowing engineers to manipulate the flow of heat through the materials. Ferroelectric materials are used in a wide variety of applications, from ultrasound devices to memory storage technologies.

Headline: Ramping up domestic graphite production could aid the green energy transition

■ Release Date: 2023.2.22

■ Published by: Northwestern University

■ Keywords: graphite, cell, electric vehicle

■ Abstract:

Given the growing importance of graphite in energy storage technologies, a team of esearchers has conducted a study exploring ways to reduce reliance on imports of the in high-demand mineral, which powers everything from electric vehicles (EVs) to cell phones.

Headline: 2D Janus materials could harvest abundant hydrogen fuel

■ Release Date: 2023.2.23

■ Published by: Springer

■ Keywords: hydrogen, fuel, fossil fuels

■ Abstract:

Several studies have predicted that the water splitting reaction could be catalyzed by certain groups of 2D materials -- each measuring just a few atoms thick. New calculations present a new group of four 2D materials whose two sides each feature a different molecular composition, which could be especially well suited to the task.

Headline: Plastic upcycling to close the carbon cycle

■ Release Date: 2023.2.23

■ Published by: DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

■ Keywords: plastic, fuel, carbon

■ Abstract:

A new method to convert waste plastic to fuel and raw materials promises to help close the carbon cycle at mild temperature and with high yield.

Headline: New method creates material that could create the next generation of solar cells

■ Release Date: 2023.2.24

■ Published by: Penn State

■ Keywords: perovskite, solar, cell

■ Abstract:

Perovskites, a family of materials with unique electric properties, show promise for use in a variety fields, including next-generation solar cells. A team of scientists has now created a new process to fabricate large perovskite devices that is more cost- and time-effective than previously possible and that they said may accelerate future materials discovery.