Headline: Solar cells charging forward

■ Release Date: 2023.4.10

■ Published by: Kyoto University

■ Keywords: solar, silicon, cell

■ Abstract:

An environmentally friendlier solution to solar cell production with enhanced performance utilizes PEDOT:PSS/silicon heterojunction solar cells. This hybrid type is made of organic-inorganic material, which could potentially ease the production process compared to conventional silicon-only solar cells. It avoids manufacturing solar cells in vacuums and high-temperature processes, which require large and expensive equipment and a great amount of time.

Headline: Merons and antimerons

■ Release Date: 2023.4.11

■ Published by: University of Liege

■ Keywords: boron nitride, ferroelectricity, molybdenum

■ Abstract:

Sliding and twisting of van der Waals layers can produce fascinating physical phenomena. Scientists show that moiré polar domains in bilayer hBN give rise to a topologically non-trivial winding of the polarization field, forming networks of merons and antimerons.

Headline: Electrification push will have enormous impacts on critical metals supply chain

■ Release Date: 2023.4.11

■ Published by: Cornell University

■ Keywords: lithium, nickel, cobalt

■ Abstract:

The demand for battery-grade lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese and platinum will climb steeply as vehicle electrification speeds up and nations work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through mid-century. This surge in demand will also create a variety of economic and supply-chain problems, according to new research.

Headline: Pollution monitoring through precise detection of gold nanoparticles in woodlice

■ Release Date: 2023.4.11

■ Published by: American Institute of Physics

■ Keywords: nanoparticles, gold, metal

■ Abstract:

Researchers introduce a novel imaging method to detect gold nanoparticles in woodlice. Their method, known as four-wave mixing microscopy, flashes light that the gold nanoparticles absorb. The light flashes again and the subsequent scattering reveals the nanoparticles' locations. With information about the quantity, location, and impact of gold nanoparticles within the organism, scientists can better understand the potential harm other metals may have on nature.

Headline: Wonder material graphene claims yet another superlative

■ Release Date: 2023.4.12

■ Published by: University of Manchester

■ Keywords: graphene, magnetoresistance, magnetic

■ Abstract:

Researchers report record-high magnetoresistance that appears in graphene under ambient conditions.

Headline: Chemists redesign biological PHAs, 'dream' biodegradable plastics

■ Release Date: 2023.4.13

■ Published by: Colorado State University

■ Keywords: polymers, plastics, polyhydroxyalkanoates

■ Abstract:

They've been called 'dream' plastics: polyhydroxyalkanoates, or PHAs. Already the basis of a fledgling industry, they're a class of polymers naturally created by living microorganisms, or synthetically produced from biorenewable feedstocks. They're biodegradable in the ambient environment, including oceans and soil.

Headline: Engineers devise technology to prevent fouling in photobioreactors for CO2 capture

■ Release Date: 2023.4.13

■ Published by: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

■ Keywords: carbon capture, greenhouse gas, negative emissions

■ Abstract:

A new, inexpensive technology can limit the buildup of algae on the walls of photobioreactors that can help convert carbon dioxide into useful products. Reducing this fouling avoids costly cleanouts and allows more photosynthesis to happen within tanks.