Headline: New material transforms light, creating new possibilities for sensors

■ Release Date: 2023.6.12

■ Published by: University of Texas at Austin

■ Keywords: solar, silicon, nanoparticles

■ Abstract:

A new class of materials that can absorb low energy light and transform it into higher energy light might lead to more efficient solar panels, more accurate medical imaging and better night vision goggles.

Headline: A novel, completely solid, rechargeable air battery

■ Release Date: 2023.6.12

■ Published by: Waseda University

■ Keywords: negative electrode, electrolyte, air battery

■ Abstract:

Solid-state batteries use solid electrodes and solid electrolytes, unlike the more commonly known lithium-ion batteries, which use liquid electrolytes. Solid-state batteries overcome various challenges associated with liquid-based batteries, such as flammability, limited voltage, unstable reactants, and poor long-term cyclability and strength. Making advances in this field, researchers recently demonstrated an all-solid-state rechargeable air battery composed of a redox-active organic negative electrode and a proton-conductive polymer electrolyte.

Headline: All-electric rideshare fleet could reduce carbon emissions, increase traffic issues

■ Release Date: 2023.6.12

■ Published by: American Chemical Society

■ Keywords: electric vehicle, battery, carbon emissions

■ Abstract:

Two major ridesharing companies have promised all-electric fleets by 2030 in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint. To understand additional impacts of this transition, researchers conducted life-cycle comparisons of battery-powered electric vehicle fleets to a gas-powered one, using real-world rideshare data. They found up to a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from full electrification; however, traffic problems and air pollution could increase.

Headline: Researchers describe the melting of gold nanoparticles in gold-bearing fluids in the Earth's crust

■ Release Date: 2023.6.12

■ Published by: University of Barcelona

■ Keywords: gold, nanoparticles, metal

■ Abstract:

Gold is a precious metal that has always fascinated humans. From Priam's Treasure to the legend of El Dorado, gold --regarded as the noblest of metals-- has been a symbol of splendour and wealth in many civilizations. Historically, gold deposits were known to form when metal was transported dissolved by hot aqueous solution flows --hydrothermal fluids-- until it accumulated in some areas in the Earth's upper crust. The recent discovery of gold nanoparticles in such mineral deposits has brought some doubts on the validity of the classical model.

Headline: A baking soda solution for clean hydrogen storage

■ Release Date: 2023.6.12

■ Published by: DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

■ Keywords: soda, hydrogen, energy storage

■ Abstract:

Scientists investigate the promising properties of a common, Earth-abundant salt.

Headline: Aluminium-ion batteries with improved storage capacity

■ Release Date: 2023.6.13

■ Published by: University of Freiburg

■ Keywords: aluminium, battery, lithium

■ Abstract:

Scientists develop positive electrode material using an organic redox polymer based on phenothiazine. Aluminium-ion batteries containing this material stored an unprecedented 167 milliampere hours per gram, outperforming batteries using graphite as electrode material. Aluminium-ion batteries are considered a promising alternative to conventional batteries that use scarce raw materials such as lithium.

Headline: Treatment creates steel alloys with superior strength and plasticity

■ Release Date: 2023.6.14

■ Published by: Purdue University

■ Keywords: alloy, steel, metal grains

■ Abstract:

A new treatment for high-quality steel alloys appears to confer super-plasticity in a manner researchers cannot fully explain.

Headline: Shining potential of missing atoms

■ Release Date: 2023.6.14

■ Published by: University of Vienna

■ Keywords: graphene, silicon, boron nitride

■ Abstract:

Single photons have applications in quantum computation, information networks, and sensors, and these can be emitted by defects in the atomically thin insulator hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). Missing nitrogen atoms have been suggested to be the atomic structure responsible for this activity, but it is difficult to controllably remove them. A team has now shown that single atoms can be kicked out using a scanning transmission electron microscope under ultra-high vacuum.

Headline: Nanomaterials: 3D printing of glass without sintering

■ Release Date: 2023.6.15

■ Published by: Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)

■ Keywords: quartz glass, silicon, semiconductor

■ Abstract:

A new process enables printing of nanometer-scale quartz glass structures directly onto semiconductor chips. A hybrid organic-inorganic polymer resin is used as feedstock material for 3D printing of silicon dioxide. Since the process works without sintering, the required temperatures are significantly lower. Simultaneously, increased resolution enables visible-light nanophotonics.

Headline: Engineers develop a soft, printable, metal-free electrode

■ Release Date: 2023.6.15

■ Published by: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

■ Keywords: conducting polymer, electrodes, metal

■ Abstract:

Engineers developed a metal-free, Jelly-like material that is as soft and tough as biological tissue and can conduct electricity similarly to conventional metals. The new material, which is a type of high-performance conducting polymer hydrogel, may one day replace metals in the electrodes of medical devices.