Headline: Unveiling the anomalous dynamics of non-collinear antiferromagnets

■ Release Date: 2023.8.7

■ Published by: Tohoku University

■ Keywords: antiferromagnets, manganese, tin

■ Abstract:

Researchers have unveiled new information about the anomalous dynamics at play when an electric current is applied to a new class of magnetic materials called non-collinear antiferromagnets.

Headline: Successful polycarbonate synthesis using the photo-on-demand interfacial polymerization method

■ Release Date: 2023.8.8

■ Published by: Kobe University

■ Keywords: polycarbonate, phosgene, diphenyl carbonate

■ Abstract:

As an engineering plastic having high transparency and impact resistance, polycarbonate (PC) is employed in eyeglass lenses, camera lenses, DVDs, automobile headlights and bulletproof glass. The industrial production thereof is mainly performed by means of interfacial polymerization reacting highly reactive phosgene with alcohol at the interface of water and an organic solvent. However, because phosgene is extremely toxic, a synthesis method not employing it has been actively studied from the perspective of safety.

Headline: AuNi alloy on Au electrodes for hydrogen evolution reaction: Towards a cleaner tomorrow

■ Release Date: 2023.8.9

■ Published by: Chiba University

■ Keywords: nickel, gold, electrocatalysts

■ Abstract:

Gold (Au)-based electrocatalysts used for hydrogen production via water electrolysis exhibit high chemical stability but low hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity.  Alloying them with nickel (Ni) can improve their HER activity.  A recent study investigated the HER activity and surface properties of AuNi alloy prepared on single crystal Au surfaces, revealing the atomic structural changes and surface sites responsible for enhanced HER activity of AuNi/Au catalyst during electrolysis.

Headline: Human scent receptors could help 'sniff out' nerve gases in new sensor

■ Release Date: 2023.8.9

■ Published by: American Chemical Society

■ Keywords: sensor, graphene, nickel

■ Abstract:

By some estimates, the human nose can detect up to a trillion different smells with its hundreds of scent receptors. But even just catching a quick whiff of certain chemicals known as nerve agents can be lethal, even in tiny amounts. Researchers have now developed a sensitive and selective nerve gas sensor using these human scent receptors. It reliably detected a substitute for deadly sarin gas in simulated tests.

Headline: Tattoo technique transfers gold nanopatterns onto live cells

■ Release Date: 2023.8.10

■ Published by: American Chemical Society

■ Keywords: gold, nanoimprint, silicon wafer

■ Abstract:

For now, cyborgs exist only in fiction, but the concept is becoming more plausible as science progresses. And now, researchers are reporting that they have developed a proof-of-concept technique to 'tattoo' living cells and tissues with flexible arrays of gold nanodots and nanowires. With further refinement, this method could eventually be used to integrate smart devices with living tissue for biomedical applications, such as bionics and biosensing.

Headline: Potential application of unwanted electronic noise in semiconductors

■ Release Date: 2023.8.10

■ Published by: Institute for Basic Science

■ Keywords: semiconductors, vanadium, tungsten diselenide

■ Abstract:

Random telegraph noise (RTN) in semiconductors is typically caused by two-state defects. Two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) layered magnetic materials are expected to exhibit large fluctuations due to long-range Coulomb interaction; importantly, which could be controlled by a voltage compared to 3D counterparts having large charge screening. Researchers reported electrically tunable magnetic fluctuations and RTN signal in multilayered vanadium-doped tungsten diselenide (WSe2) by using vertical magnetic tunneling junction devices. They identified bistable magnetic states in the 1/f2 RTNs in noise spectroscopy, which can be further utilized for switching devices via voltage polarity.

Headline: Chloride ions from seawater eyed as possible lithium replacement in batteries of the future

■ Release Date: 2023.8.10

■ Published by: Worcester Polytechnic Institute

■ Keywords: lithium, battery, chloride

■ Abstract:

Sodium, Potassium and zinc have all been promising contenders for lithium's place in rechargeable batteries of the future, but researchers have added an unusual and more abundant competitor to the mix: chloride, the richest negatively charged ions in seawater. Xiaowei Teng, the James H. Manning professor of Chemical Engineering at WPI, has discovered a new redox chemistry empowered by chloride ions for the development of seawater green batteries.

Headline: Zentropy and the Art of Creating New Ferroelectric Materials

■ Release Date: 2023.8.11

■ Published by: Penn State

■ Keywords: ferroelectric, lead titanate, zentropy

■ Abstract:

Systems in the Universe trend toward disorder, with only applied energy keeping the chaos at bay. The concept is called entropy, and examples can be found everywhere: ice melting, campfire burning, water boiling. Zentropy theory, however, adds another level to the mix.

Headline: New recycling process could find markets for 'junk' plastic waste

■ Release Date: 2023.8.11

■ Published by: University of Wisconsin-Madison

■ Keywords: plastic waste, recycling, pyrolysis

■ Abstract:

Although many Americans dutifully deposit their plastic trash into the appropriate bins each week, many of those materials, including flexible films, multilayer materials and a lot of colored plastics, are not recyclable using conventional mechanical recycling methods. In the end, only about 9 percent of plastic in the United States is ever reused, often in low-value products. With a new technique, however, chemical engineers are turning low-value waste plastic into high-value products.