Headline: Little bacterium may make big impact on rare-earth processing

■ Release Date: 2023.12.18

■ Published by: Cornell University

■ Keywords: rare earth, bacterium, vibrio natriegens

■ Abstract:

A tiny, hard-working bacterium -- which weighs one-trillionth of a gram -- may soon have a large influence on processing rare earth elements in an eco-friendly way.

Headline: First observation of how water molecules move near a metal electrode

■ Release Date: 2023.12.18

■ Published by: Institute for Basic Science

■ Keywords: metal electrode, batteries, electrolytes

■ Abstract:

A collaborative team of experimental and computational physical chemists has made an important discovery in the field of electrochemistry, shedding light on the movement of water molecules near metal electrodes. This research holds profound implications for the advancement of next-generation batteries utilizing aqueous electrolytes.

Headline: For this emergent class of materials, 'solutions are the problem'

■ Release Date: 2023.12.18

■ Published by: Rice University

■ Keywords: polymers, energy, vapor deposition

■ Abstract:

Materials scientists developed a fast, low-cost, scalable method to make covalent organic frameworks (COFs), a class of crystalline polymers whose tunable molecular structure, large surface area and porosity could be useful in energy applications, semiconductor devices, sensors, filtration systems and drug delivery.

Headline: Scientists tackle difficult-to-recycle thermoset polymers

■ Release Date: 2023.12.19

■ Published by: University of Bath

■ Keywords: plastic, recycle, polymers

■ Abstract:

A team of scientists has got a step closer to making several different types of plastic much easier to recycle, using a method that could be applied to a whole range of difficult-to-recycle polymers, including rubbers, gels and adhesives.

Headline: Filming the microscopic flow of hydrogen atoms in a metal

■ Release Date: 2023.12.19

■ Published by: Tohoku University

■ Keywords: hydrogen, metal, polyaniline

■ Abstract:

Using conventional X-rays and lasers to detect the atomic state of hydrogen is challenging, given its small size. A group of researchers may have overcome this barrier by unveiling a new visualization technique that employs an optical microscope and polyaniline to paint a better picture of how hydrogen behaves in metals.

Headline: New brain-like transistor mimics human intelligence

■ Release Date: 2023.12.21

■ Published by: Northwestern University

■ Keywords: transistor, graphene, moiré

■ Abstract:

Researchers develop transistor that simultaneously processes and stores information like the human brain. Transistor goes beyond categorization tasks to perform associative learning. Transistor identified similar patterns, even when given imperfect input. Previous similar devices could only operate at cryogenic temperatures; new transistor operates at room temperature, making it more practical.