Headline: Sound-powered sensors stand to save millions of batteries

■ Release Date: 2024.1.29

■ Published by: ETH Zurichy

■ Keywords: batteries, sensor, sound waves

■ Abstract:

Researchers are developing a new type of sensor that reacts to certain sound waves, causing it to vibrate. The sensor is a metamaterial that acquires its special properties through the structuring of the material. Passive sound-sensitive sensors could be used to monitor buildings, earthquakes or certain medical devices and save millions of batteries.

Headline: Structural color ink: Printable, non-iridescent and lightweight

■ Release Date: 2024.1.30

■ Published by: Kobe University

■ Keywords: silicon, nanoparticles, structural color

■ Abstract:

A new way of creating color uses the scattering of light of specific wavelengths around tiny, almost perfectly round silicon crystals. This development enables non-fading structural colors that do not depend on the viewing angle and can be printed. The material has a low environmental and biological impact and can be applied extremely thinly, promising significant weight improvements over conventional paints.

Headline: A faster, more efficient imaging system for nanoparticles

■ Release Date: 2024.1.30

■ Published by: Institut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS

■ Keywords: nanoparticles, rare-earth, photoluminescence

■ Abstract:

Scientists have developed a new system for imaging nanoparticles. It consists of a high-precision, short-wave infrared imaging technique capable of capturing the photoluminescence lifetimes of rare-earth doped nanoparticles in the micro- to millisecond range.

Headline: Resin destroys coronavirus from plastic surfaces

■ Release Date: 2024.1.30

■ Published by: University of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto

■ Keywords: resin, plastic, coronavirus

■ Abstract:

Researchers are currently developing anti-viral surfaces to decrease the spread of infectious diseases. A recent study found that a resin ingredient is effective against coronaviruses and strongly decreases their infectivity on plastic surfaces.

Headline: Small yet mighty: Showcasing precision nanocluster formation with molecular traps

■ Release Date: 2024.1.30

■ Published by: Chiba University

■ Keywords: cobalt, nanocluster, copper

■ Abstract:

Nanoclusters (NCs) of transition metals like cobalt or nickel have widespread applications in drug delivery and water purification, with smaller NCs exhibiting improved functionalities. Downsizing NCs is, however, usually challenging. Now, scientists have demonstrated functional NC formation with atomic-scale precision. They successfully grew cobalt NCs on flat copper surfaces using molecular arrays as traps. This breakthrough paves the way for advancements like single-atom catalysis and spintronics miniaturization.

Headline: Will electric fields lead the way to developing semiconductors with high power efficiency?

■ Release Date: 2024.1.31

■ Published by: Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)

■ Keywords: strontium, semiconductors, polarization

■ Abstract:

A joint research team has successfully induced polarization and polarity in metallic substances.

Headline: Tracking unconventional superconductivity

■ Release Date: 2024.1.31

■ Published by: Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf

■ Keywords: superconductivity, metal, electrical resistance

■ Abstract:

At low enough temperatures, certain metals lose their electrical resistance and they conduct electricity without loss. This effect of superconductivity is known for more than hundred years and is well understood for so-called conventional superconductors. More recent, however, are unconventional superconductors, for which it is unclear yet how they work.

Headline: Machine learning guides carbon nanotechnology

■ Release Date: 2024.2.1

■ Published by: Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University

■ Keywords: carbon nanostructures, graphene, copper

■ Abstract:

Carbon nanostructures could become easier to design and synthesize thanks to a machine learning method that predicts how they grow on metal surfaces. The new approach will make it easier to exploit the unique chemical versatility of carbon nanotechnology.