Headline: When does a conductor not conduct?

■ Release Date: 2024.4.29

■ Published by: ARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies

■ Keywords: copper, conductor, electron

■ Abstract:

A new study uncovers a switchable, atomically-thin metal-organic material that could be used in future low-energy electronic technologies. The study shows that electron interactions in this material create an unusual electrically-insulating phase in which electrons are 'frozen'. By reducing the population of electrons, the authors are able to unfreeze the remaining electrons, allowing for controlled transitions between insulating and electrically-conductive phases: the key to the on-off binary operations of classical computing.

Headline: Lead-vacancy centers in diamond as building blocks for large-scale quantum networks

■ Release Date: 2024.4.30

■ Published by: Tokyo Institute of Technology

■ Keywords: lead, photon, quantum

■ Abstract:

A lead-vacancy (PbV) center in diamond has been developed as a quantum emitter for large-scale quantum networks by researchers. This innovative color center exhibits a sharp zero-phonon-line and emits photons with specific frequencies. The PbV color center stands out among other diamond color centers due to its ability to maintain optical properties at relatively high temperatures of 16 K. This makes it well-suited for transferring quantum information in large-scale quantum networks.

Headline: Methane emissions from landfill could be turned into sustainable jet fuel in plasma chemistry leap

■ Release Date: 2024.4.30

■ Published by: University of Sydney

■ Keywords: methane, plasma, jet fuel

■ Abstract:

Researchers have developed a chemical process using plasma that could create sustainable jet fuel from methane gas emitted from landfills, potentially creating a low-carbon aviation industry.

Headline: Cost-effective, high-capacity, and cyclable lithium-ion battery cathodes

■ Release Date: 2024.5.2

■ Published by: Hokkaido University

■ Keywords: lithium, cathode, battery

■ Abstract:

Charge-recharge cycling of lithium-superrich iron oxide, a cost-effective and high-capacity cathode for new-generation lithium-ion batteries, can be greatly improved by doping with readily available mineral elements.

Headline: Sugar-based catalyst upcycles carbon dioxide

■ Release Date: 2024.5.2

■ Published by: Northwestern University

■ Keywords: molybdenum, catalyst, captured carbon

■ Abstract:

New catalyst is made from an inexpensive, abundant metal and table sugar. Catalyst converts carbon dioxide (CO2) into carbon monoxide, a building block for producing a variety of useful chemicals including syngas. With recent advances in carbon capture technologies, post-combustion carbon capture is becoming a plausible option to help tackle the global climate change crisis. But how to handle the captured carbon remains an open-ended question. The new catalyst potentially could provide one solution for disposing the potent greenhouse gas by converting it into a more valuable product.

Headline: Towards transparent and antimicrobial surfaces for touch displays

■ Release Date: 2024.5.3

■ Published by: ICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences

■ Keywords: copper, nanoparticles, glass

■ Abstract:

Researchers report the development of a durable and transparent antimicrobial surface containing copper nanoparticles. The nanostructured surface was obtained by dewetting ultrathin metal copper films on a glass substrate.

Headline: Tweaking isotopes sheds light on promising approach to engineer semiconductors

■ Release Date: 2024.5.3

■ Published by: DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory

■ Keywords: molybdenum, molybdenum disulfide, semiconductor

■ Abstract:

Scientists have demonstrated that small changes in the isotopic content of thin semiconductor materials can influence their optical and electronic properties, possibly opening the way to new and advanced designs with the semiconductors.