materials science

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a new cathode material for solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries that significantly improves their electrical conductivity and self-healing properties. This material addresses key challenges associated with sulfur cathodes, such as poor electron conductivity and structural damage during use. The innovation holds promise for doubling the energy density of batteries in electric vehicles without increasing weight and extends the battery life, making…

Research reveals a simple parabolic equation governing melting points, demonstrating a fundamental unity across various materials and advancing phase transition understanding. Credit: SciTechDaily.comA professor has developed a groundbreaking theory that provides a universal method for predicting melting points, addressing a century-old challenge in physics and offering significant benefits to materials science.A longstanding problem in physics has finally been cracked by Professor Kostya Trachenko of Queen Mary…

Supercomputer simulations predicting the synthesis pathways for the elusive BC8 “super-diamond”, involving shock compressions of diamond precursor, inspire ongoing Discovery Science experiments at NIF. Credit: Mark Meamber/LLNLResearchers are on a quest to synthesize BC8, a carbon structure predicted to be tougher than diamond, using insights from advanced simulations and experimental efforts. This material, theoretically prevalent in the extreme pressures of exoplanets, remains a scientific mystery with promising…

The gold nugget obtained from computer motherboards in three parts. The largest of these parts is around five millimeters wide. Credit: ETH Zurich / Alan KovacevicTransforming base materials into gold was one of the elusive goals of the alchemists of yore. Now Professor Raffaele Mezzenga from the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zurich has accomplished a modern parallel to this quest. While he hasn’t changed one chemical element into gold as alchemists dreamed, he has successfully extracted gold from…

Researchers have engineered a high-performance binder for micro-silicon oxide (SiO)-based electrodes within lithium-ion batteries with poly(vinylphosphonic acid) (PVPA), which enhances electrochemical performance and durability compared to conventional options. Credit: Noriyoshi Matsumi from JAISTResearchers have created a sophisticated binder for silicon oxide electrodes in lithium-ion batteries, improving their electrochemical efficiency and lifespan.Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in various applications but need…

Researchers have created a novel metamaterial that can dynamically tune its shape and properties in real-time, offering unprecedented adaptability for applications in robotics and smart materials. This development bridges the gap between current materials and the adaptability seen in nature, paving the way for the future of adaptive technologies. Credit: UNISTDrawing inspiration from the extraordinary adaptability seen in biological entities such as the octopus, a significant advancement in the field of soft robotics has…

A groundbreaking study by a collaborative research team has discovered a method to induce and control polarization and polarity in metals, overcoming traditional challenges associated with metal’s free electron movement and symmetric structure. By employing flexoelectric fields on strontium ruthenate, the team achieved a transformative breakthrough in material science, promising to enhance the efficiency and longevity of electronic devices. Credit: SciTechDaily.comIn the field of materials science, the concepts of…

MIT engineers observed that a liquid crystal’s orderly microstructures will spontaneously assemble into large, twisted structures (pictured) when the liquid is made to slowly flow. Credit: Courtesy of the researchersStudy finds chiral structures, with mirror-image configurations, can emerge from nonchiral systems, suggesting new ways to engineer these materials.Hold your hands out in front of you, and no matter how you rotate them, it’s impossible to superimpose one over the other. Our hands are a perfect example of…

Researchers at the University of Sydney have discovered that adding molybdenum to steel, combined with metal carbides, significantly improves its ability to trap hydrogen, potentially solving the issue of hydrogen embrittlement. This breakthrough, using advanced cryogenic atom probe tomography, could pave the way for large-scale hydrogen transport and storage solutions, essential for transitioning to a hydrogen economy.Solving embrittlement is a multi-billion-dollar question.Why hydrogen causes steels to become brittle…

A new piezoelectric-based DC-DC converter, developed by researchers from UC San Diego and CEA-Leti, significantly reduces size and increases efficiency by centralizing power switches on a single chip, promising widespread applications in technology devices. Above is a die photograph of the proposed piezoelectric converter. Credit: University of California San DiegoThe ISSCC 2024 paper presents a ‘ground-breaking’ DC-DC converter that unifies power switches on a single chip.Scientists from the University of California San…