materials science

Research on superstructure carbons (SCC) introduces a novel method of using carbon more effectively in energy storage and conversion, offering potential environmental benefits and performance enhancements over traditional materials. With emphasis on customizability and efficiency, SCCs could revolutionize carbon-based energy solutions, pending further investigation into their practical application and economic viability.There’s a lot of research about moving away from carbon as an energy source, but what if instead the…

The magnetic properties of a material can affect how it interacts with light. Credit: Ihar Faniayeu/University of GothenburgResearchers have discovered how to make an optical metamaterial that would underpin a variety of new technologies.A new approach has allowed researchers at Aalto University to create a kind of metamaterial that has so far been beyond the reach of existing technologies. Unlike natural materials, metamaterials and metasurfaces can be tailored to have specific electromagnetic properties, which means…

PhD candidate Jordan Noronha holding a sample of the new titanium lattice structure 3D printed in cube form. Credit: RMITA 3D printed ‘metamaterial’ boasting levels of strength for weight not normally seen in nature or manufacturing could change how we make everything from medical implants to aircraft or rocket parts.RMIT University researchers created the new metamaterial – a term used to describe an artificial material with unique properties not observed in nature – from common titanium alloy.But it’s the material’s…

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have introduced a groundbreaking approach in semiconductor technology using mixed-dimensional transistors. This innovation paves the way for more efficient, high-performance electronics, overcoming the challenges of traditional downscaling and highlighting a significant leap towards advanced, multifunctional integrated circuits.The miniaturization of electronic components, including transistors, has hit a plateau, presenting obstacles in the production of semiconductors.…

Metamaterials with specific microstructures outperform solid materials in resisting supersonic impacts, offering potential for advanced protective solutions. (Artist’s concept.) Credit: SciTechDaily.comHigh-speed experiments can help identify lightweight, protective “metamaterials” for spacecraft, vehicles, helmets, or other objects.An intricate, honeycomb-like structure of struts and beams could withstand a supersonic impact better than a solid slab of the same material. What’s more, the specific structure matters, with…

A team from the University of Liverpool has developed a new solid lithium-ion conductor that could replace liquid electrolytes in batteries, enhancing safety and efficiency. This discovery, facilitated by AI and interdisciplinary collaboration, paves the way for further advancements in sustainable energy storage solutions. Image represents the lithium ions (in blue) moving through the structure. Credit: University of LiverpoolResearchers at the University of Liverpool have identified a novel solid substance capable of…

Researchers at Penn State have introduced a groundbreaking material fusion that enables a new form of superconductivity, crucial for advancing quantum computing and exploring the theoretical chiral Majorana particles. Their study demonstrates how combining magnetic materials can lead to emergent superconductivity, marking a significant leap in creating chiral topological superconductors and potentially unlocking new avenues in quantum computing research.A new fusion of materials, each with special electrical properties,…

An artistic representation of the molecular structure of the newly discovered ceramic materials that could potentially disrupt several industries thanks to their ability to create functional electronics at thousands of degrees. Credit: Hagen Eckert, Duke UniversityA novel computational technique has revealed hundreds of ceramic materials possessing a wide range of potentially industry-disrupting properties like electronics that could function in a lava bathIf you have a deep-seated, nagging worry over dropping your phone…

New research has uncovered the importance of atomic ring structures in glass, revealing how their stability influences glass’s performance and transition temperatures. This advance in understanding glass’s molecular dynamics aids in designing better glass products for high-performance applications.Glass is increasingly utilized in various high-performance areas, covering consumer and industrial applications, military and aerospace electronics, as well as coatings and optics. Given the stringent accuracy required in…

By U.S. Naval Research Laboratory February 22, 2024A landmark discovery introduces slab waveguides made from hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), showcasing the potential of 2D materials in advancing optical device technology. This innovation underscores hBN’s unique properties as an optical waveguide and its broad implications for enhancing 2D material-based devices.The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), working together with Kansas State University, has announced the discovery of slab waveguides made from the…