Nanocomposite window materials can control light and energy

Researchers are one step closer to delivering smart windows with a new level of energy efficiency, engineering materials that allow windows to reveal light without transferring heat and, conversely, to block light while allowing heat transmission.

Qubit chemistry

Scientists show how two qubit types - atomic spins and quantum dot spins - can be combined into a workable quantum system.

New molecular butterflies help advance energy research

Imagine a family of butterflies fluttering around in a controlled lab space. Except, the butterflies aren't really butterflies. They are molecules designed and produced as new functional materials that have a wide range of applications from molecular sensors to light-controlling devices.

Boosting gas mileage with graphene

Researchers report the development of a material that could convert engine heat that's otherwise wasted into electrical energy to help keep a car running - and reduce the need for fuels.

The virtual laboratory

Different length and time scale domains provide different levels of information, but little is currently known about how these levels of information are connected. A long-term programme aims to connect the scales, relating the behaviour of atoms and molecules to tangible properties at the macroscale.

Researchers make scalable arrays of building blocks for ultrathin electronics

For the first time, researchers have combined a novel synthesis process with commercial electron-beam lithography techniques to produce arrays of semiconductor junctions in arbitrary patterns within a single, nanometer-thick semiconductor crystal.

New study shows how nanoparticles can clean up environmental pollutants

Nanomaterials and UV light can 'trap' chemicals for easy removal from soil and water.

Graphene nanoscrolls used in design of near-frictionless material

Scientists used Mira to identify and improve a new mechanism for eliminating friction, which fed into the development of a hybrid material that exhibited superlubricity at the macroscale for the first time.