Addition of CNT thin-films to fabrics could power portable electronics

Scientists reported significant advances in the thermoelectric performance of organic semiconductors based on carbon nanotube thin films that could be integrated into fabrics to convert waste heat into electricity or serve as a small power source.

Scientists elevate quantum dot solar cell world record

Researchers established a new world efficiency record for quantum dot solar cells, at 13.4 percent.

Lens trick doubles odds for quantum interaction

Scientists use a super-resolution imaging technique to strengthen photon interaction with atoms.

Opening the van der Waals' sandwich

Researchers create world's first system to measure the force needed to separate a crystal's microscopic layers, a boon for semiconductor development.

Mission not so impossible now: Control complex molecular organization

Scientists achieved thin films with structures virtually impossible via traditional methods.

Spin-polarized surface states in superconductors

Novel spin-polarized surface states may guide the search for materials that host Majorana fermions, unusual particles that act as their own antimatter, and could revolutionize quantum computers.

Graphene enables high-speed electronics on flexible materials

A flexible detector for terahertz frequencies (1000 gigahertz) has been developed by researchers using graphene transistors on plastic substrates. It is the first of its kind.

Voltage-driven liquid metal fractals (w/video)

Scientists have found that gallium indium, a liquid metal with one of the highest surface tensions, can be induced to spread and form patterns called fractals with the application of low voltage.

Making glass invisible - a nanoscience-based disappearing act

Researchers have demonstrated a method for reducing the surface reflections from glass surfaces to nearly zero by etching tiny nanoscale features into them.

3D-printed device builds better nanofibers

Printed nozzle system could make uniform, versatile fibers at much lower cost.

Researchers show how nanoscale patterning can decrease metal fatigue

A new study shows how metals can be patterned at the nanoscale to be more resistant to fatigue, the slow accumulation of internal damage from repetitive strain.

Imaging probe printed onto tip of optical fiber

Researchers bring mass fabrication to nano-optical devices.

Quantum dots visualize tiny vibrational resonances

Innovative device could lead to the development of new sensing technologies.

Nanoscale platform aims to control protein levels

A nanoscale antibody first found in camels combined with a protein-degrading molecule is an effective new platform to control protein levels in cells.

New studies on disordered cathodes may provide much-needed jolt to lithium batteries

Scientists report major progress in cathodes made with so-called 'disordered' materials, a promising new type of lithium battery.

Researchers reveal the effect of nano-diamond on magnetorheological fluids

Researchers have found that nanodiamond has significant impact on the performance of magnetorheological fluids (MRFs). The shear yield strength and settling stability of the MRFs were found to have potential to be highly enhanced through the process.

Of glues and gases: Barnacle adhesion and nanomechanical sensors

Some biomaterial interfaces feature some highly unusual applications of engineering.

Lightwave controlled nanoscale electron acceleration sets the pace

Scientists shown how electrons can be accelerated in an extreme and well-controlled way with laser light, while crossing a silver particle of just a few nanometers.

Microscopic defects make batteries better

New study reveals unknown details about common lithium-ion battery materials.

Guiding the random laser

At its most basic level, a random laser is precisely what its name implies; random. So, how do you control some of the randomness to make useful devices? It's a question that's led a team of researchers to a discovery that's taking laser technology to the next level.

Graphene sensors detect HIV DNA

Next generation graphene electronic biochemical sensor devices are able to detect very low amounts of HIV DNA thanks to their very low electronic noise.

Heavy metal thunder: Protein can be switched on to conduct electricity like a metal

About four years ago, a research team got a lab result that even he couldn't quite believe. As with most scientific surprises, it goes against all conventional wisdom: the first evidence of a protein that could conduct electricity like a metal.

Researchers discover switching function in molecular wire

Researchers have developed a molecule integrating a wire with a diameter of only a single atom. They discovered that the current can be regulated via this molecular wire.

New technique produces tunable, nanoporous materials

Researchers describe a new technique for creating novel nanoporous materials with unique properties that can be used to filter molecules or light.

Nanomagnets levitate thanks to quantum physics

Scientists show that, despite Earnshaw's theorem, nanomagnets can be stably levitated in an external static magnetic field owing to quantum mechanical principles. The quantum angular momentum of electrons, which also causes magnetism, is accountable for this mechanism.

Researchers look to patterns to envision new engineering field

The phenomenon that forms interference patterns on television displays when a camera focuses on a pattern like a person wearing stripes has inspired a new way to conceptualize electronic devices. Researchers are showing how the atomic-scale version of this phenomenon may hold the secrets to help advance electronics design to the limits of size and speed.

Devices made from 2D materials separate salts in seawater

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have been successfully assembled into devices with the smallest possible man made holes for water desalination.

Scientists get first close-ups of finger-like growths that trigger battery fires (w/video)

Remarkable cryo-EM images of dendrites show details down to the individual atom, and will yield new insights into why high-energy batteries fail.

How harmful are nano-copper and anti-fungal combinations in the waterways?

Recent research explores the risks to the smallest creatures in aquatic communities posed by increased use of the anti-fouling wood treatment.

Deep-depletion: A new concept for MOSFETs

An international team of researchers has created a proof of concept that uses the deep- depletion regime in bulk-boron-doped diamond MOSFETs to increase hole channel carrier mobility.

Study takes a unique approach to new generation of smart drug delivery carriers

Imagine a tiny capsule, smaller than the tip of a needle, that could be programmed to release medicine at a specific location in your body and is inexpensive, easy to make, and more effective than the traditional pharmaceuticals we know today.

Researchers roll the dice on perovskite interfaces

Scientists develop a Bayesian probability-based computer program to help work out the structure of perovskite oxides at their interfaces.

Dynamic catalytic converters for clean air in the city

Dynamic structure of platinum particles optimizes exhaust gas after-treatment.

Nanoparticles with pulse laser controlled antibacterial properties

Researchers have discovered how to activate their bactericidal effect at will using pulsed laser irradiation. This is promising development in the fight against antibacterial resistance.

Imperfections show 'swimming' particles the way to self-healing and shape-changing

Defects in liquid crystals act as guides in tiny oceans, directing particle traffic.

Engineering cell-membrane function with DNA origami nanodevices

Researchers establish a foundation for implementing the diverse function of DNA origami nanotechnology on cell surfaces by using hydrophobic anchors to attach 3D DNA origami nanostructures to the surface of five distinct cell types, including adherent, suspension, and primary cells.

Mimicking biological process, hydrogel signals and releases proteins

An artificial system using a DNA-laced hydrogel can receive a chemical signal and release the appropriate protein. Further stimulation by the chemical signal continues to trigger a response.

Plastic and metal-organic frameworks partner for sensing and storage

A marriage between 3-D printer plastic and a versatile material for detecting and storing gases could lead to inexpensive sensors and fuel cell batteries alike.

New property found in unusual crystalline materials

Materials with a special kind of boundary between crystal grains can deform in unexpected ways.

Models clarify physics at photocathode surfaces

New 3-D models illustrate the effect of material roughness on electrons emitted from the surface of a photocathode.

Piezoelectrics stretch their potential with a method for flexible sticking

Researchers see performance boost in novel method for connecting thin-film piezoelectric materials to flexible substrates, with potential applications for medical devices.

New research explores the limits of nanomaterials and atomic effects for nanotechnology

New research has shown that improvements in nanowire structures will allow for the manufacture of more stable and durable nanotechnology for use in semiconductor devices in the future.

Quantum frontiers

Scientists investigated inter- and intra-layer dynamics to learn more about magnetism on the nanoscale, with potential connections to high-temperature superconductivity and spintronics.

Technique offers advance in testing micro-scale compressive strength of cement

Researchers have, for the first time, used a 'micropillar compression' technique to characterize the micro-scale strength of cement, allowing for the development of cement with desirable strength properties for civil engineering applications.

Cheaper, more flexible and eco-friendly smartphone screens with graphene

New 'potato stamp' technique combining silver and graphene may create cheaper, more flexible and eco-friendly screens.

Researchers introduce novel catalyst for rechargeable metal-air batteries

The new catalyst possesses the structure of nanofiber-based perovskite materials and exhibits excellent electrochemical performance, close that of today's precious metal catalysts, yet still inexpensive.

Researchers develop highly stable perovskite solar cells

A recent study has presented a highly stable perovskite solar cells, using edged-selectively fluorine functionalized graphene nano-platelets. This breakthrough has gotten much attention as it is made out of fluorine, a low-cost alternative to gold.

The world's smallest jet engine

Researcher receives the Guinness World Record for the smallest nanotube travelling through fluid like a jet engine.

Researchers greenlight gas detection at room temperature

Newly developed nanocomposite sensors are based on zinc and indium oxides, and their efficiency is maximized by green light illumination. The proposed device could be used to detect combustible, explosive, or poisonous substances in the atmosphere even at low concentrations.

Watching catalysts evolve in 3D

Scientists reveal structural, chemical changes as nickel-cobalt particles donate electrons, vital for making better batteries, fuel cells.

Rapid cellphone charging getting closer to reality with nanotechnology

The ability to charge cellphones in seconds is one step closer after researchers used nanotechnology to significantly improve energy-storage devices known as supercapacitors.