Refined protective layer for the 'artificial leaf'

A process for providing sensitive semiconductors for solar water splitting ('artificial leaves') with an organic, transparent protective layer has been developed by researchers. The extremely thin protective layer made of carbon chains is stable, conductive, and covered with catalyzing nanoparticles of metal oxides. These accelerate the splitting of water when irradiated by light.

Wearable graphene-based biomedical device to monitor, combat diabetes

Patch capable of non-invasive blood sugar monitoring, painless drug delivery.

New chemistries found for liquid batteries

Grid-scale approach to rechargeable power storage gets new arsenal of possible materials.

Researchers invent tougher nanostructured plastic with 50 percent renewable content

Researchers have made a better thermoplastic by replacing styrene with lignin, a brittle, rigid polymer that, with cellulose, forms the woody cell walls of plants. In doing so, they have invented a solvent-free production process that interconnects equal parts of nanoscale lignin dispersed in a synthetic rubber matrix to produce a meltable, moldable, ductile material that's at least ten times tougher than ABS, a common thermoplastic.

Microagents with revolutionary potential

Micro and nanorobots that attack tumors with maximum precision using drugs: this is what the fight against cancer may look like in the future. A group of researchers are laying the foundations with magnetoelectric-controlled Janus machines.

Printing nanomaterials with plasma

New method can deposit nanomaterials onto flexible surfaces and 3-D objects.

No more washing: Nano-enhanced textiles clean themselves with light

New technique to grow nanostructures that degrade organic matter when exposed to light.

A new-structure magnetic memory device developed

Researchers have developed a new-structure magnetic memory device utilizing spin-orbit- torque-induced magnetization switching.

Nanocrystal self-assembly sheds its secrets

A new approach gives a real-time look at how the complex structures form.

Scientists develop nanoscale vesicles for cellular deliveries

Scientists have developed a novel nano-engineering technique to fabricate tiny, membrane-bound vesicles called liposomes.

Five ways nanotechnology is securing your future

The real challenge is using nanofabrication techniques reliably to manufacture working nanoscale devices.

Scientists extend the reach of single crystals

Materials scientists and physicists have demonstrated a new method of making single crystals that could enable a wider range of materials to be used in microelectronics, solar energy devices and other high-technology applications.

Pumping up energy storage with metal oxides and graphene

Scientists have found certain metal oxides increase capacity and improve cycling performance in lithium-ion batteries.

Carbon leads the way in clean energy

Groundbreaking research is leading the way in clean energy, with the use of carbon as a way to deliver energy using hydrogen.

Scientists explore nanoscale objects and processes with microwave microscopy

Scientists have demonstrated a nondestructive way to observe nanoscale objects and processes in conditions simulating their normal operating environments.

Biosensor measures signaling molecules within cilia

Scientists can measure the dynamics of signaling molecules in subcellular compartments.

Solid electrolytes open doors to solid-state batteries

Japanese scientists have synthesized two crystal materials that show great promise as solid electrolytes. All-solid-state batteries built using the solid electrolytes exhibit excellent properties, including high power and high energy densities, and could be used in long-distance electric vehicles.