New solar absorber could improve efficiency of solar thermal technology

Scientists discovered a low-cost way to significantly increase the amount of solar energy that can be converted into heat, via a device called a solar absorber. This advance should help make sustainable technologies that rely on solar heat more efficient and affordable.

Nanosubs gain better fluorescent properties for tracking

The next generation of nanosubmarines has been upgraded with tags that fluoresce longer, which enables the submersibles to be tracked for greater periods while being driven through a solution.

Novel capping strategy improves stability of perovskite nanocrystals

Study addresses instability issues with organometal-halide perovskites, a promising class of materials for solar cells, LEDs, and other applications.

Physicists observe behavior of quantum materials in curved space

Feat probes light-matter interplay, phenomena of potential technological interest.

New approach to microlasers

Technique for 'phase locking' arrays of tiny lasers could lead to terahertz security scanners.

Extending life and improving performance of fuel cell electrodes

Surface treatment greatly reduces degradation of catalyst material.

Ferroelectric materials react unexpectedly to strain

Layered perovskites 'turn off' polarity under too much strain.

Efficient hydrogen production made easy

Sticking electrons to a semiconductor with hydrazine creates an electrocatalyst.

Nano 'hall of mirrors' causes molecules to mix with light

Previous attempts to mix molecules with light have been complex to produce and only achievable at very low temperatures, but researchers have developed a method to produce these 'half-light' molecules at room temperature.

Weird, water-oozing nanomaterial could help quench thirst (w/video)

Nanorods' behavior first theorized 20 years ago, but not seen until now.

Miniature scaffolding could support fight against superbugs

Carbon nanodots can graft molecules, making them more effective antimicrobials.

From nanotechnology, a better prognostic tool for brain cancer

A new nano-fabricated platform for observing brain cancer cells provides a much more detailed look at how the cells migrate and a more accurate post-surgery prognosis for brain cancer (glioblastoma) patients.

Shaping atomically thin materials in suspended structures

Researchers have realized wafer-scale and high yield synthesis of suspended graphene nanoribbons. The unique growth dynamic has been elucidated through comparing experiments, molecular dynamics simulations and theoretical calculations.

A new material can clear up nuclear waste gases

An international team of scientists have discovered a material that can clear out radioactive waste from nuclear plants more efficiently, cheaply, and safely than current methods.

DNA shaping up to be ideal framework for rationally designed nanostructures

Shaped DNA frames that precisely link nanoparticles into different structures offer a platform for designing functional nanomaterials.

Modular construction - on a molecular scale

Predictable assembly of protein building blocks result in a new class of porous materials, with potential uses ranging from efficient fuel storage to practical carbon capture and conversion.

Nano-stiltskin: Turning gold into ...see-through rubber

New metal nanomesh leads to super stretchable and transparent gold electrodes that don't wear out.

Surf's up: Magnetic waves on the edge

First realization of a novel material that can conduct magnetic waves on its edge, but not within its bulk.

Keeping cool with a black semiconductor

The orientation-dependent thermal properties of black phosphorous could be used to keep microchips cool and improve their efficiency.

Working better together: Two materials defining the future of high-speed electronics

Junctions between conductive graphene and insulating nanotubes could lead to faster electronics and computers.

Researchers discover new way to turn electricity into light, using graphene

By slowing down light to a speed slower than flowing electrons, researchers create a kind of optical 'sonic boom'.

A new way to control oxygen for electronic properties

Researchers have found they could use a small electric current to introduce oxygen voids, or vacancies, that dramatically change the conductivity of thin oxide films.

New 'Ukidama' nanoparticle structure revealed (w/video)

Researchers recently discovered a unique copper-silver nanoparticle structure that has a core of one element surrounded by a 'cage' of the other element. However, the cage does not cover certain areas of the core, which very much resembles the Japanese glass fishing floats traditionally covered with rope called ukidama.

New nanomaterial offers promise in bendable, wearable electronic devices

Electroplated polymer makes transparent, highly conductive, ultrathin film.

Lung Research - EU Horizon 2020 funding to predict nanotoxicity

Scientists will be using the funds to develop new tests to assess risks posed by nanomaterials in the airways. This could contribute to reducing the need for complex toxicity tests.

X-ray snapshot of butterfly wings reveals underlying physics of color

A team of physicists that visualized the internal nanostructure of an intact butterfly wing has discovered two physical attributes that make those structures so bright and colorful.