Researchers reveal atomic-level activity of green catalyst used in PVC production

An international group of scientists has unlocked the secret of a gold-based catalyst that is responsible for a new, environmentally friendly method of producing the vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) that is used to manufacture polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the world's third-most widely used plastic.

What happens in the living cell?

'Molecular activity painting' to control and monitor switch-like, light-controlled perturbations inside cells.

Rotating molecules create a brighter future

Scientists have discovered a group of materials which could pave the way for a new generation of high-efficiency lighting, solving a quandary which has inhibited the performance of display technology for decades.

New electron microscope sees more than an image

A novel electron microscope pixel array detector (EMPAD) yields not just an image, but a wealth of information about the electrons that create the image and, from that, more about the structure of the sample.

Triple-threat cancer-fighting polymer capsules for guided drug delivery

These microcarriers may offer an entirely different approach to treating solid human tumors of numerous pathologic subtypes by delivering their encapsulated drug cargo to a tumor and protecting against collateral tissue damage.

Sculpting optical microstructures with slight changes in chemistry

Theory helps better understand and control microfabrication.

'Fuzzy' fibers can take rockets' heat

Researchers create tough material for next generation of powerful engines.

Built from the bottom up, nanoribbons pave the way to 'on-off' states for graphene

A new way to grow narrow ribbons of graphene, a lightweight and strong structure of single-atom-thick carbon atoms linked into hexagons, may address a shortcoming that has prevented the material from achieving its full potential in electronic applications.

Engineer patents waterlike polymer to create high-temperature ceramics

Ceramic textiles, improved jet engine blades, 3-D printed ceramics and better batteries may soon become a reality, thanks to a recently patented polymer.

Next-generation software supports explorations beyond the nanoworld into the intramolecular picoworld

A recent upgrade to data acquisition and visualization software more than 20 years in the making enhances scientists' ability to observe and control individual atoms and molecular interactions.

The beginning of the end of order

Classical physics states that a crystal consists of perfectly ordered particles from a continuous symmetrical atomic structure. The Mermin-Wagner theorem from 1966 broke with this view: it states that in one-dimensional and two-dimensional atomic structures (for example in an atomic chain or membrane) there cannot be perfect ordering of particles over long ranges.

Beyond graphene: Advances make reduced graphene oxide electronics feasible

Researchers have developed a technique for converting positively charged (p-type) reduced graphene oxide (rGO) into negatively charged (n-type) rGO, creating a layered material that can be used to develop rGO-based transistors for use in electronic devices.

Surface roughness accelerates liquid-liquid transition

Opening a new route for controlling transformation between two liquid states.

Nanomagnets for future data storage

An international team of researchers has developed a method for depositing single magnetisable atoms onto a surface. This is especially interesting for the development of new miniature data storage devices.

Watching atoms race

Scientists have been able to observe the movement of a one-dimensional material in real-time. Their research confirms that the acceleration of the atoms could leave even a Porsche standing.