Novel nanotube structure strengthens thin films for flexible electronics

Reflecting the structure of composites found in nature and the ancient world, researchers have synthesized thin carbon nanotube textiles that exhibit both high electrical conductivity and a level of toughness that is about fifty times higher than copper films, currently used in electronics.

Two-dimensional melting of hard spheres experimentally unravelled after 60 years

First definitive experimental evidence of two-dimensional melting of hard spheres.

Graphene/CNT sensor could aid in detecting nuclear threats

A novel detector could dramatically change the manner and accuracy with which we are able to detect nuclear threats.

New approach may accelerate design of high-power batteries

Researchers describe a mathematical model for designing new materials for storing electricity. The model could be a huge benefit to chemists and materials scientists, who traditionally rely on trial and error to create new materials for batteries and capacitors.

Researchers develop 20 times faster biosensor

Researchers have developed a biosensor platform which has 20 times faster detection capability than the existing biosensors using magnetic patterns resembling a spider web.

Molecular libraries for organic light-emitting diodes

By means of a new screening process, it is now possible to identify more quickly lead structures with superior luminescence and charge-transport properties.

Electrochemical performance of lithium-ion capacitors

Pre-lithiated multiwalled carbon nanotubes and activated carbon materials were used as anode and cathode respectively for Lithium-ion capacitors (LICs). The pre-lithiatiation was performed using internal short circuit approach. The LIC showed excellent supercapacitor performance.

Nanoimprinted hyperlens array: Paving the way for practical super-resolution imaging

New research has demonstrated a scalable and reliable fabrication process of a large scale hyperlens device based on direct pattern transfer techniques.

Quantum mechanics is complex enough, for now...

Physicists have searched for deviations from standard quantum mechanics, testing whether quantum mechanics requires a more complex set of mathematical rules. To do so a research team designed a new photonic experiment using exotic metamaterials. Their experiment supports standard quantum mechanics and allows the scientists to place bounds on alternative quantum theories.

One small change makes solar cells more efficient

Scientists can significantly improve the performance of quantum dot solar cells by adding small amounts of alternate metals.

Ultrafast imaging reveals the electron's new clothes

This work offers strong evidence for the formation of polarons that are important for understanding energy transport in complex materials.

Super-resolution microscopy of hydrogels

A new NSF CAREER award to study the structure of hydrogels - jelly-like materials that have some of the properties of solids, but are largely composed of water.

Wood filter with added nanoparticles removes toxic dye from water

Engineers added nanoparticles to wood, then used it to filter toxic dyes from water.

A more fundamental approach to correlation

A method for calculating physical effects in materials with strong interactions between their electrons holds promise for analyzing these intriguing materials.