New topological insulator reroutes photonic 'traffic' on the fly

Dynamic data routing could make for faster photonic chips that use their entire footprint.

New carbon nanotube material is the blackest black to date

The new coating is 10 times darker than other very black materials.

Scientists learn how to custom design graphene origami

The ancient and delicate art of origami has reached the atomic scale, with researchers now able to precisely fold graphene into custom shapes.

Gem-like nanoparticles of precious metals shine as catalysts

Heated particles shift shape and become highly active catalytically.

Semiconducting material more affected by defects than previously thought

Research opens up new possibilities for improving performance of halide perovskite.

Spin devices get a paint job

Simple copper becomes an effective spintronic component thanks to molecular film.

Polymer 'music' for molecular 'ears'

Scientists present a new intelligent sensor material based on the 'Chiral Conflict', an effect barely described so far in polymer chemistry.