Polymer membranes could benefit from taking a dip

A simple pretreatment step enables membranes to be enhanced using atomic layer deposition, a technique that can improve performance and introduce new surface properties.

Nanoarchitected metamaterial with material achieves the theoretic limits of stiffness and strength

The strength of the carbon plate structures was up to 639% stronger and up to 522% stiffer than same-weight beam nanolattices of the same material. This is the first experimental evidence that plate-architecture is superior to the established beam-architecture.

Success in specific detection of molecules using deformation of a single graphene sheet

Researchers developed a test chip using graphene. The chip has a trampoline structure with a narrow gap of 1 micrometer or less formed under a monoatomic graphene film, and can specifically trap a biomarker, a protein included in bodily fluids, on graphene.

Novel nanostructure design lends extraordinary strength to a promising battery anode

Researchers developed a unique nanostructure that limits silicon's expansion while fortifying it with carbon. Their work could inform new electrode material designs for other types of batteries and eventually help increase the energy capacity of the lithium-ion batteries in electric cars, electronic devices, and other equipment.