Predicting forces between oddly shaped nanoparticles

Simplified model of van der Waals forces will allow previously impossible simulations of how faceted nanoparticles self-assemble into larger structures.

A nanomesh pressure sensor that can be attached directly to the skin

An imperceptible thin-film sensor to record movement and the sense of touch.

Mystery solved: a 'new kind of electrons'

Why do certain materials emit electrons with a very specific energy? This has been a mystery for decades - scientists have now found an answer.

Versatile building blocks make structures with surprising mechanical properties

The subunits could be robotically assembled to produce large, complex objects, including cars, robots, or wind turbine blades.

Combining machine learning analysis with 2D material spectroscopy

Researchers propose a recognition method to distinguish the monolayer continuous film and random defect areas of two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors using machine learning methods with Raman signals.

Improving quantum dot interactions, one layer at a time

Scientists have found a way to control an interaction between quantum dots that could lead to more efficient solar cells.

Scientists age quantum dots in a test tube

Researchers have proposed a simple and convenient way to obtain arbitrarily sized quantum dots required for physical experiments via chemical aging.

Researchers find a completely new way to control the conductivity of materials at nanoscale

The new approach is based on exploiting 'hidden' irregularities at the atomic level, so-called anti-Frenkel defects. The researchers have managed to create such defects themselves, thus enabling an insulating material to become electrically conducting.

Stacking 2D materials to reduce computing power consumption

Scientists have designed a 2D material-based multi-stacked structure comprising tungsten disulfide layer sandwiched between hexagonal boron nitride layers that has potential for reducing circuit design complexity and power consumption.

A nanofiber filter for environmental remediation

Researchers create seaweed-shaped sodium titanate mats made of nanofibers that can remove cobalt ions from water, which may help provide a source of safe, recycled drinking water by removal of heavy metals and radionuclides.