Crafting ultrathin color coatings

New research suggests that an ultra-thin layer of a metal and a semiconductor could be applied to essentially any rough or flexible material to produce a vividly colored coating. The technique, which exploits optical interference effects, could potentially be used on wearable fabrics or stretchable electronics.

Ultrasounds dance the 'moonwalk' in new metamaterial

Researchers have developed the first three-dimensional metamaterials by combining physico-chemical formulation and microfluidics technology. This is a new generation of soft metamaterials that are easier to shape.

Piezoelectricity in a 2-D semiconductor

Researchers jhave opened the door to low-power off/on switches in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and nanoelectronic devices, as well as ultrasensitive bio-sensors, with the first observation of piezoelectricity in a free standing two-dimensional semiconductor.

Rätsel des platinarmen Nanokatalysators geklärt

Neuartige Nanopartikel-Katalysatoren könnten die Kosten für Brennstoffzellen dramatisch reduzieren. Ein von Berliner und Jülicher Forschern entwickelter Katalysator kommt mit einem Zehntel der üblichen Platinmenge aus.

Van der Waals epitaxy and photoresponse of hexagonal tellurium nanoplates on flexible mica sheets

This work extends the research area of 2D materials from layered materials to nonlayered materials which will bring out intriguing electronic properties.

Iridium nanoparticles resist deactivation in biofuel production

Scientists characterized catalysts to determine ability to convert methane to more valuable fuels.

Atomically thin CCD could capture images

A synthetic two-dimensional material known as CIS could be the basis for ultimately thin imaging devices and optical sensors.