Moving molecules write letters

Caging of molecules allows investigation of equilibrium thermodynamics.

Nanomanufactured Block 'M' illustrates big ideas in drug delivery

By making what might be the world's smallest three-dimensional unofficial Block 'M', University of Michigan researchers have demonstrated a nanoparticle manufacturing process capable of producing multilayered, precise shapes.

Warming up the world of superconductors

A superconductor that works at room temperature was long thought impossible, but scientists may have discovered a family of materials that could make it reality.

Silicon micro-funnels increase the efficiency of solar cells

A biological structure in mammalian eyes has inspired scientists to design an inorganic counterpart for use in solar cells: micron-sized vertical funnels were etched shoulder-to-shoulder in a silicon substrate. Using mathematical models and experiments, they tested how these kind of funnel arrays collect incident light and conduct it to the active layer of a silicon solar cell. Their result: this arrangement of funnels increases photo absorption by about 65 percent in a thin-film solar cell.

In quest for better lithium-air batteries, nanoparticle coatings improve carbon's stability

Researchers unveiled a new method of stabilizing carbon - a central structural component of any battery - that could pave the way to new performance standards in the hunt for a lithium-ion components.

Magnetic nanoparticles enhance performance of solar cells

Magnetic nanoparticles can increase the performance of solar cells made from polymers - provided the mix is right.

Flexible nanosensors for wearable devices

A new method will enable the fabrication of optical nanosensors capable of sticking on uneven surfaces and biological surfaces like human skin. This result can boost the use of wearable devices to monitor parameters such as temperature, breath and heart pressure.