Molecules move faster near sticky surfaces

Molecules move faster as they get closer to adhesive surfaces, but this effect is not permanent.

Nanoparticles - Accounting for the 'scooching effect'

Nanoparticles can help scientists brighten their research - but they also can throw off microscopic measurements.

New device could turn heat energy into a viable fuel source

The device is a multicomponent, multilayered composite material called a van der Waals Schottky diode. It converts heat into electricity up to three times more efficiently than silicon.

Insect eyes inspire new solar cell design

Packing tiny solar cells together, like micro-lenses in the compound eye of an insect, could pave the way to a new generation of advanced photovoltaics.

New X-ray laser technique reveals magnetic skyrmion fluctuations

A new 'two-bucket' method of delivering pairs of X-ray pulses gives a 1,000-fold improvement in seeing magnetic fluctuations that could lead to improved data storage materials.

Beating the heat with nanoparticle films

House and car windows that stay cool in the summer, warm in the winter.

Nanocomposite sets new bar for water-splitting, CO2-splitting techniques

Researchers have significantly boosted the efficiency of two techniques, for splitting water to create hydrogen gas and splitting carbon dioxide to create carbon monoxide.