Gold changes the photoluminescence of silicon quantum dots

Scientists have demonstrated that applying gold stripes to a sample with silicon quantum dots modifies the dots' properties.

Enhancing light-molecule interactions via crystal lattice vibrations

Researchers demonstrate a new way to strongly couple infrared light and molecular vibrations, by utilizing phonon polariton nanoresonators made of hexagonal boron nitride, a Van der Waals material.

Nanostructured alloying with oxygen

Scientists have analysed in-situ copper-iron alloys during annealing to find out when and how oxide is formed and how it can be used to strengthen nanocrystalline materials.

Vehicle particle pollution under the nano-microscope

A EU project is developing a way of measuring polluting particles smaller than 23 nanometres - the smallest size covered by current legislation.

Water purification breakthrough uses sunlight and nanostructured hydrogels

Scientists have developed a cost-effective and compact technology using combined gel-polymer hybrid materials. Possessing both hydrophilic qualities and semiconducting properties, these hydrogels enable the production of clean, safe drinking water from any source, whether it's from the oceans or contaminated supplies.

Sentinel wrap: A transparent patch to detect dangerous food threats

Researchers have developed a test to bring certainty to the delicate but critical question of whether meat and other foods are safe to eat or need to be thrown out.

Light 'relaxes' crystal to boost solar cell efficiency

Some materials are like people. Let them relax in the sun for a little while and they perform a lot better. Researchers have found that to be the case with a perovskite compound touted as an efficient material to collect sunlight and convert it into energy.