A new spin on atoms gives scientists a closer look at quantum weirdness

A team of researchers has developed a new way to control and measure atoms that are so close together no optical lens can distinguish them.

A world record in detecting extremely low levels of gas impurities

Scientists used photoacoustic spectroscopy applied to background-free analyses to measure unprecedentedly small trace gas concentrations.

Plastic waste comes back in black as pristine graphene

In a process they call ACDC, researchers expose plastic waste to around eight seconds of high-intensity alternating current, followed by the DC jolt. The products are high-quality turbostratic graphene, a valuable and soluble substance that can be used to enhance electronics, composites, concrete and other materials, and carbon oligomers, molecules that can be vented away from the graphene for use in other applications.

Order in the disorder: density fluctuations in amorphous silicon discovered

For the first time, scientists have identified the atomic substructure of amorphous silicon with a resolution of 0.8 nanometres. The results show that three different phases form within the amorphous matrix, which dramatically influences the quality and lifetime of the semiconductor layer.

Scientists launch quest to develop quantum sensors for probing quantum materials

The newly created Center for Quantum Sensing and Quantum Materials aims to unravel mysteries associated with exotic superconductors, topological insulators and strange metals.

Researchers find path to nanodiamond from graphene

A spot of pressure enables chemical conversion to hardened 2D material.

Predictive model reveals function of promising energy harvester device

A small energy harvesting device that can transform subtle mechanical vibrations into electrical energy could be used to power wireless sensors and actuators for use in anything from temperature and occupancy monitoring in smart environments, to biosensing within the human body.