Nanotechnology News – Latest Headlines

It takes some heat to form ice on graphene

Scientists detail the complex physical processes at work to understand the chemistry of ice formation. The molecular-level perspective of this process may help in predicting the formation and melting of ice, from individual crystals to glaciers and ice sheets.

May 27, 2021 Read more

Controlling magnetization by surface acoustic waves

Using the circular vibration of surface acoustic waves, researchers have successfully controlled the magnetization of a ferromagnetic thin film.

May 27, 2021 Read more

One-dimensional Anderson insulators predicted to host the bulk photovoltaic effect

A class of insulating materials is predicted to hold promise for highly efficient solar cells.

May 27, 2021 Read more

Shiny mega-crystals that build themselves

Researchers are playing with shape-engineered nanoscale building blocks that are up to 100-times larger than atoms and ions. And although these nano 'Lego bricks' interact with each other with forces vastly different and much weaker than those holding atoms and ions together, they form crystals all by themselves, the structures of which resemble the ones of natural minerals.

May 27, 2021 Read more

Better understanding membranes

A new class of membranes promises highly interesting applications in material separation, whether in biotechnology or water purification. The theoretical understanding of these polymer membranes is, however, still incomplete. Researchers now present a study that identifies these gaps in knowledge and shows promising approaches toward solving them.

May 26, 2021 Read more

Nanostructured tin gas sensors could help the world tackle the climate crisis

Scientists believe that tin-based gas sensors could help track and control harmful nitrogen gases that pollute our planet.

May 26, 2021 Read more

New quantum material discovered

Researchers came across a surprising form of 'quantum criticality'. This could lead to a design concept for new materials.

May 26, 2021 Read more

Artificial spin ice toggles twist in x-ray beams on demand

New studies helped scientists understand how a nanoscale magnetic lattice (an artifical spin ice) acts as a toggle switch for x-ray beams with spiral character. The findings represent an important step toward the development of a versatile new tool for probing or controlling exotic phenomena in electronic and magnetic systems.

May 26, 2021 Read more

Light-emitting MXene quantum dots

A new review article on light-emitting MXene quantum dots.

May 25, 2021 Read more

Superflimsy graphene turned ultrastiff by optical forging

Researchers have demonstrated how an experimental technique called optical forging can make graphene ultrastiff, increase its stiffness by several orders of magnitude.

May 25, 2021 Read more

Nanobots could navigate through blood vessels to target cancers and clear blood clots

Tiny nano-sized robots and vehicles that can navigate through blood vessels to reach the site of a disease could be used to deliver drugs to tumours that are otherwise difficult to treat.

May 25, 2021 Read more

One material, two functionalities (w/video)

For the first time, physicists have now developed a toolbox to create materials that feature multiple such properties simultaneously.

May 25, 2021 Read more

Engineering matter at the atomic level

As devices continue to be built on an increasingly small scale, scientists are looking toward developing ways to engineer materials at the atomic level. In a breakthrough that will contribute to this, researchers have developed a way to use a 'dry transfer technique' - a technique that uses no solvent - to position optical quality carbon nanotubes in a precise way.

May 25, 2021 Read more

Soft X-ray method promises nanocarrier breakthroughs for smart medicine

Researchers have demonstrated the capability of the new X-ray method on a smart drug delivery nanoparticle and a polysoap nanostructure intended to capture crude oil spilled in the ocean.

May 25, 2021 Read more

Folding 2D materials gives them new properties useful for quantum communications

WS2 nanomesh doubles the frequency and halves the wavelength of laser light - changing its colour as it does so - with great efficiency. This means it could be useful in components for quantum communications using light, where attempts to 'eavesdrop' on messages can always be detected.

May 24, 2021 Read more

Generating electricity from heat using the spin Seebeck device

Researchers have succeeded in designing a highly efficient thermoelectric device by optimizing the properties of both the interior and surface of the magnetic material that makes up the spin Seebeck effect thermoelectric device.

May 24, 2021 Read more