Nanotechnology News – Latest Headlines

New functional photonic materials and devices based on magnetism

Scientists have found through the study of photo-excited precession of magnetization using ultrashort weak laser pulses, that spins in ultra-thin Co/Pd multi-layer films are very susceptible to light; namely, a material that could be a candidate for photo-sensitive magnets.

Aug 18th, 2015

Challenge to classic theory of organic solar cells could improve efficiency

New research findings contradict a fundamental assumption about the functioning of organic solar cells made of low-cost plastics, suggesting a new strategy for creating inexpensive solar technology.

Aug 17th, 2015

A new material for transparent electronics

Specialized crystalline films revealed to be highly conductive and transparent.

Aug 17th, 2015

Dancing droplets launch themselves from thin fibers (w/video)

Droplets flung by hydrophobic material may aid water purification and oil refining.

Aug 17th, 2015

Going solid-state could make batteries safer and longer-lasting

New research paves the way for rechargeable batteries with almost indefinite lifetimes, researchers say.

Aug 17th, 2015

Breakthrough brings futuristic electronics a step nearer

When researchers dream about electronics of the future, they more or less dream of pouring liquids into a beaker, stirring them together and decanting a computer out onto the table. This field of research is known as self-assembling molecular electronics. But, getting chemical substances to self-assemble into electronic components is just as complicated as it sounds.

Aug 17th, 2015

The world's first electrically powered optical nanoantenna

Using electricity to make a 250 nm long nanoantenna emit light: this is what physicists have accomplished in a world first.

Aug 17th, 2015

Is graphene hydrophobic or hydrophilic?

New research investigates the hydrophobicity of epitaxial graphene, which could be used in the future to better tailor graphene coatings to applications in medicine, electronics and more.

Aug 17th, 2015

In catalysis, a single atom makes all the difference

Researchers show differences of a single atom in platinum clusters can modify catalytic performance.

Aug 17th, 2015

Surprising discoveries about 2D molybdenum disulfide

Scientists have used a unique nano-optical probe to study the effects of illumination on two-dimensional semiconductors at the molecular level.

Aug 14th, 2015

Engineers 'sandwich' atomic layers to make new materials for energy storage

Using a method they invented for joining disparate elemental layers into a stable material with uniform, predictable properties, researchers are testing an array of new combinations that may vastly expand the options available to create faster, smaller, more efficient energy storage, advanced electronics and wear-resistant materials.