Nanotechnology News – Latest Headlines

Ultrafast complex molecular simulations by 'cutting up molecules'

Scientists have developed an ultrafast quantum chemical method, which allows rapid and accurate simulations of complex molecular systems consisting of thousands of molecules.

Dec 5th, 2014

Atomic 'mismatch' creates nano 'dumbbells'

Researchers are closer to understanding the process by which nanoparticles made of more than one material - called heterostructured nanoparticles - form. This process, known as heterogeneous nucleation, is the same mechanism by which beads of condensation form on a windowpane.

Dec 5th, 2014

Light propagation in solar cells made visible

How can light which has been captured in a solar cell be examined in experiments? Scientists have succeeded in looking directly at light propagation within a solar cell by using a trick. The photovoltaics researchers are working on periodic nanostructures that efficiently capture a portion of sunlight which is normally only poorly absorbed.

Dec 5th, 2014

Filming chemistry with a high speed x-ray camera

A chemical reaction is a rearrangement of atoms in and between molecules, the breaking of old and the formation of new bonds. The glue that binds atoms in molecules and creates the bonds between them is made out of valence electrons. Scientists were able to show theoretically that the ultrafast x-ray camera is not only sensitive to inert core electrons but may also visualize the motion of chemically active valence electrons.