| Jun 09, 2022 |
Discovery paves the way for faster computers, longer-lasting batteries(Nanowerk News) University of Queensland scientists have cracked a problem that’s frustrated chemists and physicists for years, potentially leading to a new age of powerful, efficient, and environmentally friendly technologies. |
| Using quantum mechanics, Professor Ben Powell from UQ’s School of Mathematics and Physics has discovered a ‘recipe’ which allows molecular switches to work at room temperature (Journal of the American Chemical Society, "Toward high-temperature light-induced spin-state trapping in spin-crossover materials: The interplay of collective and molecular effects"). |
| “Switches are materials that can shift between two or more states, such as on and off or 0 and 1, and are the basis of all digital technologies,” Professor Powell said. |
| “This discovery paves the way for smaller and more powerful and energy efficient technologies. |
| “You can expect batteries will last longer and computers to run faster.” |
| Until now, molecular switching has only been possible when the molecules are extremely cold - at temperatures below minus 250 degrees centigrade. |
| “Engineering-wise, this is a big problem,” Professor Powell said. |
| “By following this detailed ‘recipe’, chemists should be able to make molecular switches work at room temperature. |
| “This will open the door to a bounty of technological advancements, such as improving MRI scans which could lead to earlier detection of diseases like cancer. |
| “These materials can also be used for sensors, carbon capture and storage, hydrogen fuel cells, and as actuators, which can turn electricity into movement, which would be useful for robots. |
| “All of these applications need materials that can be switched at or above room temperature, which is why our discovery is so important. |
| “Using these materials will also reduce the burden on the environment because computer energy use will be cut, aiding the fight against climate change.” |
| UQ researchers will be collaborating with chemists at the University of Sydney and University of New South Wales, to make new materials to test the new ‘recipe’. |
| Source: University of Queensland |
