Nanomaterials News - Nanomaterials, Nanoparticles, and Nanotechnology https://phys.org/nanotech-news/nano-materials en-us The latest science news on nanomaterials, nanotechnology, nanoparticles and nanoscience. Researchers create power-generating, gel electret-based device for wearable sensors A team of researchers from NIMS (National Institute for Materials Science), Hokkaido University and Meiji Pharmaceutical University has developed a gel electret capable of stably retaining a large electrostatic charge. The team then combined this gel with highly flexible electrodes to create a sensor capable of perceiving low-frequency vibrations (e.g., vibrations generated by human motion) and converting them into output voltage signals. This device may potentially be used as a wearable health care sensor. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-power-generating-gel-electret-based.html Nanomaterials Thu, 20 Jun 2024 12:16:11 EDT news638104568 Electric fields boost graphene's potential, study shows Researchers at the National Graphene Institute have made a discovery that could revolutionize energy harnessing and information computing. Their study, published in Nature, reveals how electric field effects can selectively accelerate coupled electrochemical processes in graphene. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-electric-fields-boost-graphene-potential.html Nanophysics Nanomaterials Wed, 19 Jun 2024 11:50:04 EDT news638016601 Researchers fabricate eco-friendly pesticide delivery system A research team led by Prof. Wu Zhengyan and Zhang Jia from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed a new environmentally friendly way to deliver pesticides using porous microspheres made of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). https://phys.org/news/2024-06-fabricate-eco-friendly-pesticide-delivery.html Bio & Medicine Nanomaterials Wed, 19 Jun 2024 10:44:32 EDT news638012670 Improving fingerprint detection with carbon-coated nanoparticles Fingerprint detection is one of the most important techniques in forensic investigation. When fingerprints are dusted with a carbon-based powder, the material will adhere to the moisture and grease left behind by the unique patterns of ridges and valleys on the perpetrator's fingertip. The resulting pattern can then be analyzed under a microscope, and compared with suspects' fingerprints. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-fingerprint-carbon-coated-nanoparticles.html Nanomaterials Mon, 17 Jun 2024 13:17:03 EDT news637849022 MXenes for energy storage: Chemical imaging more than just surface deep A new method in spectromicroscopy significantly improves the study of chemical reactions at the nanoscale, both on surfaces and inside layered materials. Scanning X-ray microscopy (SXM) at MAXYMUS beamline of BESSY II enables the investigation of chemical species adsorbed on the top layer (surface) or intercalated within the MXene electrode (bulk) with high chemical sensitivity. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-mxenes-energy-storage-chemical-imaging.html Nanomaterials Mon, 17 Jun 2024 12:13:03 EDT news637845181 Physicists discover a new optical property that measures the twist in tiny helices A new nonlinear optical property of tiny particles has been discovered by an international team of scientists led by physicists at the University of Bath, with important implications for researchers working in fields as diverse as display technology, chemical catalysis and medicine. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-physicists-optical-property-tiny-helices.html Nanophysics Nanomaterials Mon, 17 Jun 2024 10:53:04 EDT news637840382 New quantum material puts eco-friendly methanol conversion in reach Griffith University researchers have developed innovative, eco-friendly quantum materials that can drive the transformation of methanol into ethylene glycol. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-quantum-material-eco-friendly-methanol.html Nanomaterials Mon, 17 Jun 2024 10:14:49 EDT news637838087 Researchers present new method to fine-tune properties of layered transition metal dichalcogenide crystals A research group led by Prof. Cao Liang from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, together with collaborators, has introduced an additional translational degree of freedom in layered transition metal dichalcogenide crystals, enabling fine-tuning of their physical properties. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-method-fine-tune-properties-layered.html Nanophysics Nanomaterials Mon, 17 Jun 2024 09:49:03 EDT news637836542 Strong coupling and catenary field enhancement in the hybrid plasmonic metamaterial cavity and TMDC monolayers Researchers in the field of nanophotonics have spent significant time in recent years investigating fascinating concepts known as polaritons and/or plexcitons. These ideas revolve around the strong coupling of light photons and/or plasmons to excitons in semiconductor materials. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-strong-coupling-catenary-field-hybrid.html Nanophysics Nanomaterials Fri, 14 Jun 2024 12:48:21 EDT news637588097 New method links graphene nanolayers for tougher, elastic films Layers of carbon atoms in a honeycomb array are a true supermaterial: their unusually high conductivity and favorable mechanical properties could further the development of bendable electronics, new batteries, and innovative composite materials for aeronautics and space flight. However, the development of elastic and tough films remains a challenge. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-method-links-graphene-nanolayers-tougher.html Nanomaterials Fri, 14 Jun 2024 11:00:50 EDT news637581648 Self-assembling and disassembling swarm molecular robots via DNA molecular controller Researchers from Tohoku University and Kyoto University have successfully developed a DNA-based molecular controller that autonomously directs the assembly and disassembly of molecular robots. This pioneering technology marks a significant step towards advanced autonomous molecular systems with potential applications in medicine and nanotechnology. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-disassembling-swarm-molecular-robots-dna.html Bio & Medicine Nanomaterials Fri, 14 Jun 2024 09:53:59 EDT news637577636 Nanosized blocks spontaneously assemble in water to create tiny floating checkerboards Researchers have engineered nanosized cubes that spontaneously form a two-dimensional checkerboard pattern when dropped on the surface of water. The work, published in Nature Communications, presents a simple approach to create complex nanostructures through a technique called self-assembly. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-nanosized-blocks-spontaneously-tiny-checkerboards.html Nanomaterials Thu, 13 Jun 2024 10:33:03 EDT news637493581 Silicon carbide/carbon microspheres maintain performance in harsh environments With the rapid development of electronic information technology, electromagnetic wave absorption materials play a crucial role in military applications such as electromagnetic protection and stealth devices, as well as in the defense industry. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-silicon-carbidecarbon-microspheres-harsh-environments.html Nanomaterials Wed, 12 Jun 2024 16:54:03 EDT news637430041 Nanowires create elite warriors to enhance T cell therapy Adoptive T-cell therapy has revolutionized medicine. A patient's T-cells—a type of white blood cell that is part of the body's immune system—are extracted and modified in a lab and then infused back into the body, to seek and destroy infection, or cancer cells. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-nanowires-elite-warriors-cell-therapy.html Bio & Medicine Nanomaterials Wed, 12 Jun 2024 16:03:22 EDT news637426999 Transparent organic–inorganic hybrid photoresist enables precision machining of optical microstructures Researchers at Beijing University of Chemical Technology (BUCT) and BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd. (BOE) have developed a novel type of transparent organic–inorganic hybrid photoresist with highly tunable refractive index. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-transparent-organicinorganic-hybrid-photoresist-enables.html Nanophysics Nanomaterials Wed, 12 Jun 2024 14:04:26 EDT news637419864 New method integrates quantum dots with metasurfaces for enhanced luminescence A study published in Nano Letters demonstrates the use of quantum dots to create metasurfaces, enabling two objects to exist in the same space. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-method-quantum-dots-metasurfaces-luminescence.html Nanophysics Nanomaterials Wed, 12 Jun 2024 11:23:06 EDT news637410183 Study uses electrospun nanofibers to improve flexible piezoelectric sensors Flexible piezoelectric sensors are essential to monitor the motions of both humans and humanoid robots. However, existing designs are either costly or have limited sensitivity. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-electrospun-nanofibers-flexible-piezoelectric-sensors.html Nanomaterials Wed, 12 Jun 2024 10:54:44 EDT news637408481 A chain of copper and carbon atoms may be the thinnest metallic wire Researchers from the Laboratory for Theory and Simulation of Materials at EPFL in Lausanne, part of the NCCR MARVEL, have used computational methods to identify what could be the thinnest possible metallic wire, as well as several other unidimensional materials with properties that could prove interesting for many applications. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-chain-copper-carbon-atoms-thinnest.html Nanomaterials Tue, 11 Jun 2024 12:06:03 EDT news637326361 Current development status and prospects of emerging polymer/MXene electromagnetic shielding composites With the booming development of 5th generation (5G) mobile networks, various electronic devices have been widely used to improve people's standard of living. However, they also cause serious electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radiation, which has been known to affect the normal operation of electronic and electrical equipment, along with daily life and health of people. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-current-status-prospects-emerging-polymermxene.html Nanomaterials Tue, 11 Jun 2024 11:41:03 EDT news637324861 Switching nanomagnets using infrared lasers When molecules are irradiated with infrared light, they begin to vibrate due to the energy supply. For Andreas Hauser from the Institute of Experimental Physics at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz), this well-known phenomenon was the starting point for considering whether these oscillations could also be used to generate magnetic fields. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-nanomagnets-infrared-lasers.html Nanophysics Nanomaterials Tue, 11 Jun 2024 09:24:03 EDT news637316641 New technique uses enzymes to create versatile nanoparticles The selective bond-breaking powers of enzymes bring new versatility for building nanoparticles with a wide range of technical and medical potential. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-technique-enzymes-versatile-nanoparticles.html Nanomaterials Tue, 11 Jun 2024 09:16:04 EDT news637316161 Chemists discover spontaneous nanoparticle formation in charged microdroplets A team of chemists at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, working with a pair of colleagues from the Jawaharlal Nehru Center for Advanced Scientific Research, both in India, has found that particles of minerals sometimes break down spontaneously when immersed in charged microdroplets, leading to the formation of nanoparticles. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-chemists-spontaneous-nanoparticle-formation-microdroplets.html Nanomaterials Tue, 11 Jun 2024 09:06:06 EDT news637315555 Researchers demonstrate new way to 'squeeze' infrared light Researchers have for the first time demonstrated that a specific class of oxide membranes can confine, or "squeeze," infrared light—a finding that holds promise for next generation infrared imaging technologies. The thin-film membranes confine infrared light far better than bulk crystals, which are the established technology for infrared light confinement. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-infrared.html Nanophysics Nanomaterials Mon, 10 Jun 2024 11:03:10 EDT news637236187 Compressed titanium and sulfur nanoribbons can transmit electricity without energy loss, scientists find When compressed, nanoribbons of titanium and sulfur can change properties dramatically, turning into materials with the ability to conduct electricity without losing energy, according to a study published in the journal Nano Letters. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-compressed-titanium-sulfur-nanoribbons-transmit.html Nanophysics Nanomaterials Mon, 10 Jun 2024 10:27:38 EDT news637234055 Researchers develop a roadmap for the development of information technology based on 2D materials In a significant stride forward for the semiconductor industry, a new review paper from the "Shuang-Qing Forum" offers a comprehensive overview of the advancements and strategic roadmap for two-dimensional (2D) materials. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-roadmap-technology-based-2d-materials.html Nanomaterials Fri, 07 Jun 2024 13:47:03 EDT news636986821 Unveiling novel energy phenomena from light exposure on layered materials Research groups from the University of Tsukuba and the University of Rennes have discovered a novel phenomenon in which a nested structure of carbon nanotubes enveloped in boron nitride nanotubes facilitates a unique electron escape route when exposed to light. This finding introduces promising avenues for various applications, including the creation of high-speed optical devices, rapid control of electrons and other particles and efficient heat dissipation from devices. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-unveiling-energy-phenomena-exposure-layered.html Nanophysics Nanomaterials Fri, 07 Jun 2024 10:38:03 EDT news636975482 Researchers engineer new approach for controlling thermal emission The University of Manchester's National Graphene Institute has spearheaded an international team to engineer a novel approach for controlling thermal emission, detailed in a paper published in Science. This breakthrough offers new design strategies beyond conventional materials, with promising implications for thermal management and camouflage technologies. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-approach-thermal-emission.html Nanophysics Nanomaterials Fri, 07 Jun 2024 10:28:03 EDT news636974881 New tech could give individuals increased control over their own exposure to harmful gases In an increasingly health-conscious society, data is a hot commodity. Tracking step counts with an old-school pedometer has turned into monitoring heart rates, sleep cycles and blood oxygen levels with wearable fitness trackers, a market that has exploded in recent years. But one critical aspect of health monitoring has yet to become mainstream, because continuous air quality data is currently tied to spaces and not people. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-tech-individuals-exposure-gases.html Nanophysics Nanomaterials Fri, 07 Jun 2024 09:29:03 EDT news636971341 Scientists develop fatigue-free ferroelectric material Researchers at the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering (NIMTE) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with research groups from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Fudan University, have developed a fatigue-free ferroelectric material based on sliding ferroelectricity. The study is published in Science. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-scientists-fatigue-free-ferroelectric-material.html Nanophysics Nanomaterials Thu, 06 Jun 2024 14:00:01 EDT news636883519 Researchers' crystal engineering modifies 2D metal halide perovskites into 1D nanowires Purdue University engineers have developed a patent-pending method to synthesize high-quality, layered perovskite nanowires with large aspect ratios and tunable organic-inorganic chemical compositions. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-crystal-2d-metal-halide-perovskites.html Nanomaterials Thu, 06 Jun 2024 12:59:03 EDT news636897542