[Images above] Credit: NIST
ENERGY
Disorder improves battery life
Researchers led by Delft University of Technology discovered that local disorder in the oxide cathode material increases the number of times lithium-ion batteries can be charged and discharged.
Eco-friendly and affordable battery for low-income countries
Linköping University researchers developed a battery that is based on zinc and lignin, two cost-effective and environmentally friendly materials. In terms of energy density, it is comparable to lead-acid batteries.
BIOMATERIALS
Taking electroretinography to the next level with a soft multi-electrode system
Waseda University researchers developed a new type of soft electroretinography multi-electrode system to help diagnose ocular diseases. A carefully designed gold mesh of electrodes spreads currents during the overoxidation process, thus ensuring good electrical contact with the eye.
ENVIRONMENT
New type of porous material can store greenhouse gases
Researchers led by Heriot-Watt University created hollow, cage-like molecules with high storage capacities for greenhouse gases. These molecules were assembled using other cages to create a new type of porous material that the scientists say is the first of its kind in its porous “cage of cages” structure.
Pioneering shell concrete could help prevent floods
Researchers at the University of Central Lancashire developed sustainable concrete made from crushed scallop and whelk shells. By using the shells, which would usually be discarded by fishmongers, the concrete would allow water to drain through it, which would help alleviate flooding.
Mitigating the environmental toxicity of silver nanoparticles
Researchers at Oregon State University investigated the role that shape and surface chemistry of silver nanoparticles play in how they affect aquatic ecosystems.
MANUFACTURING
Innovative electrospinning method creates advanced ceramic nanofibers and springs
University of Oxford researchers developed a coaxial electrospinning technique that feeds two different liquids through a spinneret nozzle. A dilute ceramic precursor flows through the inner core, while a protective polymer solution flows around it. The polymer’s viscoelasticity enables jet formation, even with a core too fluid to electrospin alone.
Researchers harness blurred light to 3D print high-quality optical components
Canadian researchers developed a new 3D printing method called blurred tomography that can rapidly produce microlenses with commercial-level optical quality.
Discover optimal conditions for mass production of ultraviolet holograms
Researchers at Pohang University of Science and Technology evaluated the impact of nanoparticle concentration and solvent selection on the creation of ultraviolet metasurfaces. They found that the highest pattern transfer efficiency was attained at an 80% concentration level of zirconium dioxide.
New technique improves finishing time for 3D-printed machine parts
North Carolina State University researchers developed a technique that allows people to identify potential flaws in 3D-printed machine parts without having to remove the parts from the manufacturing equipment, making production time more efficient.
Catching additive manufacturing defects with nanoseconds to spare
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory developed sensors that are fast enough to identify defects before they materialize, allowing for processing parameters to be tweaked.
OTHER STORIES
AI and holography bring 3D augmented reality to regular glasses
By combining advances in display technologies and artificial intelligence, Stanford University engineers created an augmented reality headset that uses holographic imaging to overlay full-color, 3D moving images on the lenses of ordinary glasses.
Study sheds light on the origin of elasticity in glasses and gels
Researchers at the University of Tokyo shed light on the origin and evolution of elasticity in glasses and gels. They found that while a persistent trend of stiffening emerges in glasses as they age, gels initially stiffen and then soften.
Staying dry for months underwater
Researchers led by Harvard University developed a superhydrophobic surface with a thin, stable layer of air called a plastron that can last for months under water. The researchers say the simplicity and scalability of this system make it valuable for real-world applications.