Alignment of single-wall carbon nanotubes along common axis
The researchers used machine-vision automation and parallelization to simultaneously produce globally aligned, single-wall carbon nanotubes using pressure-driven filtration.
Read moreMaterials Science
Creating miracles with polymeric fibers
Scientists are studying the fabrication of polymeric nanofibers and microfibers — very thin fibers made up of polymers. The fibers can be woven into textile-like structures but depending on the use, different fiber thicknesses may be necessary. To study the effects of various parameters on fiber fabrication, the researchers compared the characteristics of fibers created in different ways.
Read moreChains of atoms move at lightning speed inside metals
A phenomenon that has previously been seen when researchers simulate the properties of planet cores at extreme pressures has now also been observed in pure titanium at atmospheric pressure. Chains of atoms dash around at lightning speeds inside the solid material.
Read morePhysicists shed new light on how liquids behave with other materials
Using a range of theoretical and simulation approaches, physicists have shown that liquids in contact with substrates can exhibit a finite number of classes of behavior and identify the important new ones.
Read moreDynamic pattern of Skyrmions observed
Tiny magnetic vortices known as skyrmions form in certain magnetic materials, such as Cu2OSeO3. These skyrmions can be controlled by low-level electrical currents — which could facilitate more energy-efficient data processing. Now a team has succeeded in developing a new technique at the VEKMAG station of BESSY II for precisely measuring these vortices and observing their three different predicted characteristic oscillation modes (Eigen modes).
Read moreSolving the mystery of quantum light in thin layers
Tungsten diselenide emits light with very special properties. Nobody could tell why — but now, scientists have solved the riddle: a combination of atomic defects in the material and microscopic distortion is responsible for the remarkable effect.
Read moreDiscovered: Unknown yellow colors from antiquity
Antique artefacts have been studied by chemists, revealing a hitherto unknown use of yellow in Ancient Egypt.
Read moreChemists create self-assembling material with suite of new properties
Chemists have created a new material that self-assembles into 2D networks in a predictable and reproducible manner. They have successfully synthesized a complex material by design — paving the way for its suite of new properties to be applied in many fields.
Read moreOverlap allows nanoparticles to enhance light-based detection
Scientists use the plasmonic properties of gold nanoparticles to amplify light from molecules triggered by electrochemiluminescence. The work could help researchers analyze the active surfaces of catalysts and other materials at the nanoscale.
Read moreSuper light dampers for low tones
A team of acoustic researchers has built macroscopic crystal structures that use internal rotation to attenuate the propagation of waves. The method makes it possible to build very light and stiff materials that can also 'swallow' low frequencies very well, as they report.
Read more