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    Category Chemistry/Nanotechnology

    Gold Remembers: ‘Shape Memory’ Effect Demonstrated in Gold Particles

    July 9, 2017, Categories  Physics, Technology/Electronics, Chemistry/Nanotechnology

    Self-Healing and Shape Memory Effects in Gold Microparticles through the Defects-Mediated Diffusion. Advanced Science, 2017; 1700159 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201700159

    Self-Healing and Shape Memory Effects in Gold Microparticles through the Defects-Mediated Diffusion. Advanced Science, 2017; 1700159 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201700159

    Researchers from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and Germany have demonstrated for the first time the phenomena of shape memory and self-healing in gold microparticles. Achieved through defects-mediated diffusion in the particle, the discovery could one day lead to development of micro- and nano-robots capable of self-repair; mechanically stable and damage-tolerant components and devices; and targeted drug delivery.

    Shape-memory materials are characterized by the ability to repair the damage caused to them (such as plastic deformation) and to recover their original shape...

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    Iron Secrets behind Superconductors unlocked

    July 8, 2017, Categories  Physics, Technology/Electronics, Chemistry/Nanotechnology

    This illustration is based on a theoretical understanding of microscope-based measurements carried out by Cornell Univrsity. It shows a 2-dimensional iron-layer. The lattice seen here rougly measures 10/1.000.000 of 1 millimeter on each side. The red and darkblue clover-like structures represent two diffent iron electrons - each individually expressed (orbital state). In order to arrive at superconductivity the electrons must form groups of two (Cooper pairing) - symbolized by the light blue 'eclipses'. They are superconductive - while the red do not form Cooper pairs because they predominantly contribute to the upholding of magnetism in the entire system. The scientific article from Niels Bohr Institute, Cornell University, University of St. Andrews et.al. demonstrates for the first time ever, that the five unbound iron electrons behave fundamentally different during the state of superconductivity. Illustration: Cornell University

    This illustration is based on a theoretical understanding of microscope-based measurements carried out by Cornell Univrsity. It shows a 2-dimensional iron-layer. The lattice seen here rougly measures 10/1.000.000 of 1 millimeter on each side. The red and darkblue clover-like structures represent two diffent iron electrons – each individually expressed (orbital state). In order to arrive at superconductivity the electrons must form groups of two (Cooper pairing) – symbolized by the light blue ‘eclipses’. They are superconductive – while the red do not form Cooper pairs because they predominantly contribute to the upholding of magnetism in the entire system. The scientific article from Niels Bohr Institute, Cornell University, University of St. Andrews et.al...

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    2D Layered Devices can Self-Assemble with precision

    July 6, 2017, Categories  Physics, Technology/Electronics, Chemistry/Nanotechnology

    stacked layers gif

    Single molecule-high sheets of graphene oxide mix in solution with synthetic tandem repeat proteins patterned on squid ring teeth. The two separate materials self assemble so that the tandem repeat proteins attach to the edges of the graphene oxide sheets — one end on a sheet — to bring the graphene into stacks and uniformly space the sheets. The amount of spacing between graphene oxide sheets is determined by the length of the tandem repeat protein. Credit: Penn State

    Squid-inspired proteins can act as programmable assemblers of 2D materials, like graphene oxide, to form hybrid materials with minute spacing between layers suitable for high-efficiency devices including flexible electronics, energy storage systems and mechanical actuators, according to an interdisciplinary team of Penn Stat...

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    Researchers develop Selective Electrocatalysts to Boost direct Methanol Fuel Cell performance

    July 2, 2017, Categories  Physics, Technology/Electronics, Chemistry/Nanotechnology

    CAS researchers develop selective electrocatalysts to boost direct methanol fuel cell performance

    DMFC assemblies. Schematic illustration showing a DMFC fabricated with selective electrocatalysts at the anode and cathode chambers. Inlet is the photograph of the assembled cell. Credit: YANG Jun

    A research group from the Institute of Process Engineering (IPE), Chinese Academy of Sciences, recently reported the development of a new technology to boost performance of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) using high-concentration methanol as fuel, shedding some light on the design of clean and affordable alternative energy sources for portable electric devices.

    When methanol, the fuel of DMFCs, crosses over from the anode to the cathode through the proton exchange membrane (PEM), fuel cell performance is significantly degraded, creating a major problem for the commercialization of DMFCs...

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