Category Chemistry/Nanotechnology

McMaster researchers have taken atomic-level images of individual nanoparticles during heating that could lead to improved fuel-cell technologies at lower cost, reduce dependence on imported oil and minimize greenhouse gas emissions. Credit: McMaster University

Heating nanoparticles and atomic-level tracking allows for the development of other cheaper catalysts, such as platinum-ron nanoparticles. Typically, pricey platinum nanoparticles are used. This technology will reduce dependence on imported oil and minimize greenhouse gases.

Using advanced electron microscopic techniques the team was able to track the atomic-rearrangement process of an individual Platinum-Iron nanoparticle – as it got annealed inside the microscope...

Ionic salts as anti-icing agents have been extensively used to eliminate accumulation of ice on asphalt surfaces. However, salt can be easily removed by rain or automobiles and requires frequent application on roads. Besides this economic consideration, anti-icing agents compromise the mechanical properties of asphalt and have a negative impact on living organisms and the environment when used in large amounts. Incorporation of hydrophilic salts into bitumen, a hydrophobic asphalt binder, and controlled release of specific molecules from this hydrophobic medium can provide an effective solution for reducing ice formation on pavements.

As winter approaches, stores, cities and homeowners are stocking up on salt, gravel and sand in anticipation of slippery roads...

The 3D structure of the metal-organic framework used in this study. The nanopores are represented as yellow balls. Credit: Image courtesy of KU Leuven

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a new type of materials with nanoscale pores. Bioscience engineers have now developed an alternative method that produces these materials in the form of very thin films, so that they can easily be used for high-tech applications such as microchips.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a recently developed type of materials that consist of a nanoporous grid of both organic molecules and metal ions. MOFs take shape as the organic molecules push the metal ions apart, so that a regular pattern of tiny holes or nanopores develops. The size of the pores can be tuned at the nanoscale level...

A figure showing the crystal structure of strontium vanadate(orange) and calcium vanadate (blue). The red dots are oxygen atoms arranged in 8 octohedra surrounding a single strontium or calcium atom. Vanadium atoms can be seen inside each octahedron. Credit: Lei Zhang/Penn State

Indium tin oxide (ITO), the transparent conductor that is now used for more than 90% of the display market, has been the dominant material for the past 60 years. But in the last decade, the price of indium has increased dramatically. Displays and touchscreen modules have become a main cost driver in mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, making up close to 40% of the cost...