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    Category Physics

    Alternative to Platinum: Iron-Nitrogen compounds as Catalysts in Graphene

    January 28, 2016, Categories  Physics, Technology/Electronics, Chemistry/Nanotechnology

    Today, most metal and nitrogen doped carbon catalysts for ORR reveal a heterogeneous composition. This can be reasoned by a nonoptimized precursor composition and various steps in the preparation process to get the required active material. The significant presence of inorganic metal species interferes with the assignment of descriptors related to the ORR activity and stability. In this work we present a simple and feasible way to reduce the contribution of inorganic metal species in some cases even down to zero. Such catalysts reveal the desired homogeneous composition of MeN4 (Me = metal) sites in the carbon that is accompanied by a significant enhancement in ORR activity. Among the work of other international groups, our iron-based catalyst comprises the highest density of FeN4 sites ever reported without interference of inorganic metal sites.

    Today, most metal and nitrogen doped carbon catalysts for ORR reveal a heterogeneous composition. This can be reasoned by a nonoptimized precursor composition and various steps in the preparation process to get the required active material. The significant presence of inorganic metal species interferes with the assignment of descriptors related to the ORR activity and stability. In this work we present a simple and feasible way to reduce the contribution of inorganic metal species in some cases even down to zero. Such catalysts reveal the desired homogeneous composition of MeN4 (Me = metal) sites in the carbon that is accompanied by a significant enhancement in ORR activity...

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    Bringing Time and Space Together for Universal Symmetry

    January 28, 2016, Categories  Physics, Astronomy/Space

    Bringing time and space together for universal symmetry

    Associate Professor Joan Vaccaro, of Griffith University’s Centre for Quantum Dynamics Credit: Griffith University

    New research from Griffith University’s Centre for Quantum Dynamics is broadening perspectives on time and space. A/Prof Joan Vaccaro challenges the long-held presumption that time evolution—the incessant unfolding of the universe over time—is an elemental part of Nature. She suggests there may be a deeper origin due to a difference between the directions of time: to the future and to the past.

    “If you want to know where the universe came from and where it’s going, you need to know about time,” says Associate Professor Vaccaro.
    “Experiments on subatomic particles over the past 50 years ago show that Nature doesn’t treat both directions of time equally...

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    New Record in Nanoelectronics at Ultralow Temperatures

    January 27, 2016, Categories  Technology/Electronics, Physics

    Dr Jon Prance at the Lancaster Quantum Technology Centre. Credit: Image courtesy of Lancaster University

    Dr Jon Prance at the Lancaster Quantum Technology Centre. Credit: Image courtesy of Lancaster University

    The 1st ever measurement of the temp of electrons in a nanoelectronic device a few thousandths of a degree above 0K was demonstrated in a joint research project performed by Lancaster University, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, and Aivon Ltd. The team managed to make the electrons in a circuit on a silicon chip colder than had previously been achieved. Dr Rich Haley said: “This is a notable achievement in that the team has finally broken through the 4 millikelvin barrier, which has been the record in such structures for over 15 years.”

    Although it has long been possible to cool samples of bulk metals even below 1 millikelvin, it has proved very difficult to transfer this t...

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    Novel 4D Printing method blossoms from Botanical inspiration

    January 26, 2016, Categories  Physics, Technology/Electronics, Chemistry/Nanotechnology, Biology/Biotechnology

    This series of images shows the transformation of a 4D-printed hydrogel composite structure after its submersion in water. Credit: Wyss Institute at Harvard University

    This series of images shows the transformation of a 4D-printed hydrogel composite structure after its submersion in water. Credit: Wyss Institute at Harvard University

    Materials science, mathematics combine to enable the printing of shapeshifting architectures that mimic the natural movements of plants. Inspired by natural structures like plants, which respond and change their form according to environmental stimuli, the team has unveiled 4D-printed hydrogel composite structures that change shape upon immersion in water.

    Mimicking shape changes by plant organs eg tendrils, leaves, and flowers in response to environmental stimuli like humidity and/or temperature, the 4D-printed hydrogel composites developed by Lewis and her team are programmed to contain precise, localized swelling behavior...

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