Category Physics

The perovskite film (black, 200-300 nm) is covered by Spiro.OMeTAD, Graphene with gold contact at one edge, a glass substrate and an amorphous/crystalline silicon solar cell. Credit: F. Lang / HZB

Measurements show the graphene layer is an ideal front contact in several respects. Silicon absorbers primarily convert the red portion of the solar spectrum very effectively into electrical energy, whereas the blue portions are partially lost as heat. To reduce this loss, the silicon cell can be combined with an additional solar cell that primarily converts the blue portions.

Teams at HZB have already acquired extensive experience with these kinds of tandem cells. A particularly effective complement to conventional silicon is the hybrid material called perovskite. It has a band gap of 1...

This is an illustration of a single cellulose nanocrystal and a cross-section. Credit: Robert Sinko

Theoretically, nanocellulose could be the next hot supermaterial. A new computational approach allows researchers to design cellulose nanocomposites with optimal properties. A class of biomaterials in many natural systems like trees, cellulose nanocrystals have captured researchers’ attention for their extreme strength, toughness, light weight, and elasticity. The materials are so strong and tough, in fact, that many people think they could replace Kevlar in ballistic vests and combat helmets for military. Unlike their source material (wood), cellulose nanocrystals are transparent, making them exciting candidates for protective eyewear, windows, or displays.

Although there is a lot of excite...

Researchers at the NASA Johnson Space Center in collaboration with General Motors have designed and developed Robo-Glove, a wearable human grasp assist device, to help reduce the grasping force needed to operate tools for an extended time or for repetitive motion tasks. This wearable device allows the user to tightly grip tools and other items for longer periods of time without experiencing muscle discomfort or strain. The Robo-Glove also has potential applications in prosthetic devices, rehabilitation aids, and people with impaired or limited arm and hand muscle strength.

The Robo-Glove is a patented technology available for commercial technology licensing. For more information about Robo-Glove and other technology license opportunities, visit: http://technology.jsc.nasa.gov
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New flexible polymeric material capable of self-repairing. Credit: Image courtesy of Asociación RUVID

The material, a type of transparent resin, has the property of healing itself; for example, when it is cut with scissors in half and put back in contact, it rejoins itself within 10-15 seconds without using any external source. Another feature of this material is that the cutting-joining process can be performed in water or in any other fluid substance. “This property is a novelty all over the world that gives way to the development of different materials for their applications in sectors such as medicine, cosmetics, space industry, automotive, and many others,” as stated the 3 researchers, Prof José Miguel Martín, Jose Antonio Jofre and chemist Andrés Yanez...