Category Technology/Electronics

Chemists at Goethe University have now developed a new catalyst for the activation of hydrogen by introducing boron atoms into a common organic molecule. Credit: GU

Boron compounds extend range of possible chemical synthesis applications. Hydrogen (H2) is a valuable raw material which as a result of sophisticated catalysts is becoming more important. Applications range from food and fertilizer manufacture to crude oil cracking to an energy source in fuel cells. A challenge lies in splitting the strong H-H bond under mild conditions. Chemists at Goethe University have developed a new catalyst for activation of H2 by introducing boron atoms into a common organic molecule. The process requires only an electron source in addition and should therefore be usable on a broad scale in future.

The h...

Strange electron orbits form on the surface of a crystal in this image created using a theoretical data model. These orbits correspond to the electrons being in different ‘valleys’ of states, yielding new insights into an area of research called ‘vallytronics,’ which seeks alternative ways to manipulate electrons for future electronic applications. Credit: Ali Yazdani, Department of Physics, Princeton University

For the first time, an experiment has directly imaged electron orbits in a high-magnetic field, illuminating an unusual collective behavior in electrons and suggesting new ways of manipulating the charged particles. The study, conducted by researchers at Princeton University and the University of Texas-Austin was published Oct. 21, in the journal Science...

Electron microscopy showing one of the unique geometries observed in the nano-silicon power derived from diatomaceous earth. Credit: Image courtesy of University of California – Riverside

Engineers have developed an inexpensive, energy-efficient way to create silicon-based anodes for lithium-ion batteries from the fossilized remains of single-celled algae called diatoms. The research could lead to the development of ultra-high capacity lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and portable electronics.

Lithium-ion batteries, the most popular rechargeable batteries in electric vehicles and personal electronics, have several major components including an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte made of lithium salt dissolved in an organic solvent...

A team of students from the University of Cincinnati looks on as their Hyperloop Prototype prepares to levitate. Credit: Jay Yocis/University of Cincinnati

The whirring sound of Hyperloop UC’s hover engines filled the conference room as an anxious crowd shuffled closer for a better view. The answer came in a matter of moments as the 8 miniature engines gained revolutions per minute – emitting noises reminiscent of Star Wars sound effects – and the 14-foot-long Hyperloop UC pod achieved roughly a quarter-inch of magnetic levitation.

The unveiling and demo of Hyperloop UC’s prototype at the University of Cincinnati’s Myers Alumni Center on Oct...