|
| | Low-noise transducers can bridge the gap between microwave and optical qubits
Researchers
at Caltech have developed a new silicon-based device that enables the
efficient and low-noise conversion of microwave photons into optical
photons, a crucial step for connecting superconducting quantum computers
over long distances. Superconducting qubits operate in the microwave
range and require extremely low temperatures to avoid interference, but
they cannot be transmitted over optical fiber without conversion to
optical photons. The new transducer, created by Professor Mohammad
Mirhosseini's team, uses a tiny vibrating silicon beam to transfer
energy from microwave photons to mechanical motion, which is then
converted to optical photons with laser light. This method significantly
reduces noise and improves conversion efficiency—about 100 times better
than previous systems—while being compatible with scalable fabrication.
The breakthrough could help pave the way for large, distributed quantum
computing networks. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Researchers
from the Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry and Skoltech have
developed a machine-learning-based search engine that can analyze
massive archives of high-resolution mass spectrometry data to uncover
previously unknown chemical reactions. Led by Academician Valentin
Ananikov, the team created an algorithm that efficiently searches for
relevant ion signals and reduces false positives using advanced signal
analysis and ML techniques. This tool allows scientists to explore the
95% of experimental data that often goes unused, significantly speeding
up the discovery process without the need for new experiments. The
system has already confirmed known reactions and identified new ones,
including a novel cross-combination reaction not previously reported.
This approach not only advances chemical research but also lowers costs
and environmental impact by leveraging existing data more effectively. |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Machine learning uncovers hidden heat transport mechanisms in organic semiconductors
A
research team led by Egbert Zojer at TU Graz, along with collaborators
from TU Vienna and the University of Cambridge, has used machine
learning to uncover previously unknown mechanisms of heat transport in
organic semiconductors. While charge transport in these materials has
been studied for decades, heat transport had remained poorly understood.
By applying advanced AI models to simulate atomic interactions, the
researchers discovered that in addition to the known particle-like
phonon transport, a wave-based tunneling mechanism also plays a
significant role—especially in materials with longer molecules. This
tunneling effect helps explain the weak temperature dependence of
thermal conductivity in some organic semiconductors and opens the door
to engineering materials with tailored heat conduction properties. The
team now aims to extend this approach to metal-organic frameworks, where
managing heat is equally important. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| New carbon-negative material could make concrete and cement more sustainable
Researchers
at Northwestern University have developed a new carbon-negative
material that could make construction more sustainable by using
seawater, electricity, and carbon dioxide to create solid,
carbon-trapping substances. This innovative process converts CO₂ into
minerals like calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide, which can be
used in concrete, cement, plaster, and paint. The material can store
over half its weight in CO₂ and could replace traditional sand and
gravel in construction without compromising strength. Inspired by the
way seashells form, the technique uses electrical energy instead of
metabolic processes to grow the minerals. The method also produces clean
hydrogen gas and allows full control over material properties by
adjusting experimental conditions. The approach, which avoids harming
marine ecosystems by using controlled reactors near coastlines, has the
potential to help the cement and concrete industries, responsible for a
significant share of global CO₂ emissions, become more environmentally
friendly. |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Solid-state lithium batteries barely beat lithium-ion, study reveals a 0.74% gain
A
recent study has found that all-solid-state lithium-metal batteries
using lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide (LLZO) offer only a marginal
energy density improvement of 0.74% over conventional lithium-ion
batteries, reaching about 272 Wh/kg compared to the latter's 250–270
Wh/kg. While solid-state batteries are often praised for their potential
in safety, faster charging, and energy performance, the study
highlights significant manufacturing challenges, high costs, and limited
real-world gains. LLZO's high density increases battery mass, reducing
overall energy benefit, and its brittleness makes it difficult to
produce defect-free thin layers. Researchers suggest that hybrid
approaches, such as LLZO-in-polymer composites or quasi-solid-state
electrolytes mixing small amounts of liquid, may offer better
scalability and performance. The findings urge a reevaluation of current
strategies in solid-state battery development. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Overcoming stacking constraints in hexagonal boron nitride via metal-organic chemical vapor deposition
Researchers
from POSTECH and the University of Montpellier have successfully
synthesized wafer-scale hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) with an AA
stacking arrangement, a structure previously thought to be unstable.
Using metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) on a gallium
nitride substrate, they overcame traditional stacking constraints by
employing step-edge-guided growth and carbon doping. The step-edges on
the substrate directed the alignment of hBN layers, while the
incorporation of carbon altered interlayer forces, stabilizing the
otherwise unfavorable AA stacking. This breakthrough enables precise
control over the stacking order of 2D materials, opening up
possibilities for custom-designed electronic and photonic properties.
The resulting material demonstrated strong second-harmonic generation
and deep-ultraviolet emissions, indicating potential for use in
nonlinear optics and DUV optoelectronics. The study marks a significant
advance in the scalable production of high-quality, functional 2D
materials. |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Pomegranate Peel Extract
A
recent study published in Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications
presents a green method for synthesizing silver nanoparticles using
extract from the peels of the “Mollar de Elche” pomegranate variety. The
research highlights the use of natural plant compounds as both reducing
and stabilizing agents, offering an eco-friendly alternative to
traditional chemical synthesis. Using a statistical optimization
approach called Box–Behnken design, the team produced well-dispersed,
spherical nanoparticles with strong antibacterial activity against E.
coli and S. aureus. These particles retained their antimicrobial
effectiveness even when embedded in nanofiber scaffolds, suggesting
applications in wound care. The study emphasizes how pomegranate peel
waste can be repurposed into valuable nanomaterials, promoting
sustainability in both synthesis and biomedical applications. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| What is a Hydrogel and What is it Used For?
Hydrogels
are water-absorbent polymer networks with promising uses in medicine,
environmental technology, and engineering. Their flexible, biocompatible
nature makes them ideal for applications like drug delivery, tissue
regeneration, contact lenses, biosensors, and water purification. These
materials can respond to stimuli such as pH, temperature, or light,
enabling smart functions like targeted drug release. In healthcare, they
support cell growth and wound healing, and can carry medications or
stem cells. In energy storage, conductive hydrogels improve flexibility
and performance in supercapacitors. Environmentally, they are used to
filter pollutants from water, aided by innovations like magnetic or
CO₂-responsive hydrogels. Despite their advantages, challenges such as
limited mechanical strength, stability, and high production costs
remain. Researchers are working on biodegradable and tunable hydrogels
with better performance and sustainability for broader future
applications. |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Bioinspired Gel Polymer Electrolyte for Lithium Metal Batteries
A
recent study published in Nature Communications presents a bioinspired
gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) designed for lithium metal batteries that
can perform reliably across a broad temperature range from –30 to 80°C.
Inspired by the water grass structure, researchers developed a weakly
solvated GPE (WSGPE) using a branched polymer network to enhance
lithium-ion mobility and stability. This electrolyte demonstrated strong
thermal stability, high ionic conductivity, and a wide electrochemical
window. In tests, batteries using WSGPE outperformed conventional
lithium-ion systems, maintaining high capacity and cycle stability even
with increased electrode loading. The WSGPE also effectively suppressed
dendrite formation and promoted a stable, lithium fluoride-rich
interphase. These results highlight the potential of this GPE for safer,
high-performance lithium batteries capable of functioning in extreme
environments. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| NEXT-STEP Aims to Develop Recyclable Products From Wood Production Residues for Everyday Applications
The
NEXT-STEP project, coordinated by AIMPLAS and involving 12 partners
from 8 EU countries, focuses on creating sustainable, recyclable
materials from wood production residues. Aiming to replace fossil-based
chemicals, the initiative seeks to develop a new chemical platform
called 3-methyl-d-valerolactone (3MdVL) to enhance the environmental
performance and recyclability of products like polyurethane and
polylactic acid (PLA) co-polymers. These materials will be used in
practical applications such as shoe soles and building insulation. By
optimizing processes, scaling up production, and utilizing sustainable
European feedstocks, the project intends to make bio-based chemicals
viable at an industrial level, while also addressing economic and social
acceptance. This effort supports the broader shift toward a more
circular and eco-friendly bioeconomy in Europe. |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Combining LLZO with Polymers for Improved Battery Performance
A
collaborative study by researchers from Tohoku University, MIT, and
other institutions has evaluated the practical performance of lithium
metal batteries using the solid electrolyte lithium lanthanum zirconium
oxide (LLZO). While LLZO is known for its chemical stability and ionic
conductivity, the study reveals that its actual energy density gain over
conventional lithium-ion batteries is minimal—only around 0.74%—with a
gravimetric energy density of 272 Wh/kg. The material's high density,
brittleness, and manufacturing challenges reduce its feasibility for
large-scale use. As a result, the study suggests that hybrid approaches,
such as combining LLZO with polymers or small amounts of liquid
electrolytes, may offer a better balance of performance, cost, and
manufacturability. These composite or quasi-solid-state designs show
greater long-term stability and practicality for future energy storage
applications. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Complexions at the iron-magnetite interface
Researchers
from the Max Planck Institute and other institutions have revealed how
specially structured interfacial phases, known as "complexions," form at
the atomic boundary between iron and magnetite (Fe3O4). Using advanced
imaging (DPC-4DSTEM) and density functional theory (DFT), the team
identified a two-layer FeO-like phase at this interface, which does not
appear in bulk phase diagrams but is thermodynamically stable when
sandwiched between iron and magnetite. These complexions improve
adhesion, enhance charge transfer, and influence mass transport
properties. The study shows that their formation is driven by local
oxygen chemical potential and remains stable under varying processing
conditions. This discovery provides a new design principle in materials
science, enabling control of interface properties to optimize
performance in fields like corrosion resistance, catalysis, energy
storage, and green steel production. |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | We
hope that you have found today’s newsletter interesting! Please stay
tuned for more news on Materials Science and Materials Chemistry in the
next edition… |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Comments
Post a Comment