Quantum Server Newsletter on the latest news in Materials Science research - Edition of 25/03/2025
🌟 Latest Breakthroughs in Materials Science Research
Welcome to our curated digest of cutting-edge materials science discoveries! Each update brings you closer to the forefront of technological and scientific innovation. Perfect for researchers, professionals, and curious minds alike.
A groundbreaking development by researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is helping bridge the gap between artificial intelligence and quantum computing
A groundbreaking development by researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is helping bridge the gap between artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Led by Prof. Shao Qiming, the team introduced a novel cryogenic in-memory computing method that drastically reduces the physical and technological distance between AI systems and quantum processors. Traditionally, these processors operate at ultra-cold temperatures and must be placed meters apart from AI hardware, causing delays. The new method brings AI accelerators within centimeters of quantum chips, boosting speed and efficiency. At the heart of this innovation are magnetic topological insulator Hall-bar devices, specifically using a material called chromium-doped bismuth-antimony-telluride (Cr-BST), which enables high-performance computing at low power and low temperatures. The team successfully demonstrated advanced reinforcement learning algorithms for quantum control and image recognition, achieving outstanding energy efficiency. Published in *Nature Materials*, this research paves the way for more integrated and faster quantum-AI hybrid systems, with ongoing efforts to further enhance training and inference speeds for real-world applications.
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This article explains how the blood-brain barrier (BBB) protects the brain from harmful substances but also blocks many drugs from reaching the brain, making treatment of neurological disorders difficult
This article explains how the blood-brain barrier (BBB) protects the brain from harmful substances but also blocks many drugs from reaching the brain, making treatment of neurological disorders difficult. To overcome this, scientists are exploring nanoparticles as drug carriers capable of crossing the BBB. Several delivery methods are described, including passive diffusion using lipid-based nanoparticles, receptor-mediated transport involving ligands like transferrin, adsorptive-mediated transport using positively charged particles, and temporary BBB disruption using focused ultrasound with magnetic nanoparticles. These methods are being tested for treating conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and brain tumors. Nanoparticles offer targeted and efficient drug delivery, but concerns remain over toxicity, immune response, and regulatory challenges. Further research is needed to refine nanoparticle design and ensure safe, scalable clinical use.
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A team of researchers from Seoul National University, KIST, and Kookmin University has developed a new electrochemical catalyst using ruthenium nanoclusters with a core-shell structure to improve hydrogen production via water electrolysis
A team of researchers from Seoul National University, KIST, and Kookmin University has developed a new electrochemical catalyst using ruthenium nanoclusters with a core-shell structure to improve hydrogen production via water electrolysis. This catalyst is designed for use in Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis (AEMWE), a promising method for generating high-purity hydrogen. Compared to platinum-based catalysts, the new material is more cost-effective, uses significantly less precious metal, and offers higher efficiency and stability, even under industrial-scale conditions. The team achieved this by creating a titanium-based substrate treated with molybdenum and coated with ultra-small ruthenium oxide nanoparticles, followed by a controlled thermal and electrochemical process. The catalyst demonstrated 4.4 times greater efficiency than platinum in the hydrogen evolution reaction. This innovation is expected to lower hydrogen production costs and support applications in hydrogen fuel cells and power plants, marking a major step toward carbon-neutral energy solutions.
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A research team from Xi’an Jiaotong University, led by Jie Chen, has developed a new photocatalyst that efficiently reduces carbon dioxide using visible light
A research team from Xi’an Jiaotong University, led by Jie Chen, has developed a new photocatalyst that efficiently reduces carbon dioxide using visible light. The catalyst combines zero-dimensional Cs₃Bi₂I₉ nanoparticles with one-dimensional WO₃ nanorods in a Z-scheme heterojunction structure, synthesized through an in situ growth method. This design enhances light absorption, promotes efficient charge separation, and addresses limitations of existing lead-free perovskite materials. The catalyst achieved a high carbon monoxide selectivity of 98.7 percent and a production rate three times higher than that of pure Cs₃Bi₂I₉, while maintaining stability over repeated use. The improved performance is attributed to the Z-scheme charge transfer pathway, which minimizes charge recombination. This study contributes to the development of more efficient, stable, and environmentally friendly photocatalytic systems for CO₂ conversion and sustainable energy applications.
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Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have discovered that phasons—quasiparticles present in crystal lattices—can enable interlayer excitons to move even at extremely low temperatures, where motion is typically expected to stop
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have discovered that phasons—quasiparticles present in crystal lattices—can enable interlayer excitons to move even at extremely low temperatures, where motion is typically expected to stop. Using stacked layers of two-dimensional semiconductors called transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), they observed that excitons could "surf" across a dynamic moiré potential, a landscape of repeating energy peaks and valleys generated by the layered structure. Contrary to expectations, this moiré potential is not static but constantly shifts, allowing energy and information to travel through it with minimal energy input. This movement, facilitated by phasons, challenges conventional assumptions about how particles behave near absolute zero and offers insights that could enhance the stability of quantum systems, such as qubits used in quantum computing. The findings contribute to fundamental materials science and may influence the development of next-generation quantum technologies.
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Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a novel 3D nanotechnology material in the form of lightweight fiber mats, or "nanomats," that can purify water using sunlight
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a novel 3D nanotechnology material in the form of lightweight fiber mats, or "nanomats," that can purify water using sunlight. These mats, made from titanium dioxide enhanced with copper, use light to generate electrons that break down pollutants, making the process highly efficient and environmentally friendly. The mats can float on water surfaces, are reusable, and perform well under natural sunlight—sometimes even better than conventional solar cells. The team sees potential for these nanomats to provide clean drinking water in developing regions by removing industrial contaminants from rivers and lakes. Besides water purification, the technology could also be applied in clean energy initiatives such as solar-powered hydrogen production. While the mats are ready for large-scale production, their commercial adoption will depend on industry interest.
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Researchers have discovered and demonstrated the existence of multi-order polar radial vortices in BiFeO₃ (BFO) nanostructures, offering a new approach for topological control in ferroelectric materials
Researchers have discovered and demonstrated the existence of multi-order polar radial vortices in BiFeO₃ (BFO) nanostructures, offering a new approach for topological control in ferroelectric materials. By engineering boundary conditions and using advanced microscopy and simulations, the team observed self-assembled two-order radial vortices with a distinct doughnut-shaped out-of-plane polarization and a four-quadrant in-plane configuration. These topological structures can be tuned by altering the size of BFO nanoislands, enabling transitions between one-, two-, and three-order radial vortices. The study also showed that applying external electric fields can trigger topological transitions between these states. Theoretical simulations revealed that such transitions are driven by energy optimizations among gradient, elastic, and electrostatic interactions. This work not only expands the catalog of known ferroelectric topological structures but also opens up potential applications in high-density, multi-state, non-volatile memory devices.
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Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered a way to manipulate the symmetry of tiny semiconductor crystals known as quantum dots using light
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered a way to manipulate the symmetry of tiny semiconductor crystals known as quantum dots using light. By shining ultrafast pulses of light on lead sulfide quantum dots, they observed atomic rearrangements that temporarily restore a more symmetrical structure. This symmetry shift significantly affects the material's electronic properties, such as reducing the energy bandgap, which alters how the material conducts electricity and interacts with external forces. Using advanced techniques at Argonne and SLAC labs, including ultrafast X-ray and electron diffraction, the team demonstrated that the symmetry and electronic behavior of these nanocrystals can be fine-tuned by adjusting their size and surface chemistry. This breakthrough offers a new method for designing materials with customized optical and electronic properties, potentially advancing technologies in electronics, imaging, and quantum devices.
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Researchers at Columbia University have found that "bad metals," which are typically poor electrical conductors, can surprisingly host elusive quantum particles known as hyperbolic plasmon polaritons
Researchers at Columbia University have found that "bad metals," which are typically poor electrical conductors, can surprisingly host elusive quantum particles known as hyperbolic plasmon polaritons. These quasiparticles emerge from the interaction between light and electrons and are useful in nanophotonics and quantum technologies due to their ability to focus light beyond traditional limits. The team studied molybdenum oxide dichloride (MoOCl₂), a layered, directionally dependent material, and observed long-lived hyperbolic plasmons at visible and near-infrared wavelengths using specialized microscopy. Unlike in highly conductive metals where such plasmons quickly fade, MoOCl₂ sustained them over micrometer distances, even at room temperature. The discovery challenges assumptions about where to look for such particles and could enable advances in telecommunications and optical circuit design. Early theoretical work and independent confirmations suggest that bad metals may play a larger role in future quantum materials research than previously thought.
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An international team of researchers, supported by the EU-funded CitySolar project, has developed a semi-transparent solar cell that achieves a record-breaking efficiency of 12
An international team of researchers, supported by the EU-funded CitySolar project, has developed a semi-transparent solar cell that achieves a record-breaking efficiency of 12.3 percent while maintaining about 30 percent transparency. The new design combines perovskite and organic solar materials, allowing it to capture energy from infrared and ultraviolet light without blocking visible light, making it ideal for integration into window panes. This approach offers a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing way to incorporate solar power into buildings. While the technology holds significant promise for urban energy solutions—especially in glass-heavy skyscrapers—it still requires further development and investment before commercial deployment. Researchers are currently working with industry partners to scale up the technology and overcome existing challenges.
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A research team from Nagoya Institute of Technology has developed a multifunctional composite catalyst capable of addressing several aspects of wastewater treatment using solar energy
A research team from Nagoya Institute of Technology has developed a multifunctional composite catalyst capable of addressing several aspects of wastewater treatment using solar energy. The material, created by mechanically milling molybdenum trioxide and polypropylene, consists of hydrogen molybdenum bronze, molybdenum dioxide, and activated carbon. This composite efficiently absorbs a broad range of light and enables photocatalytic degradation of pollutants, works as a Brønsted acid catalyst in darkness, and exhibits strong photothermal properties for rapid water evaporation. It can also capture heavy metal ions due to carbon byproducts from the milling process. The team plans to expand this method to other materials and waste streams, offering a cost-effective and scalable solution for sustainable clean water technologies.
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Researchers at Western University in Canada have compared the effects of using semi-transparent cadmium telluride (Cd-Te) and crystalline silicon (c-Si) photovoltaic modules in agrivoltaic systems for growing strawberries
Researchers at Western University in Canada have compared the effects of using semi-transparent cadmium telluride (Cd-Te) and crystalline silicon (c-Si) photovoltaic modules in agrivoltaic systems for growing strawberries. They studied how different light transmission patterns—uniform with Cd-Te and non-uniform with c-Si—affected plant metrics like weight, height, leaf count, and chlorophyll levels. Results showed that strawberries grown under c-Si panels generally outperformed those under Cd-Te, with higher fresh weight and better overall growth, especially under panels with greater transparency. The study also estimated that applying agrivoltaics across Canadian strawberry farms could add over 1,500 GWh of electricity to the grid and significantly increase agricultural revenue, demonstrating the economic and environmental potential of integrating solar panels into farming.
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Researchers from TU Delft and Brown University have developed a new type of scalable nanotechnology-based lightsail that could revolutionize space exploration
Researchers from TU Delft and Brown University have developed a new type of scalable nanotechnology-based lightsail that could revolutionize space exploration. These ultra-thin, reflective membranes are only 200 nanometers thick but can be fabricated in large sizes using advanced gas etching and neural topology optimization techniques. Unlike traditional nanotechnology, which focuses on miniaturizing devices, this approach combines nanoscale precision with macroscopic scale. The new method drastically reduces production time from years to a single day and opens the door for lightsails that could one day power spacecraft to Mars or even distant stars. The sails use laser radiation pressure to accelerate at high speeds and could also be valuable in experimental physics by enabling new ways to study light-matter interaction and relativistic motion. This work supports the vision of the Breakthrough Starshot Initiative, which aims to send tiny laser-propelled spacecraft to nearby star systems within a human lifetime.
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A research team from Nanjing University and Fudan University has developed a new electrochemical method to split carbon dioxide into elemental carbon and oxygen using lithium as a mediator
A research team from Nanjing University and Fudan University has developed a new electrochemical method to split carbon dioxide into elemental carbon and oxygen using lithium as a mediator. Unlike natural photosynthesis, which produces oxygen from water and not directly from CO2, this approach achieves true CO2 splitting at moderate conditions without high temperatures or pressures. The process uses a gas cathode with a ruthenium-cobalt catalyst and a lithium metal anode, forming lithium carbonate that is further converted into lithium oxide and oxygen. With an efficiency of over 98.6%, the method surpasses natural photosynthesis. It works with pure CO2 as well as gas mixtures simulating flue gas or even the thin Martian atmosphere. The technology, especially when powered by renewable energy, has potential applications in space missions, underwater life support, air purification, and industrial carbon management.
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Physicists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have discovered a new phase of matter in a magnetic material, described as "half ice, half fire
Physicists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have discovered a new phase of matter in a magnetic material, described as "half ice, half fire." This state features a unique arrangement of electron spins, with some spins remaining highly ordered ("cold") while others are completely disordered ("hot"). Found in a one-dimensional model of a ferrimagnet, this phase is notable for enabling sharp switching between magnetic states at finite temperatures, which could lead to applications in energy-efficient cooling and quantum information storage. The discovery builds on earlier work that identified a similar "half fire, half ice" state, and reveals that these two states are mirror images of each other. The transitions between them occur over extremely narrow temperature ranges, offering potential for precise control in future technologies. Researchers aim to explore similar phenomena in more complex systems, potentially opening new pathways in condensed matter physics and materials science.
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Researchers at North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have developed a new material that could improve technologies designed to convert carbon dioxide into liquid fuel, such as methanol
Researchers at North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have developed a new material that could improve technologies designed to convert carbon dioxide into liquid fuel, such as methanol. They focused on a hybrid material called tincone—a thin film that combines organic and inorganic properties—to serve as an efficient and stable interface between semiconductor photocathodes and liquid environments. While conventional metalcones dissolve in water or lose functionality at high temperatures, the team found that mildly heating tincone to 250 degrees Celsius enhances both its stability in aqueous solutions and its ability to transport electrons. This makes the material a strong candidate for use in photoelectrochemical systems aimed at reducing atmospheric CO2. Future steps include attaching CO2 reduction catalysts to the tincone layer and testing its performance in real-world applications.
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Researchers at the University of Alberta, with support from the Canadian Light Source, have developed a new type of anode that significantly advances the potential of seawater-based batteries for large-scale energy storage
Researchers at the University of Alberta, with support from the Canadian Light Source, have developed a new type of anode that significantly advances the potential of seawater-based batteries for large-scale energy storage. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, which face limitations in capacity, safety, and longevity for grid applications, these aqueous batteries use seawater as the electrolyte and are safer and more eco-friendly. The new anode material, made from polymer nanosheets and carbon nanotubes, is capable of storing various ions found in seawater, offers high energy capacity, and can endure up to 380,000 charge cycles, even under harsh conditions. The technology could provide a durable and affordable energy storage solution, making renewable energy more practical and accessible for widespread use.
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Scientists have developed a new type of gas sensor that can detect early signs of failure in lithium-ion batteries, helping to prevent fires and explosions
Scientists have developed a new type of gas sensor that can detect early signs of failure in lithium-ion batteries, helping to prevent fires and explosions. As lithium-ion batteries become increasingly common in devices and electric vehicles, safety concerns are growing due to the potential release of flammable gases like ethylene carbonate (EC) when batteries overheat or are damaged. The new sensor, created using covalent organic frameworks (COFs), is both cost-effective and highly selective, capable of identifying EC vapors at very low concentrations (as little as 1.15 ppm). By integrating this sensor into battery management systems, manufacturers could receive early warnings of leaks and act before a failure occurs. The technology could also be applied in smart homes and industrial safety systems to provide real-time alerts and enhance overall safety.
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