Quantum Server Newsletter on the latest news in Materials Science research - Edition of 30/03/2025
Latest Advances in Materials Science Research
Explore the most exciting discoveries and innovations in materials science from leading institutions around the world. This newsletter brings you curated summaries, visuals, and direct links to original articles.
Thermopower-based technique can detect fractional quantum Hall states
Researchers have developed a new technique using thermopower measurements to detect fractional quantum Hall (FQH) states in bilayer graphene with greater sensitivity than traditional electrical resistivity methods. Thermopower is generated when a temperature difference across a material causes charge carriers to move, producing a voltage that is directly linked to the system's entropy. By analyzing this thermally induced voltage, the team was able to identify known and previously undetected FQH states. This method not only improves the study of exotic quantum phases but also opens up new possibilities for investigating particles relevant to future topological quantum computers. The work highlights the unique advantages of thermopower-based approaches for exploring complex, strongly interacting quantum systems.
New superconducting state discovered: Cooper-pair density modulation
A research team led by scientists at Caltech has discovered a new superconducting state called Cooper-pair density modulation (PDM), in which the superconducting energy gap varies across space at the atomic scale. This gap fluctuation, previously theorized but not directly observed, was detected in ultra-thin flakes of the iron-based superconductor FeTe₀.₅₅Se₀.₄₅ using advanced scanning tunneling microscopy. The modulation, reaching up to 40 percent, represents the strongest and clearest evidence yet of such a state. Theoretical models suggest this effect arises from broken symmetry within the crystal lattice and a unique rotational symmetry in the thin flakes. This breakthrough offers new insight into the mechanisms behind superconductivity and could help advance the search for materials that function as superconductors at higher, potentially room, temperatures.
Nanoscale ripples provide key to unlocking thin material properties in electronics
Researchers have confirmed that structural ripples in ultra-thin materials, just a few atoms thick, significantly influence their mechanical behavior. Led by Jian Zhou in collaboration with several top institutions, the study used semiconductor techniques to fabricate 28-nanometer-thick alumina films on silicon wafers and tested how natural, static ripples affected their elasticity. The results validated longstanding theoretical models, showing that elasticity varies with the material’s scale. This breakthrough helps engineers better understand and control the properties of thin films, which are essential for advancing applications in microelectronics, medical devices, and microrobotics. The team even demonstrated how this knowledge allows precise manipulation of these materials, likening their ability to transform shapes to the adaptability of Transformers.
Liquid-crystal platform overcomes optical losses in photonic circuits
Researchers at the University of Naples Federico II have developed a new liquid-crystal-based platform that significantly reduces optical losses in photonic circuits, a key limitation in scaling up systems used for quantum computing and artificial intelligence. By using three specially designed liquid crystal metasurfaces, the team created a compact optical processor capable of manipulating hundreds of optical modes in a two-dimensional space. This setup maintains low and consistent losses regardless of the number of modes, unlike traditional systems. The platform simulates quantum processes like quantum walks and uses a new algorithm to generate smooth patterns that avoid disruptions in light behavior. This advance could lead to more efficient and scalable photonic technologies for complex quantum simulations and optical AI systems.
Solar solutions: Bio-inspired approach creates bespoke photovoltaics
A team at Cornell University has developed HelioSkin, a lightweight, flexible, and visually appealing solar fabric inspired by biological processes like heliotropism—the way plants track sunlight. Unlike traditional rigid panels, HelioSkin can wrap around complex surfaces and adapt its shape for optimal sunlight absorption. This interdisciplinary project combines design, physics, plant biology, and engineering to create photovoltaic structures that are not only functional but also visually engaging, encouraging broader adoption. The technology is being prototyped in backyard canopies with plans to scale to larger structures like stadiums and commercial buildings. With partners like E Ink and SunFlex, the team is working toward integrating responsive display features and roll-to-roll manufacturing, making HelioSkin both scalable and cost-effective. The goal is to offer sustainable, aesthetically pleasing solar solutions that integrate seamlessly into urban environments while reducing carbon emissions from buildings.
Next-Generation Tungsten Manufacturing: HAMR Industries and Freemelt AB Present 3D Printed Penetrator Rounds
At MILAM 2025, HAMR Industries and Swedish 3D printer company Freemelt AB presented their latest work in tungsten additive manufacturing using the Freemelt One Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion (EB-PBF) system. They showcased 3D-printed penetrator rounds designed for high-impact applications in defense, aerospace, and energy sectors. The EB-PBF process enables complex geometries and enhanced material performance, which are difficult to achieve with traditional tungsten manufacturing due to the metal’s high melting point and brittleness. Freemelt's innovations, including its Pixelmelt software and diode-type electron beam source, allow for consistent high-power performance and efficient processing of challenging materials like tungsten. The company is also advancing its eMELT systems to support scalable production and has patented a novel post-processing method to remove residual powder from printed parts using a freeze-thaw technique. These developments point toward more efficient and customized applications of tungsten in extreme environments such as space, fusion energy, and military technologies.
New nuclear fuel recycling, rare earth metals recovery method to boost US energy
Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory have developed a promising new method to recycle nuclear fuel and recover rare earth and other valuable metals, aiming to strengthen U.S. energy independence and manufacturing. Using compact rotating packed bed (RPB) technology, their approach allows for localized extraction of uranium, transuranic elements, and rare earths from sources like mining waste, coal ash, and electronic waste. This method reduces environmental impact and safety risks while cutting costs, particularly by avoiding long-distance transport and minimizing the need for heavy radiation shielding. The team uses a combination of gas separation, liquid-liquid extraction, and solid-phase techniques to effectively isolate key materials. Supported by ARPA-E and Case Western Reserve University, the project seeks to establish a more sustainable, decentralized system for recycling nuclear fuel and securing critical materials for energy and industry.
Scientists achieve breakthrough in harnessing heat to control magnetism in 2D materials
Researchers from the University of Exeter have developed a groundbreaking method to control magnetism in two-dimensional van der Waals materials using heat, opening the door to ultrafast, laser-driven data storage technologies. By applying finely tuned laser pulses, the team was able to manipulate magnetic properties and monitor temperature changes in real time with exceptional precision, achieving sub-picosecond and sub-micron resolution. This technique leverages the low thermal conductivity and directional heat flow of 2D materials, enabling faster magnetization recovery and eliminating the need for external magnetic fields. The findings set the stage for highly efficient, compact, and reliable memory devices, potentially transforming magnetic recording and quantum computing applications.
AI model transforms material design by predicting and explaining synthesizability
Researchers led by Professor Yousung Jung at Seoul National University have developed a new artificial intelligence approach that uses fine-tuned Large Language Models (LLMs) to accurately predict and explain the synthesizability of hypothetical inorganic materials. Unlike traditional methods that rely mainly on thermodynamic stability or provide limited insight, this model not only forecasts which materials are feasible to synthesize but also explains the reasons behind these predictions. By training the LLM on text-based datasets of inorganic crystals, the system can identify precursor compounds, uncover complex chemical relationships, and suggest ways to improve difficult-to-synthesize materials. This advancement is expected to accelerate material discovery, reduce development time, and benefit sectors such as semiconductors and battery manufacturing, giving a competitive edge to industries that depend on cutting-edge material innovation.
Mapping the future of metamaterials
Metamaterials, which are specially engineered materials with 3D micro- and nanoscale structures, possess unique properties not found in natural substances and have potential applications across industries such as aerospace, healthcare, energy, and electronics. Despite significant progress in recent years, their broader adoption is still hindered by challenges in scaling up fabrication and understanding behavior under dynamic conditions. In a recent perspective article, MIT researchers Carlos Portela and James Surjadi outline a roadmap for advancing the field by combining scalable manufacturing, rapid testing, and AI-driven design. They emphasize the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and propose using high-throughput experiments and data-driven models to accelerate the discovery of metamaterials with customizable mechanical properties. Their vision aims to bridge the gap between theoretical research and real-world applications, pushing the boundaries of what these materials can achieve.
Nanostructured copper alloy rivals superalloys in strength and stability
Researchers from Lehigh University and the U.S. Army Research Laboratory have developed a nanostructured copper alloy (Cu-Ta-Li) with remarkable strength and thermal stability that rivals traditional superalloys. This new material combines copper’s high electrical and thermal conductivity with a durability comparable to nickel-based alloys used in aerospace and defense. Its performance is made possible by the formation of Cu₃Li precipitates stabilized by a tantalum-based atomic bilayer complexion, which helps maintain the nanostructure at high temperatures. The alloy was created using advanced techniques like cryogenic milling and powder metallurgy, and it withstood over 10,000 hours of testing at 800°C. This innovation holds promise for future applications in hypersonics, heat exchangers, and propulsion systems, and has already received a U.S. patent for its strategic potential in defense and industrial technologies.
Light-Driven Plasmonic Microrobots for Nanoparticle Manipulation
A recent study published in Nature Communications introduces a new microrobotic platform designed to enhance the precision of nanoparticle manipulation using light. Developed by Jin Qin and colleagues, the system overcomes limitations of conventional optical tweezers by using a tiny, light-driven microrobot equipped with plasmonic nanomotors and an integrated gold nano-tweezer. This microrobot can trap, transport, and release nanoparticles—such as nanodiamonds—with high accuracy and flexibility, demonstrating complex motion patterns and stable control. The design minimizes interference and enables manipulation in liquid environments using infrared and green lasers. While challenges like heat-induced drift and particle detachment remain, the researchers suggest future improvements such as active feedback mechanisms. The platform holds promise for applications in drug delivery, quantum sensing, and nanoscale engineering.
Carbon Nanohoop Technology Enables Efficient and Controlled Iron Release
Researchers from the Universities of Amsterdam and Zurich have developed a new molecular system that enables the controlled release of iron ions using green light. By integrating ferrocene—a molecule that holds an iron atom—into a carbon-based nanohoop structure, they created mechanical strain that makes the iron complex responsive to light. This strain allows Fe²⁺ ions to be released when exposed to green light, overcoming the usual stability of ferrocene. The work builds on the concept of photocages, which are light-activated molecular tools used to control biological processes. This approach not only offers a way to regulate iron, a key element in cellular and metabolic functions, but also has potential applications in targeted drug delivery and the design of new responsive materials in chemistry and biomedicine.
Revolutionizing Energy Storage: The Role of Bi2O3/rGO in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries
A recent study published in Advanced Science introduces a new composite material—an island-like structure made of bismuth(III) oxide embedded in reduced graphene oxide (Bi₂O₃/rGO)—to improve lithium-sulfur battery performance, particularly under extremely low temperatures. Lithium-sulfur batteries offer high energy density but suffer from problems like poor conductivity, sulfur volume changes, and reduced efficiency in cold conditions. The Bi₂O₃/rGO composite enhances lithium polysulfide conversion, controls lithium sulfide buildup, and improves electron transport. Tested down to -60°C, the modified batteries maintained high capacity and stability, showing nearly 100% Coulombic efficiency and reduced resistance. The structure's strong adsorption ability and catalytic activity support consistent performance, making it promising for applications in electric vehicles, cold climates, and even space exploration. Future research will aim to further optimize the material's structure and scalability for commercial use.
Novel zinc alloys could make bone screws biodegradable
Researchers at Monash University have developed a technique to significantly strengthen zinc alloys, making them suitable for use in biodegradable orthopedic implants that dissolve once healing is complete. Traditional implants made of titanium or steel are permanent and can cause long-term discomfort or complications, while existing biodegradable materials like magnesium alloys lack the strength required for weight-bearing applications and may release hydrogen gas during degradation. The new approach, led by Jian-Feng Nei, involves increasing the grain size of zinc alloys, which unexpectedly enhances both their strength and resistance to mechanical weakening over time. In tests, these coarse-grained zinc alloys outperformed current biodegradable materials and approached the strength of stainless steel. The improvement is attributed to metallurgical effects that favor deformation mechanisms within the grains. These findings open the door to safer, temporary implants for bone repair, potentially eliminating the need for removal surgeries. The team plans further testing and aims to commercialize the technology for broader medical use.
New Approach to Materials Synthesis—with Quick Validation by a Robotic Lab
A team of researchers supported by the U.S. Department of Energy has developed a more effective method for selecting precursor materials in the synthesis of complex inorganic compounds. Traditionally, mixing precursor powders and heating them to trigger reactions often results in impure products, especially when dealing with multi-element systems. The new approach focuses on understanding and predicting pairwise reactions between precursors using phase diagrams to avoid unwanted byproducts. To validate their method, the team used a robotic lab to conduct 224 synthesis experiments targeting 35 different oxide materials, achieving high phase purity in 32 cases. This process, which would typically take months, was completed in a matter of weeks. The combination of smart precursor selection and robotic automation offers a powerful strategy to accelerate materials discovery and improve manufacturing efficiency for advanced technologies.
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