Quantum Server Newsletter on the latest news in Materials Science research

A major step forward in sustainable materials science has been achieved: a new study shows that enzyme-based recycling of PET plastics —the common material used in soda bottles and food packaging—can be cost-competitive at an industrial scale . This could revolutionize the way the world handles plastic waste. The research, a collaborative effort by scientists from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) , University of Massachusetts Lowell , and the University of Portsmouth , was published in Nature Chemical Engineering . It provides an in-depth techno-economic analysis and process design blueprint for enzymatic recycling that is both scalable and affordable. From Soda Bottles to Sustainable Feedstock Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is used globally in billions of products. Traditional mechanical and chemical recycling methods often fall short when dealing with low-quality, colored, or contaminated waste . However, PETase enzymes—biologically engineered catalysts t...

In the fast-evolving world of quantum computing , every nanometer matters. A recent study published in Advanced Materials Interfaces uncovers how microscopic variations in surface roughness of niobium-based superconducting resonators can drastically impact their performance. The implications are clear: fine-tuning surface treatments could hold the key to building more reliable and scalable quantum devices. Why Surface Matters in Superconducting Circuits Superconducting quantum circuits rely on materials like niobium (Nb) for their excellent superconducting properties at cryogenic temperatures. These circuits include coplanar waveguide (CPW) resonators that function as crucial components in quantum memory, readout, and logic operations. However, even minute surface imperfections can trigger energy losses that degrade quantum coherence and fidelity. Researchers at the heart of this study explored how different surface treatments—namely ozone exposure versus oxygen plasma...

In a groundbreaking step for predictive maintenance and corrosion science, researchers have developed a sophisticated two-stage machine learning (ML) framework capable of accurately predicting the degradation of protective coatings under diverse environmental conditions. Published in npj Materials Degradation , this approach represents a leap beyond traditional empirical models and paves the way for intelligent infrastructure design and monitoring. Understanding Coating Behavior in Harsh Environments Protective coatings like polyurethane (PU) are widely used to prevent corrosion in sectors such as energy, construction, and maritime transport. However, these coatings gradually degrade due to UV radiation, humidity, heat, and salinity—losing critical properties such as adhesion, gloss, and water contact angle (WCA). Forecasting their performance has been a major challenge due to the complex, non-linear nature of environmental exposure. This study bridges that gap by integr...

In a breakthrough that redefines what's possible in quantum electronics, a team of physicists from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands has experimentally confirmed the elusive quantum spin Hall (QSH) effect in magnetic graphene—without using any external magnetic fields. Published in Nature Communications , this discovery lays the foundation for practical, room-temperature spintronic devices and ultra-compact quantum circuits. The Quantum Spin Hall Effect Comes of Age The QSH effect allows electrons to travel along the edges of a material with their spins locked in opposite directions—completely dissipation-free. Until now, realizing such behavior required either cryogenic environments or strong external magnetic fields. That’s no longer the case. The Delft team demonstrated that by placing a monolayer of graphene on top of a magnetic semiconductor called CrPS₄ , they could induce QSH behavior under ambient conditions. Magnetism Without Magnets Graph...

In a major leap for sensor technology, researchers from the IMDEA Nanociencia Institute in Spain and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Italy have unveiled a revolutionary class of gas sensors. These sensors, based on MINT-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes , exhibit unmatched precision in detecting and distinguishing volatile organic compounds—even at parts-per-billion levels. This cutting-edge innovation functions as an "electronic nose," capable of identifying gases like ammonia, nitrogen dioxide, benzene, acetone, and ethanol at room temperature, using minimal energy. The work was recently published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society , signaling a new era in environmental sensing, medical diagnostics, and wearable technology. Why Carbon Nanotubes? Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are cylindrical nanostructures with remarkable properties: high electrical conductivity, thermal stability, and an immense surface-to-volume ratio. These quali...

In a landmark development poised to reshape the future of microelectronics, scientists from the Institute of Industrial Science at The University of Tokyo have engineered a new class of transistor that could eventually replace silicon. Built using a highly crystalline compound called gallium-doped indium oxide (InGaOx) and designed with a gate-all-around structure, this next-generation device is capable of supporting the explosive growth of artificial intelligence and big-data technologies. Why Silicon Is Running Out of Steam Silicon-based transistors, the bedrock of the electronics industry since the 1950s, are approaching fundamental physical limits. As devices shrink and data demands skyrocket, engineers are confronting issues of heat dissipation, electron mobility, and scaling constraints. Without a new materials platform, the vision of continuing Moore’s Law appears to be faltering. Enter the crystalline oxide transistor—a novel alternative that offers both high ele...

In a discovery that could redefine the future of electronics, researchers from Northeastern University have developed a method to control the conductive properties of quantum materials—paving the way for electronic devices up to 1,000 times faster than current silicon-based systems. Switching States at Will: The Thermal Quenching Revolution The study, led by physicist Alberto de la Torre and published in Nature Physics , introduces a controlled heating and cooling technique known as thermal quenching . This method enables quantum materials—specifically the compound 1T-TaS₂ —to reversibly switch between insulating and conductive states at near-room temperature. This control allows the material to act like a transistor, but at unprecedented speeds. “The speed of this switching could push device performance from today’s gigahertz (GHz) speeds to terahertz (THz),” said de la Torre. This would dramatically surpass the limits of modern silicon semiconductors, potentially e...

As the global steel industry grapples with intensifying climate pressures and declining demand, a breakthrough technology known as molten oxide electrolysis (MOE) is drawing fresh attention. This zero-emission steelmaking method, which replaces traditional carbon-intensive processes with high-temperature electrochemistry, could reshape the industrial landscape if its challenges are successfully addressed. The Science Behind MOE At its core, MOE is a form of electrochemical smelting . Instead of relying on coke or natural gas to reduce iron ore, MOE uses electricity to directly transform iron oxide into molten iron and oxygen gas. This reaction takes place in a molten electrolyte bath heated to around 1600°C , bypassing all carbon-based emissions if powered by renewable electricity sources. The anode emits oxygen while the cathode accumulates liquid iron. This simple and elegant electrochemical setup contrasts sharply with the complex, pollutive nature of traditional stee...

Every year, billions of tires are discarded globally, clogging landfills and leaching toxic substances into the environment. But what if these stubborn waste materials could be transformed into valuable resources? A new chemical recycling technology developed by researchers at KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) is doing exactly that—converting used tires into raw materials for rubber and nylon with high efficiency and selectivity. The Recycling Problem and the Catalytic Solution Tires are made of synthetic and natural rubber, reinforced with fillers like silica and carbon black, and hardened via vulcanization—a process that creates a durable, heat-resistant crosslinked structure. These properties make tires ideal for vehicles but notoriously hard to recycle. Traditional methods like pyrolysis require high temperatures (350–800°C) and produce low-quality fuel oil with high energy costs. Enter the KAIST team, led by Professor Soonhyuk Hong, who dev...

As electronics grow faster and smaller, one challenge becomes hotter than ever—managing heat. A recent article on TechXplore highlights the groundbreaking work from researchers at the University of Connecticut (UConn) and the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory who are developing new strategies to monitor heat flow in next-generation semiconductor devices. Their insights, published in Applied Physics Letters and selected as an Editor’s Pick, represent a leap toward safer, more efficient, and more powerful electronics powered by ultrawide bandgap (UWBG) materials. Why Ultrawide Bandgap Semiconductors Matter Today’s electronics mostly rely on silicon (Si), but as demand for faster processing and higher energy efficiency grows, the industry is shifting toward UWBG materials like gallium oxide (Ga₂O₃), aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN), and even diamond. These materials offer higher voltage resistance (up to 8,000V) and can function at temperatures above 200°C—ideal for high-power...

In a pioneering study published in Scientific Reports , a team of civil engineers led by Mohamed Abdellatief, Wafa Hamla, and Hassan Hamouda has leveraged artificial intelligence (AI) to accurately predict the early-age compressive strength (CS) of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC). The article offers a major advancement in materials science by combining machine learning (ML) models with experimental data to address longstanding limitations in the field of concrete strength estimation. UHPFRC, a material renowned for its exceptional mechanical properties, durability, and sustainability, is increasingly utilized in critical infrastructure projects like bridge decks, thin walls, and prestressed girders. However, reliably predicting its early-age strength has remained a challenge—until now. Traditionally, destructive testing methods were the norm, leading to time delays and inconsistencies. In this groundbreaking study, five AI algorithms—Support Vector...

In the drive toward decarbonized energy systems, hydrogen is increasingly viewed as a cornerstone — especially green hydrogen produced through water electrolysis powered by renewable energy. Among the most efficient and clean methods for this process are Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers . However, these high-tech devices have long faced a serious limitation: the need for ultrapure water. Until now. A research team from Tianjin University and collaborators has developed a new catalyst strategy that allows PEM electrolyzers to function effectively with impure water — such as ordinary tap water — over extended periods. The work, recently published in Nature Energy , could significantly reduce operational costs and open the door for broader real-world deployment of green hydrogen systems. The Problem: Water Purity Constraints in PEM Electrolyzers PEM electrolyzers use electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen through a proton-conducting membrane. Unlike t...

As the world’s appetite for electronics surges, so too does the problem of e-waste — a fast-growing mountain of discarded phones, laptops, and batteries filled with valuable but difficult-to-reclaim materials like cobalt, nickel, and lithium. Traditional recycling methods are often toxic, energy-intensive, and inefficient. But a new study from the University of Pittsburgh offers a green and promising alternative: using proteins to biologically extract critical metals with surgical precision. Ferritin: Nature’s Nanocage Turned Biomining Tool At the heart of this breakthrough is ferritin, a protein best known for storing iron in biological systems. Structurally, it’s a spherical “nanocage” with a hollow core and porous walls that allow ions to pass through. In a recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters , researcher Dr. Meng Wang and his team repurposed ferritin to recover valuable metals from liquid solutions typically produced by e-waste recyclin...

In one of the most exciting recent developments in sustainable materials science, researchers at MIT have unveiled a revolutionary material that resembles ordinary bubble wrap — but with an extraordinary ability: extracting safe drinking water directly from the air, even in the unforgiving dryness of Death Valley. This innovation could soon reshape how we think about water accessibility in arid and resource-scarce environments. High-Tech Bubble Wrap: How It Works This cutting-edge material is a hydrogel-based structure sandwiched between two panes of glass. It operates through a simple but elegant principle. At night, when temperatures drop, the hydrogel passively absorbs moisture from the air. During the day, the special coating on the glass keeps it cooler than the surrounding environment, promoting condensation. This liquid water then flows down the surface and is captured through a network of small tubes. Crucially, the hydrogel itself is designed as a domed structure —...

As the energy demands of our world continue to rise, so does the race to develop next-generation battery technologies that are safer, more efficient, and capable of storing more energy. At the forefront of this revolution is the lithium metal anode (LMA)—a material with exceptional theoretical energy density but plagued by one critical challenge: dendritic growth. Now, a novel nanosheet architecture composed of ZnO and Zn(OH) 2 offers a promising solution that may finally tame the lithium dendrite problem. Why Lithium Metal Anodes Need Help Lithium metal anodes promise a theoretical specific capacity of ~3860 mAh g −1 , significantly outperforming traditional graphite anodes. However, during charging cycles, the uneven deposition of lithium can lead to the growth of needle-like dendrites. These structures can pierce the separator, cause internal short circuits, and pose serious safety hazards including fires and explosions. Furthermore, dendrites degrade battery performance and...