Quantum Server Newsletter on the latest news in Materials Science research

In a monumental step for fusion research, engineers and scientists at ITER are advancing the design of a boronization system to condition the plasma-facing walls of the tokamak. As ITER prepares to switch from beryllium to tungsten armour tiles in its plasma chamber, this new system is essential for mitigating impurities and ensuring efficient plasma performance. Why Boronization Matters Boronization involves coating plasma-facing surfaces with an ultra-thin layer of boron (10–100 nanometers) to capture oxygen impurities that can increase radiative losses. This is especially critical during the discharge-initiation phase, when plasma stability is most sensitive. ITER’s boronization system represents the largest-scale application of this proven technology, adapted for a tritiated environment never attempted before. The System in Detail The process uses diborane (B 2 H 6 ) mixed with helium as a carrier gas, delivered via a vast network of over one kilometre of gas inject...

A collaborative team of researchers from several U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories has unlocked how light activates nickel-based catalysts, paving the way for replacing expensive palladium in industrial-scale chemical reactions. Published in Nature Communications , this work highlights how light and a previously unknown intermediate form of nickel preserve catalyst reactivity, enabling greener, cost-effective processes. Nickel vs. Palladium: A Cost Advantage Nickel catalysts are emerging as promising alternatives to palladium due to their abundance and affordability—an ounce of nickel costs about $0.50 compared to palladium’s $1,000 per ounce. Nickel also enables reactions under milder conditions, using light instead of high heat. However, key questions about how light-driven nickel catalysis works remained unanswered until this breakthrough. The Discovery: A Protective Nickel Intermediate The researchers discovered a crucial intermediate form of nic...

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) have developed innovative resin materials that improve the recovery of the radioactive isotope americium-241 (Am-241) from plutonium waste. This breakthrough offers a safer and more efficient method for producing Am-241, a vital isotope used in smoke detectors, medical devices, and nuclear batteries. Americium-241: A Critical Isotope Am-241, with a half-life of 432 years, is essential in a range of applications, from household smoke detectors to advanced nuclear batteries for space missions. However, global production is limited to a handful of suppliers. As demand grows, researchers have been seeking ways to make the extraction process more robust and scalable. The Challenge of Harsh Extraction Conditions Recovering Am-241 involves resin-filled columns exposed to extreme radiation and strong acids. Traditional resins degrade under these conditions, leading to reduced yields and increased worker exposure to harmful ra...

In a remarkable discovery that challenges established theories, researchers at the University of Duisburg-Essen have revealed that oxygen evolution steps on solid catalysts can happen simultaneously rather than sequentially. This finding could revolutionize our understanding of energy conversion processes and advance the efficiency of green hydrogen production. Rethinking Catalytic Mechanisms Traditionally, models of heterogeneous catalysis—where solid catalysts interact with gaseous or liquid reactants—assumed that elementary steps like adsorption (reactants binding to the surface) and desorption (products leaving the surface) occur in a sequential manner. However, this new study, published in Nature Communications , demonstrates that in some cases, these steps can proceed simultaneously. The team led by Prof. Dr. Kai S. Exner discovered this phenomenon while studying iridium dioxide (IrO₂), a widely used anode material in water electrolysis for hydrogen production. Usi...

In a breakthrough for wearable technology, scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research have developed an innovative approach to enhance both the electrical conductivity and stretchability of conductive polymers. This advancement could revolutionize health-monitoring devices and pave the way for flexible, skin-like electronic biosensors. A Polymer Designed for Flexibility Developing electronics that are as flexible and soft as human skin requires materials with unique properties: high conductivity, biocompatibility, and mechanical stretchability. One promising candidate is the conductive polymer PEDOT:PSS . However, achieving both high stretchability and conductivity in this material has been challenging—until now. The research team led by Dr. Ulrike Kraft introduced a transfer-printing process where plasticizers diffuse from the substrate into the PEDOT:PSS film. This process enhances the polymer’s ability to conduct electricity while maintaining its elas...

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory have unveiled a groundbreaking membrane technology capable of efficiently separating lithium from water. This innovation promises to address surging global demand for lithium while reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and opening new reserves. The Importance of Lithium Lithium, the lightest metal on the periodic table, is a critical component in modern technology. It powers electric vehicles, smartphones, laptops, and even military equipment. As demand rises for cleaner energy solutions, concerns over lithium’s supply chain and environmental extraction impacts have intensified. A New Approach to Extraction Currently, most lithium is sourced from hard-rock mining and salt lakes in a few countries, making global supply chains vulnerable. However, the majority of Earth’s lithium exists dissolved in seawater and underground brines. Extracting lithium from these resources has historically been expens...

As the demand for high-performance and sustainable energy storage grows, scientists are intensifying efforts to improve solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) for lithium metal batteries (LMBs). A new study led by Professors Xingping Zhou and Zhigang Xue from Huazhong University of Science and Technology presents a novel strategy to enhance lithium-ion conduction by combining SPEs with covalent organic frameworks (COFs) . Their approach utilizes in situ polymerization within COFs , forming a robust structure with enhanced ion transport pathways. This breakthrough promises safer, higher-performing LMBs and opens the door for their use in next-generation energy storage systems. Why Solid Polymer Electrolytes? Traditional SPEs are limited by poor ionic conductivity and low lithium-ion transference numbers, which restrict their application in high-performance batteries. The integration of COFs addresses these challenges by providing ordered ion transport channels and customizable fun...

As the fight against climate change accelerates, researchers are innovating ways to make carbon capture technologies more efficient, affordable, and scalable. In a groundbreaking study, scientists at Georgia Tech have developed a method to enhance CO₂ capture by utilizing extreme cold from liquefied natural gas (LNG) and common porous materials. This “cooler” approach has the potential to revolutionize direct air capture (DAC) systems and cut greenhouse gas emissions on a global scale. Published in Energy & Environmental Science , the study highlights how physisorbent materials , when paired with LNG’s unused cold energy, can outperform traditional chemical-based systems in both efficiency and cost. Chilling Out to Fight a Warming Planet Current DAC technologies often rely on amine-based materials that chemically react with CO₂. While effective, these systems are costly, energy-intensive, and degrade over time. By contrast, physisorbents physically absorb gases without ch...

Quantum computing is heralded as the technology that could revolutionize fields as diverse as cybersecurity, optimization, drug discovery, and clean energy. Yet, one persistent challenge stands in the way: decoherence, the loss of fragile quantum information due to imperfections in materials. Now, in a groundbreaking development, scientists at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) , in collaboration with Chalmers University of Technology and Royal Holloway University of London , have imaged individual material defects in superconducting quantum circuits for the very first time. This breakthrough, published in Science Advances , provides researchers with a powerful new tool to locate, study, and ultimately mitigate these defects, paving the way for more stable and reliable quantum computers. Decoherence and the TLS Defect Problem Superconducting circuits are one of the most promising platforms for building quantum processors. However, these systems are extremely sensitive to ...

As the world transitions to renewable energy, the demand for advanced, sustainable energy storage solutions has never been greater. While lithium-ion batteries have powered the electronics revolution, their widespread use is increasingly constrained by the scarcity and high cost of lithium. Enter potassium-ion batteries —an emerging technology that could provide a viable, cost-effective alternative for large-scale energy storage. In a comprehensive review published in Science and Technology of Advanced Materials , researchers led by Professor Eunho Lim at Korea’s Dongguk University explore recent advances and future directions in potassium-ion battery research. Their work highlights the tremendous potential of these batteries to support the green transition and the challenges that must be overcome to bring them to market. Why Potassium-Ion Batteries? Potassium is far more abundant and affordable than lithium, making it an attractive candidate for next-generation batteries. M...

The semiconductor industry is entering a transformative era with the rise of chiplets —modular, function-specific integrated circuits that are reshaping how microchips are designed and manufactured. Unlike traditional monolithic systems-on-chip (SoCs), which integrate all functions onto a single silicon die, chiplets divide system functions into smaller, specialized blocks that work seamlessly together. This innovative approach offers unprecedented design flexibility, cost efficiency, and scalability , helping to address the physical and economic limits of Moore’s Law. As adoption accelerates in fields like AI, data centers, and high-performance computing (HPC), chiplets are paving the way for a new generation of semiconductor technologies. The Evolution from Monolithic SoCs to Modular Chiplets In traditional SoC architectures, components such as CPUs, GPUs, and memory are integrated into a single die, reducing latency and power consumption. However, these designs face signifi...

Imagine a world where robots are indistinguishable from humans—not just in appearance, but in touch, sensation, and the ability to heal themselves. What sounds like science fiction is rapidly becoming reality thanks to a remarkable breakthrough in materials science. Researchers at the Technical University of Denmark have created an artificial skin-like material that mimics many of the properties of living tissues, including self-healing and environmental responsiveness. This new material, described in a study published in Advanced Science , could revolutionize robotics, healthcare, and even military applications by giving machines and devices a more human-like interface with the world. A Material That Thinks and Feels The material— graphene-poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate —combines graphene, renowned for its strength and conductivity, with an electrically conductive polymer. This hybrid substance is not only soft and flexible like human skin but also ca...

For over a century, the 18-electron rule has served as a cornerstone in the field of organometallic chemistry. This rule provides a predictive framework for determining the stability of transition metal complexes and has guided countless discoveries in catalysis, materials science, and molecular engineering. However, a groundbreaking discovery reported by researchers from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) in collaboration with German, Russian, and Japanese scientists is now challenging this fundamental principle. In a paper recently published in Nature Communications , the team unveiled the successful synthesis of a 20-electron ferrocene derivative . This innovative organometallic compound not only defies a long-accepted chemical rule but also opens doors to new possibilities in the design of materials and catalysts for the future. Revisiting Ferrocene: From Nobel-Winning Discovery to Modern Innovation First synthesized in 1951, ferrocene is a classic o...

Bioceramics are a revolutionary class of materials designed to interact safely with biological systems, offering applications that range from tissue repair to load-bearing implants. With the ability to support healing and integrate seamlessly with the human body, bioceramics are at the forefront of biomedical innovation. What Are Bioceramics? Bioceramics are specialized ceramic materials engineered for medical use. These materials are classified into three main categories based on their biological interaction: Nearly Bioinert Ceramics : Materials such as alumina (Al₂O₃) and zirconia (ZrO₂), known for their strength and stability. Bioactive Ceramics : Hydroxyapatite (HA) and bioactive glasses that promote bonding with bone tissue. Bioresorbable Ceramics : Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) that gradually degrades and is replaced by natural tissue over time. Applications in Medicine Orthopedics In orthopedic s...

In an exciting leap forward for sustainable technology, researchers at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) have unveiled a groundbreaking biodegradable memory device. This innovation not only holds promise for high-performance data storage but also biodegrades in water within days, offering a potential solution to the world’s growing e-waste crisis. The study, led by Dr. Sangho Cho and Dr. Yongho Joo, was recently published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition . Combatting E-Waste with Biodegradable Electronics As the proliferation of electronics continues—from wearable smartwatches to implantable medical devices—so does the problem of electronic waste (e-waste) . These devices, often discarded after use, contribute to environmental hazards and rising landfill pollution. The KIST research team tackled this challenge head-on by developing a novel molecular structure that combines biodegradability with robust dat...

By Quantum Server Networks | July 2025 For decades, scientists believed that ice in the cosmos—known as 'space ice' —existed in an amorphous, disordered state, much like a snapshot of liquid water frozen in time. However, a new study from University College London (UCL) and the University of Cambridge challenges this assumption, revealing that space ice may contain tiny crystalline grains embedded within its structure. The Cosmic Ice Mystery Low-density amorphous ice (LDAI), the most common form of ice in the universe, is found in comets, icy moons, and interstellar clouds. Previously thought to lack any structure, this ice was considered a frozen representation of disordered water molecules. But new experiments and simulations suggest otherwise. According to lead author Dr. Michael B. Davies , computer models and laboratory tests indicate that LDAI actually contains nanometer-sized crystalline regions , slightly wider than a DNA strand. These findings imply that c...

By Quantum Server Networks | July 2025 Hydrogen fuel cells are at the forefront of clean energy innovation, but their widespread adoption has been hindered by high costs and environmental concerns. Now, researchers at SINTEF’s Hydrogen Laboratory in Norway have developed a razor-thin membrane technology that dramatically reduces costs and toxic emissions, paving the way for more affordable and eco-friendly fuel cells. The Challenge of Fuel Cell Costs Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells rely on two critical components: a membrane and a catalyst. Traditional membranes are made of fluorine-containing polymers that pose environmental risks, while the catalysts often depend on platinum—a rare and costly mineral. Together, these components account for up to 41% of a fuel cell’s total cost . A Razor-Thin Solution The SINTEF team has successfully reduced the thickness of the membrane by 33% , from 15 μm to just 10 μm, without compromising performance. This innovation cuts ...

By Quantum Server Networks | July 2025 Carboxylic acids are everywhere in nature and industry, serving as crucial building blocks for pharmaceuticals, polymers, and advanced materials. However, selectively activating their strong O–H bonds for chemical transformations has long been a challenge. Now, researchers at WPI-ICReDD and the University of Shizuoka have developed an elegant, inexpensive method that leverages hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) to achieve this goal using a commercial photocatalyst. A Facile Method with Xanthone Photocatalyst Published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society , the team’s work showcases how xanthone , a simple ketone-based photocatalyst, can selectively activate carboxylic acids to generate carboxy radicals. These reactive intermediates enable a wide variety of chemical transformations, including versatile C–C and C–heteroatom bond formations. This innovation makes HAT catalysis accessible for developing new drugs and materials while m...

By Quantum Server Networks | July 2025 In a breakthrough that could transform industrial chemistry, scientists at multiple U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratories have revealed how light-activated nickel catalysts can perform the same reactions as expensive palladium catalysts, but at a fraction of the cost. Their research, published in Nature Communications , unravels how these abundant and inexpensive catalysts preserve their reactivity and resist degradation, unlocking new opportunities for chemical manufacturing. The Palladium Problem Palladium has long been the metal of choice for industrial catalytic reactions, particularly in pharmaceuticals, electronics, and agriculture. However, its scarcity and cost—approaching $1,000 per ounce—make it unsustainable for large-scale use. In contrast, nickel costs less than $1 per ounce and offers a more environmentally and economically viable alternative. Nickel: Cheap and Light-Driven Unlike palladium, nickel’s catalytic ac...