Quantum Server Newsletter on the latest news in Materials Science research

In the world of materials science and energy innovation, few discoveries spark as much curiosity as jadarite . Nicknamed "Earth's kryptonite twin," this rare mineral not only delights comic book fans but also holds immense promise for advancing sustainable technologies. Originally discovered in 2004 by geologists exploring Serbia's Jadar Valley, jadarite has quickly become a focal point for researchers and industries seeking solutions to global energy challenges. Read the original article here The Science Behind Jadarite Jadarite is officially classified as a sodium lithium boron silicate hydroxide , with the chemical formula LiNaSiB₃O₇(OH) . While it lacks the glowing green aura of the fictional kryptonite, it exhibits a fascinating pinkish-orange fluorescence under UV light. More importantly, this mineral is a rich source of two critical elements: lithium and boron . Lithium is essential for manufacturing high-capacity rechargeable batteries, which power...

In the rapidly advancing field of materials science, predicting molecular properties with high accuracy is essential for breakthroughs in pharmaceuticals, green energy, polymers, and sustainable fuels. However, data scarcity often limits the effectiveness of traditional machine learning models, which require vast labeled datasets to perform well. A recent study published in Communications Chemistry introduces an innovative approach called Adaptive Checkpointing with Specialization (ACS) , designed to address this challenge and accelerate AI-driven molecular design even in ultra-low-data environments. Read the original article here Overcoming Data Scarcity in Molecular Prediction Machine learning-based molecular property prediction models have transformed our ability to explore chemical space and design high-performance materials. Yet, their predictive power often depends on the availability of large, high-quality datasets. This limitation is particularly severe in fields like...

In the quest for sustainable technologies, researchers are turning their attention to MXenes , a cutting-edge class of two-dimensional materials. These carbide nitrides have shown remarkable potential to revolutionize the production of ammonia—a critical chemical for fertilizers and energy applications. By leveraging MXenes’ unique ability to fine-tune their chemical composition, scientists are exploring how to catalyze the conversion of air into ammonia in an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly way. Reimagining Catalysis with MXenes Ammonia production is vital for global agriculture and energy systems, but conventional methods are energy-intensive and carbon-heavy. Researchers led by Dr. Abdoulaye Djire , Dr. Perla Balbuena , and Ph.D. candidate Ray Yoo have discovered that MXenes offer a sustainable alternative. By manipulating the lattice nitrogen reactivity, these two-dimensional materials can be tailored for specific electrocatalytic applications. “We aim to expa...

In a groundbreaking study, scientists at ETH Zurich have peered into the hidden world of single-atom catalysts, uncovering how individual platinum atoms interact with their surroundings on an atomic scale. Using advanced nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)—a technique akin to MRI scans—they have mapped the atomic neighborhoods of platinum atoms, paving the way for greener and more efficient chemical production. The Power and Challenge of Catalysis Catalysis—the acceleration of chemical reactions using special substances—lies at the heart of modern industry. From fuels to pharmaceuticals , nearly 80% of all chemical products rely on catalysts. Platinum, one of the most effective catalysts, enables these reactions but comes with serious downsides: it is rare, expensive, and energy-intensive to produce. Scientists have long sought ways to maximize platinum’s catalytic efficiency while minimizing its use and environmental impact. Precision Engineering with Single Atoms Enter single...

In a groundbreaking development, researchers at Texas A&M University have unveiled a new class of high-temperature shape memory alloys (HTSMAs) that promise to revolutionize aerospace engineering. These materials could significantly enhance the efficiency and performance of fighter jets and other advanced aerospace systems. This innovation combines cutting-edge materials science with artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate alloy discovery and reduce development costs, paving the way for smarter and lighter actuation systems in aircraft. What are High-Temperature Shape Memory Alloys? Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are unique materials that "remember" their original shape. When deformed, they can return to their pre-set form upon heating. While SMAs have been used in various applications—from medical stents to robotics—traditional versions cannot withstand the high temperatures present in aerospace environments. This is where HTSMAs step in. These alloys operate e...

In a world increasingly threatened by climate change, researchers are pioneering revolutionary technologies that aim to decarbonize industries at their core. One such innovation comes from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology , where scientists are developing a sustainable alternative to traditional cement using living microorganisms. This breakthrough not only binds sand particles into strong building blocks but also actively absorbs atmospheric CO 2 , paving the way for greener, more eco-conscious architecture. Reimagining Construction: From Concrete to Biofilm The construction industry is one of the largest contributors to global warming, responsible for an estimated 37% of greenhouse gas emissions according to the United Nations Environment Programme. Cement production alone is a major culprit, requiring the burning of fossil fuels to heat limestone at high temperatures, which emits vast amounts of carbon dioxide. The CyanoGems project at Technion proposes an in...

A groundbreaking study published in Advanced Energy has demonstrated that fine-tuning cathode microstructure is pivotal for improving sulfur redox kinetics in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. By leveraging a spray-drying method to craft sulfur-carbon composites with precisely controlled particle morphology, researchers have achieved enhanced electrochemical performance under high sulfur loading and lean electrolyte conditions. The Promise of Lithium-Sulfur Technology Lithium-sulfur batteries hold the potential to surpass traditional lithium-ion batteries thanks to their exceptionally high theoretical energy density of over 500 Wh kg -1 . This is due to sulfur’s high specific capacity and natural abundance. Yet commercialization has been hampered by challenges like polysulfide shuttling, poor cycle life, and cathode degradation. Microstructure: The Key to Unlocking Potential To address these challenges, scientists developed spherical ketjenblack/sulfur (SD-KB/S) composi...

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...