Zinc has a knack for creating complex structures. It can form coordination polymers, which are like tiny, intricate frameworks. These frameworks are not just pretty to look at. They have practical uses too. Two new types of these frameworks have been created. They are made from zinc, a special linker, and two different acids. The first framework is a 3D structure. I...
This is a fascinating time for materials science. We are on the brink of creating substances that can think and act like living things. These aren't your average materials. They can sense, learn, remember, and adapt. Think of them as the next generation of smart materials. Unlike the stuff we usually use, which just sits there doing one thing, these new materials can...
The quest to mend damaged cartilage has led scientists to explore the power of 3D printing and stem cells. This isn't just about printing ink on paper. It's about using a special kind of ink made from natural materials and living cells. The goal is to repair cartilage, the smooth, white tissue that covers the ends of bones in joints. When this tissue gets damaged, it...
The world of water splitting has seen a significant breakthrough with the development of a unique material. This material combines several metals and oxides to create a powerful catalyst. This catalyst can efficiently split water and even seawater into hydrogen and oxygen. The process is not only efficient but also durable, making it a strong contender for industrial...
In the ever-evolving world of technology, scientists are constantly searching for new materials that could change the game. Two new hybrid materials have recently grabbed the spotlight. These materials are not just any ordinary substances. They are a combination of different materials that work together to create something extraordinary. Data storage is a big deal i...
Picture this: you're trying to balance a seesaw, but one side is super heavy, and the other is super light. That's the challenge scientists face with zinc-air batteries. The key is to balance two important processes: oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions. These reactions happen when the battery charges and discharges. These two reactions have been a headach...
Incredibly, a small twist in super-thin materials can make a big difference in how heat moves through them. Scientists found that rotating layers of materials like molybdenum disulfide, carbon, and boron nitride by just 1 to 4 degrees creates a barrier that hinders heat flow. It's like having a special jacket that keeps the heat in one place while allowing it to move...
Powder X-ray diffraction, or PXRD, is a major tool used to study materials. While it’s commonly used, the part where humans have to manually analyze the data is tough, and automatic methods aren't great at fine details. Predicting exact crystal structures from PXRD has been a challenge. That's where XtalNet steps in. It's the first model of its kind that uses deep le...
One of the first steps in figuring out the structure and properties of a material based on its chemical composition is creating likely crystal structures. However, current methods for predicting crystal structures are usually time-consuming and expensive, which can slow down scientific progress. To tackle this issue, researchers have come up with a method called Crys...
Moises A. Carreon is a name that echoes in the halls of scientific discovery. You might not know him by name, but his work has certainly touched your life. Ever wondered how membranes in water filters work? Moises is the guy who made those filters better. As a professor, he's spent years teaching and researching materials science, which is like understanding the buil...