Strategy to make graphene luminescent

A research project is able to incorporate luminescence into this super material, paving a new way to continue expanding properties.

New polymer films conduct heat instead of trapping it

Engineers have flipped the picture of the standard polymer insulator, by fabricating thin polymer films that conduct heat -- an ability normally associated with metals. In experiments, they found the films, which are thinner than plastic wrap, conduct heat better than many metals, including steel and ceramic.

Water creates traps in organic electronics

Poor-quality organic semiconductors can become high-quality semiconductors when manufactured in the correct way. Researchers have now shown that the motion of charges in organic electronic devices is dramatically slowed down by minute amounts of water.

Decoupled graphene thanks to potassium bromide

The use of potassium bromide in the production of graphene on a copper surface can lead to better results. When potassium bromide molecules arrange themselves between graphene and copper, it results in electronic decoupling. This alters the electrical properties of the graphene produced, bringing them closer to pure graphene.

Flexible circuits for 3D printing

A research cooperation has developed a process suitable for 3D printing that can be used to produce transparent and mechanically flexible electronic circuits. The technique can enable new applications such as printable light-emitting diodes, solar cells or tools with integrated circuits, as the scientists report in the journal Scientific Reports. The researchers are demonstrating the potential of their process with a flexible capacitor, among other things.

New method proposed for studying hydrodynamic behavior of electrons in graphene

By studying how electrons in two-dimensional graphene can literally act like a liquid, researchers have paved the way for further research into a material that has the potential to enable future electronic computing devices that outpace silicon transistors.

Bridge over coupled waters: Scientists 3D-print all-liquid 'lab on a chip'

Researchers have 3D-printed an all-liquid ''lab on a chip'' that, with the click of a button, can be repeatedly reconfigured on demand to serve a wide range of applications - from making battery materials to screening drug candidates.

Unprecedented insight into two-dimensional magnets using diamond quantum sensors

For the first time, physicists have succeeded in measuring the magnetic properties of atomically thin van der Waals materials on the nanoscale. They used diamond quantum sensors to determine the strength of the magnetization of individual atomic layers of the material chromium triiodide. In addition, they found a long-sought explanation for the unusual magnetic properties of the material.

Developing a model critical in creating better devices

Chemical engineers have developed a new computational model to better understand the relationship between water and a type of two-dimensional material.

How can I learn to repair electronics?

From nata de coco to computer screens: Cellulose gets a chance to shine

Researchers meticulously measured the optical birefringence of highly aligned cellulose nanofibers, paving the way for sharper television, computer, and smartphone screens.

Need more energy storage? Just hit 'print'

Researchers have developed a conductive ink made from a special type of material they discovered, called MXene, that was used by the researchers to print components for electronic devices. The ink is additive-free, which means it can print the finished devices in one step without any special finishing treatments.

New discovery makes fast-charging, better performing lithium-ion batteries possible

Creating a lithium-ion battery that can charge in a matter of minutes but still operate at a high capacity is possible. This development has the potential to improve battery performance for consumer electronics, solar grid storage, and electric vehicles.

Laser processing method to increase efficiency of optoelectronic devices

Researchers discover new method to passivate defects in next generation optical materials.

Characterization of 'hidden' dioxins from informal e-waste processing

The composition of mixed brominated/chlorinated dibenzofurans (PXDFs) and diphenyl ethers in soils from an e-waste site in Ghana suggests a formation of PXDFs through condensation of the flame retardant PBDEs and subsequent bromine-to-chlorine exchange. PXDFs were substantial contributors of toxic equivalents among dioxins from e-waste burning.

Wonder material: Individual 2D phosphorene nanoribbons made for the first time

Tiny, individual, flexible ribbons of crystalline phosphorus have been made in a world first, and they could revolutionize electronics and fast-charging battery technology. Since the isolation of 2-dimensional phosphorene, which is the phosphorus equivalent of graphene, in 2014, more than 100 theoretical studies have predicted that new and exciting properties could emerge by producing narrow 'ribbons' of this material. These properties could be extremely valuable to a range of industries.

Measurement of semiconductor material quality is now 100,000 times more sensitive

Engineers have developed a tool to provide quantitative feedback on material quality, with particular applications in optoelectronic devices.

Researchers 3D print metamaterials with novel optical properties

A team of engineers has developed a series of 3D printed metamaterials with unique microwave or optical properties that go beyond what is possible using conventional optical or electronic materials. The fabrication methods developed by the researchers demonstrate the potential, both present and future, of 3D printing to expand the range of geometric designs and material composites that lead to devices with novel optical properties.

Improving 3D-printed prosthetics and integrating electronic sensors

Scientists have made inroads in integrating electronic sensors with personalized 3D-printed prosthetics.

Electricity-conducting bacteria yield secret to tiny batteries, big medical advances

These strange bacteria conduct electricity via a structure never before seen in nature -- a structure scientists can co-opt to miniaturize electronics, create powerful-yet-tiny batteries, build pacemakers without wires and develop a host of other medical advances.

Ushering in ultrafast cluster electronics

A new computational method can help fast track the development of tiny, ultrafast electronic devices made from small clusters of molecules.

It's a one-way street for sound waves in this new technology

Imagine being able to hear people whispering in the next room, while the raucous party in your own room is inaudible to the whisperers. Researchers have found a way to do just that -- make sound flow in one direction -- within a fundamental technology found in everything from cell phones to gravitational wave detectors.

New plastic films deflect or trap heat with zero energy required

Researchers have developed new plastic films that stay cool when exposed to sunlight and are very lightweight, strong and bendable. The versatile materials come in a variety of colors and could be incorporated into architectural and wearable products to regulate the temperature of buildings and people without requiring any power.

Hands spread flame retardants, plasticizers throughout homes

Hundreds of everyday items, from furniture to cell phones to floor wax, contain organophosphate ester (OPE) flame retardants and plasticizers. Some of these compounds make their way into the air, onto surfaces and even inside our bodies, with uncertain health effects. Today, researchers report that hands play a central role in transferring OPEs throughout the indoor environment.

Wearable sensors mimic skin to help with wound healing process

Researchers have developed skin-inspired electronics to conform to the skin, allowing for long-term, high-performance, real-time wound monitoring in users.

Copper-based alternative for next-generation electronics

Scientists have developed a technique to transform a copper-based substance into a material that mimics properties of precious and pricey metals, such as gold and silver.

New polymer mixture creates ultra-sensitive heat sensor

Scientists have developed an ultra-sensitive heat sensor that is flexible, transparent and printable. The results have potential for a wide range of applications -- from wound healing and electronic skin to smart buildings.

Notes on current flow for email lesson 4

The RC Delay Element

'Smart' pajamas could monitor and help improve sleep

If you've ever dreamed about getting a good night's sleep, your answer may someday lie in data generated by your sleepwear. Researchers have developed pajamas embedded with self-powered sensors that provide unobtrusive and continuous monitoring of heartbeat, breathing and sleep posture -- all factors that play a role in how well a person slumbers.