Game changer in thermoelectric materials could unlock body-heat powered personal devices

A breakthrough improvement in ultra-efficient thermoelectric materials, which can convert heat into electricity and vice versa, has great potential for applications ranging from low-maintenance, solid-state refrigeration to compact, zero-carbon power generation--possibly including small, personal devices powered by the body's own heat. Heat 'harvesting' takes advantage of the free, plentiful heat sources provided by body heat, automobiles, everyday living, and industrial process.

Lower current leads to highly efficient memory

Researchers are a step closer to realizing a new kind of memory that works according to the principles of spintronics which is analogous to, but different from, electronics. Their unique gallium arsenide-based ferromagnetic semiconductor can act as memory by quickly switching its magnetic state in the presence of an induced current at low power. Previously, such current-induced magnetization switching was unstable and drew a lot of power, but this new material both suppresses the instability and lowers the power consumption too.

Patterning method could pave the way for new fiber-based devices, smart textiles

Multimaterial fibers that integrate metal, glass and semiconductors could be useful for applications such as biomedicine, smart textiles and robotics. But because the fibers are composed of the same materials along their lengths, it is difficult to position functional elements, such as electrodes or sensors, at specific locations. Now, researchers have developed a method to pattern hundreds-of-meters-long multimaterial fibers with embedded functional elements.

Creating higher energy density lithium-ion batteries for renewable energy applications

Lithium-ion batteries that function as high-performance power sources for renewable applications, such as electric vehicles and consumer electronics, require electrodes that deliver high energy density without compromising cell lifetimes. Researchers investigate the origins of degradation in high energy density LIB cathode materials and develop strategies for mitigating those degradation mechanisms and improving LIB performance.

More skin-like, electronic skin that can feel

A research team has developed a multimodal ion-electronic skin that distinguishes temperature from mechanical stimuli. This skin can detect various movements and is applicable in fields including humanoid skin and temperature sensors.

Spintronics advances: Controlling magnetization direction of magnetite at room temperature

Spintronics -- based on the principles of electron charge and magnetic spin -- goes beyond the limits of conventional electronics. However, spintronic devices are yet to see advances, because controlling the magnetization angle in the magnetic material is difficult. Now, scientists have developed an all-solid redox device composed of magnetite thin film and a solid electrolyte containing lithium ions that successfully manipulated the magnetization angle at room temperature, sparking a possible revolution in the field of spintronics.

Staying ahead of the curve with 3D curved graphene

A team of researchers has amplified 3D graphene's electrical properties by controlling its curvature.

Improving quantum dot interactions, one layer at a time

Scientists have found a way to control an interaction between quantum dots that could greatly improve charge transport, leading to more efficient solar cells.

Printable, high-performance solid-state electrolyte films for next-generation batteries

A team has developed a new method of printing and sintering a variety of solid-state electrolyte thin films called 'printing and radiative heating.'

New electronic chip delivers smarter, light-powered AI

New tech combines the core software needed to drive AI with image-capturing hardware - in one electronic chip. The light-driven prototype device imitates the way the human brain processes visual information. It's a significant advance towards the ultimate in electronics: a brain-on-a-chip that can learn from its environment just like humans do.

Sensor experts invent supercool mini thermometer

Researchers have invented a miniature thermometer with big potential applications such as monitoring the temperature of processor chips in superconductor-based quantum computers, which must stay cold to work properly.

Sensor experts invent supercool mini thermometer

Researchers have invented a miniature thermometer with big potential applications such as monitoring the temperature of processor chips in superconductor-based quantum computers, which must stay cold to work properly.

Carbyne: An unusual form of carbon

Which photophysical properties does carbyne have? New research has led to a greater understanding of the properties of this unusual form of carbon.

Solar cells: Mapping the landscape of Caesium based inorganic halide perovskites

Scientists have printed and explored different compositions of caesium based halide perovskites. In a temperature range between room temperature and 300 Celsius, they observe structural phase transitions influencing the electronic properties. The study provides a quick and easy method to assess new compositions of perovskite materials in order to identify candidates for applications in thin film solar cells and optoelectronic devices.

Zinc-ion hybrid capacitors with ideal anions in the electrolyte show extra-long performance

Metal-ion hybrid capacitors combine the properties of capacitors and batteries. One electrode uses the capacitive mechanism, the other the battery-type redox processes. Scientists have now scrutinized the role of anions in the electrolyte. The results reveal the importance of sulfate anions. Sulfate-based electrolytes gave zinc-ion hybrid capacitors outstanding performance and extra-long operability.

Ultra-fast polymer modulators that can take the heat

Researchers have demonstrated a silicon-polymer hybrid modulator that can efficiently and reliably transmit data at 200 Gbit/s over an extremely wide range of temperatures from 25 °C to 110 °C. Use of such robust modulators in high-speed data applications could reduce cooling demands of the systems and expand applications in harsh environments.

New family of quasiparticles in graphene-based materials

After years of dedicated research a group of pioneering scientists have again revealed a phenomenon that is 'radically different from textbook physics' and this work has led to the discovery and characterization of a new family of quasiparticles found in graphene-based materials. Called Brown-Zak fermions these extraordinary particles have the potential to achieve the Holy Grail of 2D materials by having ultra-high frequency transistors which can in turn produce a new generation of superfast electronic devices.

'Smart Wrap' implant may help people better control their bladders

An implantable smart wrap that fits safely and securely around the bladder may one day help people who have under-active bladders, a condition that hinders patients from urinating regularly and comfortably, according to an international team of researchers.

Key advance for printing circuitry on wearable fabrics

Electronic shirts that keep the wearer comfortably warm or cool, as well as medical fabrics that deliver drugs, monitor the condition of a wound and perform other tasks, may one day be manufactured more efficiently thanks to a key research advance.

Smaller than ever: Exploring the unusual properties of quantum-sized materials

Scientists have synthesized sub-nanometer particles with precisely controlled proportions of indium and tin using specific macromolecular templates called dendrimers. Through a screening process spanning different metallic ratios, they discovered unusual electronic states and optical properties originating from size-miniaturization and elemental-hybridization. Their approach could be a first step in the development of sub-nanoparticles with unique functionalities and characteristics for electronic, magnetic, and catalytic applications.

Antiferromagnetic material's giant stride towards application

The quest for high throughput intelligent computing paradigms - for big data and artificial intelligence - and the ever-increasing volume of digital information has led to an intensified demand for high-speed and low-power consuming next-generation electronic devices. The 'forgotten' world of antiferromagnets (AFM), a class of magnetic materials, offers promise in future electronic device development and complements present-day ferromagnet-based spintronic technologies.

Turning heat into electric power with efficient organic thermoelectric material

Thermoelectric materials can turn a temperature difference into electricity. Organic thermoelectric materials could be used to power wearable electronics or sensors; however, the power output is still very low. An international team has now produced an n-type organic semiconductor with superior properties that brings these applications a big step closer.

Implantable sensor could measure bodily functions -- and then safely biodegrade

Sensors that monitor a patient's condition during and after medical procedures can be expensive, uncomfortable and even dangerous. Now, an international team of researchers has designed a highly sensitive flexible gas sensor that can be implanted in the body -- and, after it's no longer needed, safely biodegrade into materials that are absorbed by the body.

'Electronic skin' promises cheap and recyclable alternative to wearable devices

Researchers are developing a wearable electronic device that's 'really wearable' -- a stretchy and fully-recyclable circuit board that's inspired by, and sticks onto, human skin.

Making 3D nanosuperconductors with DNA

A platform for making 3D superconducting nano-architectures with a prescribed organization could find application in quantum computing and sensing.

Optimizing the design of new materials

A new approach combines statistical inference, optimization theory, and computational materials physics to design new materials without large amounts of existing data.

Large-area flexible organic photodiodes can compete with silicon devices

The performance of flexible large-area organic photodiodes has advanced to the point that they can now offer advantages over conventional silicon photodiode technology, particularly for applications such as biomedical imaging and biometric monitoring that require detecting low levels of light across large areas.

Utilizing a 'krafty' waste product: Toward enhancing vehicle fuel economy

Researchers have chemically modified Kraft lignin -- ordinarily considered in the paper industry to be a waste product -- and used it to produce quality carbon fiber. When optimized in the future as an automotive structural material, it may reduce the fuel needed to power your car.

Scientists design magnets with outstanding properties

An international team has discovered a novel way to design magnets with outstanding physical properties, which could make them complementary to, or even competitive with traditional inorganic magnets, which are widely used in everyday appliances.

Swirl power: How gentle body movement will charge your mobile phone

Scientists have discovered a way to generate electricity from nylon - the stretchy fabric used widely in sportswear and other shape-hugging apparel - raising hopes that the clothes on our backs will become an important source of energy.

Scientists work to shed light on Standard Model of particle physics

Scientists mapped the magnetic field inside a vacuum with unprecedented accuracy. Results will be used in an experiment to shed light on the Standard Model of particle physics.

3D print experts discover how to make tomorrow's technology using ink-jet printed graphene

Researchers have cracked the conundrum of how to use inks to 3D-print novel electronic devices with useful properties, such as an ability to convert light into electricity.

Implantable device can monitor and treat heart disease

Researchers reported developing a cardiac patch made from fully rubbery electronics that can be placed directly on the heart to collect electrophysiological activity, temperature, heartbeat and other indicators, all at the same time.

'Transparent solar cells' can take us towards a new era of personalized energy

Solar power has shown immense potential as a futuristic, 'clean' source of energy. No wonder environmentalists worldwide have been looking for ways to advance the current solar cell technology. Now, scientists have put forth an innovative design for the development of a high-power transparent solar cell. This innovation brings us closer to realizing our goal of a sustainable green future with off-the-grid living.