3D printed tires and shoes that self-repair

Instead of throwing away your broken boots or cracked toys, why not let them fix themselves? Researchers have developed 3D-printed rubber materials that can do just that.

Ferroelectric polymers made more versatile

The ferroelectric polymer PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) has interesting properties and could be used to store information or energy. One of the main drawbacks of PVDF is that if you add extra functional groups to improve certain properties, this also interferes with its ferroelectricity. To solve this, scientists have created block copolymers from PVDF that leave its ferroelectricity intact, but allow them to tune its characteristics.

Theoretical model may help solve molecular mystery

When it comes to realizing low-power electronic devices, spintronics looks promising. However, to generate a suitable spin current, you need a relatively large magnet. An alternative method that uses a special type of molecule has been proposed, but the big question is: does it work? Researchers have constructed a theoretical model which describes how to put this new method to the test.

Physicists create exotic electron liquid

By bombarding an ultrathin semiconductor sandwich with powerful laser pulses, physicists have created the first 'electron liquid' at room temperature. The achievement opens a pathway for development of the first practical and efficient devices to generate and detect light at terahertz wavelengths -- between infrared light and microwaves. Such devices could be used in applications as diverse as communications in outer space, cancer detection, and scanning for concealed weapons.

Transforming flat elastomers into 3D shapes

Researchers have developed a method to change the shape of a flat sheet of elastomer, using actuation that is fast, reversible, controllable by an applied voltage, and reconfigurable to different shapes.

Advances in stretchable semiconductors, integrated electronics

Researchers have reported significant advances in stretchable electronics, moving the field closer to commercialization.

Current generation via quantum proton transfer

Scientists have discovered that proton transfer in electrochemical reactions is governed by the quantum tunneling effect (QTE) under the specific conditions. In addition, they made a first ever observation of the transition between the quantum and classical regimes in electrochemical proton transfer by controlling potential. These results may advance basic research leading to the development of highly efficient electrochemical energy conversion systems based on quantum mechanics.