Nanowerk

Nanowerk News ) Topological quantum materials are hailed as a cornerstone of future technological advancements. Yet, validating their exceptional qualities has always been a lengthy business. However, researchers at the Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat have now developed an experimental technique that systematically identifies two-dimensional topological materials through a rapid test. This breakthrough could help accelerate the progress of this booming class of materials.

Nanowerk News ) In a novel study ( PNAS, "Threshold Current Density for Diffusion-controlled Stability of Surface Electrolytic Nanobubbles" ), researchers of the University of Twente have made significant strides in understanding the behaviour of micro- and nanobubbles on electrodes during water electrolysis. This process is crucial for (green) hydrogen production. These tiny bubbles form on the electrodes, blocking the flow of electricity and reducing the efficiency of the reaction.

Nanowerk News ) In an amazing phenomenon of quantum physics known as tunneling, particles appear to move faster than the speed of light. However, physicists from Darmstadt believe that the time it takes for particles to tunnel has been measured incorrectly until now. They propose a new method to stop the speed of quantum particles.

Nanowerk Spotlight ) Manipulating the flow of light with nanoscale precision has been a grand challenge in optics, as it requires the ability to precisely position building blocks like metallic nanoparticles on surfaces. Such control could unlock a new generation of flat optical components called metasurfaces, which use arrays of nanostructures to mold light in exotic ways. Carefully crafted layouts could enable ultrathin devices to outperform traditional optics, achieving capabilities like perfect lensing, holography, and even invisibility.

Nanowerk News ) Scientists have made a breakthrough in significantly improving the sharpness of X-ray imaging and potentially boosting the speeds at which X-ray scans can be processed. This lays the groundwork for both better medical imaging and faster security clearance.

Nanowerk News ) Using interference between two lasers, a research group led by scientists from RIKEN and NTT Research have created an ‘optical conveyor belt’ that can move polaritons – a type of light-matter hybrid particle – in semiconductor-based microcavities. This work could lead to the development of new devices with applications in areas such as quantum metrology and quantum information.

Nanowerk Spotlight ) Soft robotics has emerged as a promising field, with the potential to revolutionize areas such as prosthetics, wearable devices, and human-machine interaction. Unlike traditional rigid robots, soft robots are made from highly compliant materials that can safely interact with delicate objects and adapt to complex environments.

Nanowerk News ) A team led by Professor Jongmin Choi of the Department of Energy Science and Engineering at DGIST has developed a PbS quantum dot that can rapidly enhance the electrical conductivity of solar cells. This was a joint research with Professor Changyong Lim of the Department of Energy Chemical Engineering at the Kyungpook National University and Professor Jongchul Lim of the Department of Energy Engineering at the Chungnam National University.

Nanowerk News ) The intracellular delivery of proteins is an important technique for unveiling the cellular functions, protein complex structure, and therapeutics. However, the conventional delivery methods have several limitations. To address this, researchers from Japan have developed a novel hybrid nanotube (HyNT) stamp system that can deliver multiple proteins with high efficiency and viability rates. This system represents a groundbreaking advancement in intracellular protein delivery, offering precise injection of therapeutic agents into target cells.

Researchers identify triboelectricity as the source of a soft mechanoluminescent complex, enabling durable, battery-free light emission even under light stress.