Method Pinpoints Microscale Damage in Metal

The process predicts when and where microscopic cracks will occur before they become catastrophic.

Platform for Quantum Technologies Using Gold

Scientists discovered a new platform for quantum technologies by suspending two-dimensional (2D) crystals over pores in a slab of gold. When heated, the metal reflows to form a porous structure...

New Printing Process Advances 3D Capabilities

Substances such as plastics, metals, and wax are used in 3D printers to make products and parts for larger items. Products created through the 3D printing of plastics include every-thing from...

Tiny Optical Elements Could Replace Traditional Refractive Lenses

Researchers have developed tiny optical elements from metal nanoparticles and a polymer that could replace traditional refractive lenses to realize portable imaging systems...

Thermomagnetic Generators Convert Waste Heat into Electrical Power

Many technical processes only use part of the energy consumed. The remaining fraction leaves the system in the form of waste heat. Frequently, this heat is released into the...

Technique Heals Dendrites in Solid-State Batteries

The method enhances the battery's safety while it is being used, without opening the battery cell.

Tin Electrode Amplifies Supercapacitors

The material improves connectivity while maintaining recyclability and low cost.

Metal-Plastic Hybrid 3D Printing

This method prints 3D structures made of metal and plastic, paving the way for 3D electronics.

Stable, Efficient, Anode-Free Sodium Battery

The battery is smaller than a traditional lithium-ion battery due to the elimination of dendrites.

Anode Material for Safer Fast-Charging Batteries

The material enables lithium-ion batteries to be safely recharged within minutes for thousands of cycles.

“Steering” Solves Imaging Scan Problems Caused by Metal Implants

An algorithm that assesses the location of a metal implant and determines the best position of the scanner to avoid distortion.

Nanothin Piezoelectrics for Self-Powered Electronics

The nanothin material could advance self-powered electronics, wearable technologies, and even deliver pacemakers powered by heartbeats.

Three-Layer Method Makes Plastic More Transparent and Adds Electrical Conductivity

This process could improve large touchscreens, LED light panels, and window-mounted infrared solar cells.

Liquid Metal Coating Creates Effective Antiviral, Antimicrobial Fabric

The coatings eradicated human influenza and coronavirus in five minutes.

Nanoprecipitates Toughen Structural Alloys

Mechanical properties, such as strength and ductility, can be improved for car, plane, and building components.

New Class of Nickel-Based Superalloys Withstands Extreme Heat

Parts remain crack-free and defect-resistant, making them conducive for use in metal-based 3D-printing applications.

Products of Tomorrow: February 2022

Flexible electrodes, NASA sensors, and anti-corrosion compounds.

Smart Wound Dressings with Built-In Healing Sensors

The built-in nanosensors glow to alert patients when a wound is not healing properly.

Engine Made as a Single Calcium Ion

The engine is approximately 10 billion times smaller than a car engine.

Anticorrosion Compound Protects Steel from the Elements

The flexible, self-healing coating protects buildings, bridges, and anything above or below the water made of steel.

Robot Arms with Artificial Muscles are Lightweight and Flexible

These shape memory robotic arms eliminate the need for joints, rigid skeletons, or framework.

Smart Laser Cutter System Detects Different Materials

SensiCut, a smart material-sensing platform for laser cutters, can differentiate among 30 materials commonly found in makerspaces.

Water Purification System Engineered from Wood

The eco-friendly process removes heavy metals, dyes, and other pollutants.

Preventing Short-Circuiting in Next-Generation Lithium Batteries

The approach could advance the potential of high-powered, solid-electrolyte lithium batteries.

Products of Tomorrow: November 2021

Nanotube fibers that turn heat to power; a NASA antenna system; and an antimicrobial coating.

Eddy Current Displacement Sensors for Industry

Eddy current displacement sensors can make measurements in harsh Industrial environments, even where pressure, dirt, or temperature fluctuations occur.

Safer, Less Expensive, Fast-Charging Aqueous Battery

A new anode for aqueous batteries uses seawater as an electrolyte.

Liquid Metal Turns Motion into Electricity, Even Underwater

The soft and stretchable device converts movement into electricity and can work in wet environments.

Long-Life Lithium-Metal Battery

The technology could be key to lighter, less expensive, and long-lasting batteries for future electric vehicles.