Nanotechnology

Products of Tomorrow: November 2021

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

Nanoscale Machines Convert Light into Work

The optically powered machines self-assemble and could be used for nanoscale manipulation of tiny cargo.

Let’s Get Small: New Argonne Method Greatly Improves X-Ray Nanotomography Resolution

Scientists are working to improve the image resolution of X-ray techniques.

A Simple Way to Get Complex Semiconductors to Assemble Themselves

Stacking extremely thin films of material on top of each other can create new materials with exciting new properties. But the most successful processes for building those...

Two-Dimensional Hybrid Metal Halide Device Allows Control of Terahertz Emissions

Researchers have utilized two-dimensional hybrid metal halides in a device that allows directional control of terahertz radiation generated by a spintronic...

Manufacturing Technique Yields Flexible Electronics

With this advance, so-called “flextronics” move closer to reality.

Hydrodynamic Effect Helps Motorized Objects Navigate Inclines

The tiny motors mimic how rock climbers navigate inclines.

Nanotube Actuator Key to Future Robotics and Biotech

University of Houston researchers developed an electrochemical actuator that uses specialized organic semiconductor nanotubes (OSNT). The device exhibits high actuation performance...

Pivotal Discovery of Nanomaterial for LEDs

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are an unsung hero of the lighting industry. They run efficiently, give off little heat, and last for a long time. Now scientists are looking at new materials to...

Paving the Way to Electrically Pumped Lasers from Colloidal-Quantum-Dots

Scientists from Los Alamos National Laboratory recently assessed the status of research into colloidal quantum dot lasers with a focus on prospective electrically...

Graphite-Based Sensor for Wearable Medical Devices

Researchers have developed graphene-based sensing technology using G-Putty material — a highly malleable graphene blended putty. The printed sensors are 50 times more sensitive than the...

Fiber-Metal Laminate Manufacturing Technique

Synthesis of fiber-metal laminates is performed using RF plasma spray deposition.

Method Produces Fine-Grained Targets

High-yield synthesis of carbon nanotubes is enabled via free electron laser ablation.

UpFront: September 2021 Tech Briefs

NASA Washing Machine Designs Go for a Spin

Right now, there is no laundry service in space.

Astronaut garments aren’t washed. They are put onto ships that burn up in the...

Solid-State Carbon Dioxide Sensor

Applications include wearables, airplane cabin monitoring, medical diagnostics, and indoor air quality measurement.

Engineering the Flow of Light

A novel nanostructure produces uniquely shaped light.

A Sharper Look at the Interior of Semiconductors

A new imaging method allows researchers to see inside complex semiconductors, without destroying them.

Spectroscopy Using an Optical Microscope

With an optical microscope, spectra can be acquired from a sample area smaller than a micron.

New Electron Microscopy Technique Offers First Look at Previously Hidden Processes

Northwestern researchers have developed a new microscopy method that allows scientists to see the building blocks of “smart” materials.

3D-Printed Biodegradable Battery

The battery can withstand thousands of charge and discharge cycles and years of storage before being composted.

Brain-Inspired Highly Scalable Neuromorphic Hardware

Researchers from Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) fabricated brain-inspired highly scalable neuromorphic hardware by co-integrating single transistor neurons...

New Manufacturing Technique for Flexible Electronics

Ultrathin, flexible computer circuits have been an engineering goal for years, but technical hurdles have prevented the degree of miniaturization necessary to achieve high performance....

An Electronics Recycling Approach Gets the Most Out of Nanowires

Researchers at North Carolina State University demonstrated a low-cost technique for retrieving — and then reusing — nanowires from electronic devices.

NanoGear Molecular Gear

Oscillatory and rotational motions of different parts are combined to pave the way to developing super-miniaturized mechanical devices.

Carbon Fiber/Carbon Nanotube Yarn Hybrid Reinforcement

Applications include aerospace and automotive components, prosthetics, sporting goods, and other uses where strength-to-weight ratio is important.

Nanoparticle Gel Unites Oil and Water in Manufacturing-Friendly Approach

This novel gel-creation method could open applications in water filtration, batteries, and smart windows.