Category archives: Materials

Simple explanations for some complex patterns in twisted bilayer graphene

Simple explanations for some complex patterns in twisted bilayer graphene

DIPC Advanced materialsMaterials

By DIPC

Twisted bilayer and multilayer systems represent two-dimensional materials, where atom-thick layers of the same or different materials are superimposed and rotated by an arbitrary twist angle. Twisted bilayer graphene (TBG) represents arguably the most prominent physical system of this kind, the bilayers of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD) the other. The effect of twisting two periodic […]

Atomic force images beyond the fundamental limit

Atomic force images beyond the fundamental limit

Computer scienceMaterialsPhysics

By César Tomé

Atomic force microscopy, or AFM, is a widely used technique that can quantitatively map material surfaces in three dimensions, but its accuracy is limited by the size of the microscope’s probe. A new AI technique overcomes this limitation and allows microscopes to resolve material features smaller than the probe’s tip. A new deep learning algorithm […]

The stabilizing effect of a binder for transition metal oxides to sustain water oxidation in acidic environments

The stabilizing effect of a binder for transition metal oxides to sustain water oxidation in acidic environments

CatalysisChemistryDIPC Advanced materialsMaterials

By DIPC

Global energy demand is expected to rise around 30% by 2040 according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Hydrogen (H2) produced by the electrolysis of water, using renewable electricity, the so-called green hydrogen, has emerged as a promising energy vector to respond to this increasing energy demand with the potential to decarbonize transportation, heating, and […]

Fit-to-purpose power sources: portable batteries ecodesigned within the planetary boundaries

Fit-to-purpose power sources: portable batteries ecodesigned within the planetary boundaries

EnergyMaterials

By BCMaterials

Digital technologies have gained an essential role in societies’ development, by generating a global transformation in economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Digitalization does not just bring comfort and effectiveness in daily life but also contributes to equity and opportunities generation. However, this digital transformation is raising a fierce debate on how to ensure a positive […]

The emergence of perovskite-based photovoltaics

The emergence of perovskite-based photovoltaics

Materials

By BCMaterials

The climate crisis arising from greenhouse gas emissions has led to a greater emphasis on energy security, and affordability, to ensure a smooth energy transition. The decarbonization of the energy sector will promote a reduction in carbon emissions and will minimize catastrophic natural disasters. The deployment of low-carbon technology towards a sustainable and clean energy […]

Ultrasensitive molecular sensing with surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA)

Ultrasensitive molecular sensing with surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA)

Condensed matterMaterialsNanotechnologyQuantum physics

By César Tomé

Sensors are essential tools for detecting and analysing trace molecules in a variety of fields, including environmental monitoring, food safety, and public health. However, developing sensors with high enough sensitivity to detect these tiny amounts of molecules remains a challenge. One promising approach is surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA), which uses plasmonic nanostructures to amplify the […]

First experimental evidence of hopfions in crystals

First experimental evidence of hopfions in crystals

Condensed matterMaterialsPhysics

By César Tomé

Hopfions, magnetic spin structures predicted decades ago, have become a hot and challenging research topic in recent years. The first experimental evidence has just been presented in Nature . A deeper understanding of how different components of materials function is important for the development of innovative materials and future technology. The research field of spintronics […]

Nanocolloids as hosts for light-propelled machineries

Nanocolloids as hosts for light-propelled machineries

DIPC Advanced materialsMaterials

By DIPC

nanocolloids The increasing attention to the design and experimental development of self-oscillating matter is primarily motivated by the potential use of such systems in emerging technologies (e.g., light engines) comprising compact components and minimum energy consumption. Self-oscillation is the generation of a periodic change in a system fuelled by a steady, non-periodic power source. The […]

New generation sensors for the prevention of the next pandemic

New generation sensors for the prevention of the next pandemic

BiomedicineMaterialsMedicine

By BCMaterials

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the vulnerabilities of our society to infectious diseases and the limitations of the tools available for viruses detection. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and antigens tests have been useful to monitor and contain the extension of the last pandemic, however it demonstrated to have severe limitations. PCR is a highly […]

What a roof’s material can do to lower energy demand

What a roof’s material can do to lower energy demand

EnergyMaterials

By César Tomé

roof Concrete sidewalks, black asphalt streets, traffic, brick and steel buildings. These common city elements can retain heat and increase temperatures in a phenomenon called the urban heat island effect. With increasingly warming temperatures during the summer months, urban cities like Chicago need to arm decision makers and communities with information about strategies to help […]