Researchers make thinnest plates that can be picked up by hand

Scientists and engineers are engaged in a global race to make new materials that are as thin, light and strong as possible. These properties can be achieved by designing materials at the atomic level, but they are only useful ...

New method can make cheaper solar energy storage

Storing solar energy as hydrogen is a promising way for developing comprehensive renewable energy systems. To accomplish this, traditional solar panels can be used to generate an electrical current that splits water molecules ...

Solving an organic semiconductor mystery

Organic semiconductors are prized for light emitting diodes (LEDs), field effect transistors (FETs) and photovoltaic cells. As they can be printed from solution, they provide a highly scalable, cost-effective alternative ...

First thin films of spin ice reveal cold secrets

Thin films of spin ice have been shown to demonstrate surprising properties which could help in the development of applications of magnetricity, the magnetic equivalent of electricity.

Imaging ferroelectric domains

(Phys.org) —When thin films of ferroelectric materials are grown on single-crystal substrates, they can develop regions of aligned polarization—called "domains"—that often adopt complex patterns. Manipulation of ferroelectric ...

'Inverse opal' structure improves thin-film solar cells

(Phys.org) —Researchers have shown how to increase the efficiency of thin-film solar cells, a technology that could bring low-cost solar energy. The approach uses 3-D "photonic crystals" to absorb more sunlight than conventional ...

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