Algae as microscopic biorefineries

Sep 29, 2022 (Nanowerk News) Fossil raw materials are limited and not available and extractable everywhere in the world – as we are becoming acutely aware of right now by the example of fossil fuels and rising energy prices. Renewable raw material sources will therefore play an increasingly important role...

Arrayed chirality

Sep 28, 2022 (Nanowerk News) Scientists from Japan have employed theoretical calculations to model the optical radiation force distribution induced by an arbitral light pattern including an interference pattern. Based on the simulations, they were able to fabricate nano-sized structures in array that may lead to new optical devices, such...

Novel carrier doping in p-type semiconductors enhances photovoltaic device performance by increasing hole concentration

Sep 28, 2022 (Nanowerk News) The carrier concentration and conductivity in p-type monovalent copper semiconductors can be significantly enhanced by adding alkali metal impurities, as shown recently by Tokyo Tech researchers. Doping with isovalent and larger-sized alkali metal ions effectively increased the free charge carrier concentration and the mechanism was...

Catalytic process with lignin could enable 100% sustainable aviation fuel

Sep 28, 2022 (Nanowerk News) An underutilized natural resource could be just what the airline industry needs to curb carbon emissions. Researchers at three institutions—the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Washington State University—report success in using lignin as a...

Nanoparticles can improve stroke recovery by enhancing brain stimulation

Sep 28, 2022 (Nanowerk News) In a recent study (Materials Today Chemistry, "Enhancing non-invasive brain stimulation with non-invasively delivered nanoparticles for improving stroke recovery"), researchers from Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and other universities in China have reported that brain stimulation combined with a nose spray containing nanoparticles can improve recovery after...

3D printing can now manufacture customized sensors for robots, pacemakers, and more

Sep 28, 2022 (Nanowerk News) A newly-developed 3D printing technique could be used to cost-effectively produce customized electronic “machines” the size of insects which enable advanced applications in robotics, medical devices and others. The breakthrough is seen as a potential game-changer for manufacturing chip-based microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). These mini-machines are...