| Jun 09, 2022 |
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(Nanowerk News) University of Queensland scientists have cracked a problem that’s frustrated chemists and physicists for years, potentially leading to a new age of powerful, efficient, and environmentally friendly technologies.
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Using quantum mechanics, Professor Ben Powell from UQ’s School of Mathematics and Physics has discovered a ‘recipe’ which allows molecular switches to work at room temperature (Journal of the American Chemical Society, “Toward high-temperature light-induced spin-state trapping in spin-crossover materials: The interplay of collective and molecular effects”).
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“Switches are materials that can shift between two or more states, such as on and off or 0 and 1, and are the basis of all digital technologies,” Professor Powell said.
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“This discovery paves the way for smaller and more powerful and energy efficient technologies.
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“You can expect batteries will last longer and computers to run faster.”
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Until now, molecular switching has only been possible when the molecules are extremely cold – at temperatures below minus 250 degrees centigrade.
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“Engineering-wise, this is a big problem,” Professor Powell said.
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“By following this detailed ‘recipe’, chemists should be able to make molecular switches work at room temperature.
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“This will open the door to a bounty of technological advancements, such as improving MRI scans which could lead to earlier detection of diseases like cancer.
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“These materials can also be used for sensors, carbon capture and storage, hydrogen fuel cells, and as actuators, which can turn electricity into movement, which would be useful for robots.
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“All of these applications need materials that can be switched at or above room temperature, which is why our discovery is so important.
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“Using these materials will also reduce the burden on the environment because computer energy use will be cut, aiding the fight against climate change.”
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UQ researchers will be collaborating with chemists at the University of Sydney and University of New South Wales, to make new materials to test the new ‘recipe’.
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