Materials Science

  1. Materials Science

    Scientists Say: 2-D Material

    Two-dimensional materials such as graphene could improve electronics, carbon capture and more.

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  2. Materials Science

    Let’s learn about graphene

    Scientists have been trying to understand and harness this material’s superpowers since its discovery in 2004.

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  3. Tech

    Balsa wood transistors could usher in ‘greener’ electronics

    Researchers in Sweden coaxed wood to conduct electricity, then used it to make a climate-friendlier building block of electronics.

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  4. Chemistry

    Pollution power? A new device turns carbon dioxide into fuel

    Scientists made a device that converts the greenhouse gas into formate. This salt can then run a fuel cell to make electricity.

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  5. Environment

    New ultrathin materials can pull climate-warming CO2 from the air

    To slow global warming, we’ll need help from CO2-trapping materials. Enter MXenes. They’re strong and reactive — and they love to eat up CO2.

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  6. Tech

    Particles from tree waste could prevent fogged lenses, windshields

    A new coating made from a renewable resource — water-loving nanoparticles made from wood — could keep glass surfaces fog-free.

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  7. Materials Science

    A new hydrogel could help pull drinking water from the air

    The salty gel absorbs more water from the air than similar gels, even in desert climates. This could provide clean water for drinking or farming.

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  8. Chemistry

    Creation of quantum dots wins 2023 chemistry Nobel

    The award honors three scientists who discovered and built quantum dots, which are now used in everything from TVs to medical tools.

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  9. Chemistry

    Scientists Say: Rare earth element

    Rare earth elements aren’t all that rare — but skyrocketing demand for these metals makes them precious.

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  10. Materials Science

    Made from fungi, this vegan leather can self-heal holes or rips

    If made under gentle conditions, leather formed from the “roots” of mushrooms can retain the ability to regrow and repair minor damage.

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  11. Tech

    New thermal ‘cloak’ keeps spaces from getting too hot or too cold

     A prototype fabric could help keep cars, buildings and other spaces cooler during heat waves while also reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.

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  12. Materials Science

    This house is partly made of recycled diapers

    After being washed, dried, sanitized and shredded, used diapers were mixed with other materials to make a strong concrete.

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