Materials Science

Materials Science

Slim and Sturdy Solar Cells: Nanocrystals offer path to electricity

Researchers have crafted an ultrathin solar cell out of inorganic nanocrystals that have several of the advantages of plastic but avoid some of its shortcomings.

Materials Science

Explosive tempers

Researchers have demonstrated that carbon nanotubes, once ignited, can detonate explosives.

Materials Science

Filling in the blanks

Scientists have added precision to a patterning technique called microcontact printing.

Materials Science

Heart of the Matter: Scanning scope digs deeper into microchips

Researchers have developed a noninvasive imaging technique that lets them see deep inside a microchip.

Materials Science

Carbon nanotubes get nosy

Researchers have demonstrated that individual nanotubes, decorated with DNA, can rapidly detect a number of gases.

Materials Science

Sun and Sand: Dirty silicon could supply solar power

Scientists have proposed a way to control the distribution of contaminants in silicon, potentially opening up the use of cheaper starting materials for making solar cells.

Materials Science

Fog Be Gone: Nanocoating clarifies the view

Scientists have created a nanocoating that prevents fogging and reflection on glass surfaces.

Materials Science

Fine Fabric: New, fast way to make sheets of nanotubes

Scientists have come up with a way to efficiently produce thin, transparent sheets of carbon nanotubes that are several meters long.

Materials Science

Nanotube carpet mimics gecko feet

Carbon nanotubes can outdo the extraordinary sticking power of a gecko's foot hairs.

Materials Science

Bright Future

Energy-efficient, semiconductor-based chips called light-emitting diodes will begin to illuminate homes and offices within the next decade, displacing power-hungry incandescent and fluorescent lighting.

Materials Science

Lube Tune-Up: Motor oil from recycled plastic could improve automotive-fuel efficiency

Chemists have developed a technique for making high-performance lubricating oils from recycled plastic.

Materials Science

Whisking Whiskers: Nanobrushes sweep up

Researchers have made microscopic brushes with carbon nanotube bristles.