This nanogenerator built from waste DVDs can generate electricity from gliding droplets of water.
What will it take to make sodium and potassium batteries viable alternatives to lithium?
Scientists explore the challenges facing alternatives to lithium-ion batteries and suggests a roadmap to overcome these obstacles.
Thin film improves “usable light” needed to grow microalgae on industrial scales
A textured film maximizes sunlight by generating an increased amount of red light, reducing the costs of algae production on a significant scale.
Pooi See Lee: “Focus on creativity and teamwork to make an impact”
The Singapore-based materials scientist on her love for science, promoting gender equality in STEM, and how innovations in materials can propel advances in healthcare.
Bettina Lotsch: “I am excited by the prospect that our research can actually make a difference”
The materials chemist discusses her research, new innovations in tackling the energy crisis, and how her son helps with “zoom fatigue”.
“Greening” brown ammonia no longer looks like a pipe dream
A recent advance in the Haber-Bosch production of ammonia increases conversion beyond the maximum allowed in the current industrial process.
Improving Li-ion battery performance using 3D printing
Increasing the mass of an electrode reduces power density due to the longer distance that ions and electrons must travel. Electrode designs need a rethink.
New material for solar hydrogen
New photoanodes promise high efficiencies in producing hydrogen in a climate-neutral way.
Bin Liu: “Turn whatever you are dreaming about into reality”
The unconventional chemist talks innovations in material science, putting science to work to help solve societal problems, and how to see the best in everything.
Yong Lei: “Science is more than a career”
Yong Lei talks about his journey into STEM, his passion for research, and the world of patterned nanomaterials.