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Many atomic diffusion processes occur at rates that are too fast to observe experimentally. Using video scanning tunnelling microscopy, researchers are now able to observe the individual steps involved in correlated transport of atomic strings on metal surfaces.
Photonic crystal microcavities have been less able to trap light than their microsphere and microdisk counterparts. A new design concept shows how to stop the leaks.
A single-molecule anion made of 132 molybdenum atoms forms a spherical oxide cage that can bind several cations. Different cations have distinct binding modes and produce a wide range of architectures within the cage.
The remarkable deformability of wood in a moist environment resembles that of ductile metals. A combination of traditional mechanical tests and cutting-edge diffraction experiments reveal the molecular mechanism that determines such behaviour.
Introducing fluorine into the chemical formula of self-assembling supramolecular systems usually makes for more stable and robust lattices. Now a dendron molecule has been found for which fluorination brings about a change in the self-assembly motif and an unexpected supramolecular architecture.
A new design for reprogrammable microprocessors based on single magnetoresistive elements has the potential to thrust magnetoelectronics from journal concept to everyday product.
The storage capacity of rechargeable lithium batteries is limited by their electrodes, especially the cathode. A layered copper vanadate material, which reacts electrochemically with lithium ions in an unexpected and reversible way, greatly expands the range of cathode choices.
The nanometre scale is a brave new world for scientists — mixing materials at such small dimensions can cause all sorts of surprising effects. New studies of experimental systems on the nanoscale further our understanding of these complex phenomena.
The glass transition is a central concept in condensed matter physics, yet for ten years there has been an unresolved debate about what happens when the material thickness reaches nanoscale dimensions. New experiments probe below the surface.
Covalent metals, such as MgB2 and the alkali-doped fullerenes, form an unusual class of superconductors. The mechanism of superconductivity in a new member of this family — the silicon clathrates — has now been determined.
Until now, organic semiconductors, such as pentacene, have only allowed the flow of one type of charge. A new study confirms that — like their inorganic counterparts — both positive and negative charges can flow in the same material.
Materials scientists and engineers are still trying to improve on a 2,000-year old technology — paper. The latest developments promise to improve flat-panel displays that are to be viewed in ambient light, like books and newspapers.
Rational design is an oft-touted dream in materials science. The discovery of two new classes of photonic bandgap crystals may herald the systematic mathematical design of new materials.
Semiconductors doped with small amounts of magnetic impurities such as Mn invariably exhibit room-temperature ferromagnetism. But we don't yet understand why.
The separation of semiconducting and metallic nanotubes from bulk mixed samples is an essential requirement for researchers attempting to fabricate nanotube-based electronic devices. Four reports demonstrate the variety of approaches being used to tackle this problem.
