Engineering & Technology Materials Science and Engineering

An artificial intelligence approach extracts how an aluminium alloy’s contents and manufacturing are related to specific mechanical properties.

From biomemory to implants, researchers are looking for ways to make more eco-friendly electronic components.

Complex algorithms can be taught to predict steel corrosion rates in coastal regions, helping engineers choose the best materials for each location.

Researchers discovered, while exploring the photomechanical properties of diarylethene, that under irradiation with UV light the crystal of the compound peels off into micrometer sized crystals at a world’s fastest speed of 260 microseconds. As the material returns to its former molecular structure when exposed to visible light, the exfoliation method positions itself as a candidate for photoactuator manufacturing.

Researchers at the Institute of Industrial Science at The University of Tokyo examined a new method of producing concrete via direct bonding of sand particles, which may help reduce greenhouse emissions and even construct a Moon base.

The promotion of electric cars has dramatically increased the demand for lithium-ion batteries. However, cobalt and nickel, the main cathode materials for the batteries, are not abundant. If the consumption continues, it will inevitably elevate the costs in the long run, so scientists have been actively developing alternative materials. A joint research team co-led by a scientist from City University of Hong Kong (CityU) has developed a much more stable, manganese-based cathode material. The new material has higher capacity and is more durable than the existing cobalt and nickel cathode materials - 90% of capacity is retained even when the number of charging-recharging cycles doubled. Their findings shed lights on developing low cost and high efficiency manganese-based cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries.

A review on the latest research of the various types of Heusler alloys summarizes the field’s main achievements up to 2020.

Scientists have developed a method to use lasers to control the movement of nanodiamonds with fluorescent centers.

A nanoparticle’s size is fine-tuned to offer high-resolution images before and during surgical procedures.

The fine structure of barium titanite, a potential alternative to lead titanite, has been revealed by researchers employing a novel technique over the extremely short time period that the ferroelectric phenomena experienced by these materials occur. The investigation should assist further exploration of how to replace lead titanate with other materials, so that its widespread applicability may be enjoyed while avoiding its role in lead pollution.

Lithium ion batteries use liquid electrolytes that have several drawbacks, which can be overcome by all-solid-state lithium secondary batteries (ASSBs). However, it is important to find efficient electrode materials for ASSBs. A research team from Japan has recently developed a novel electrode material for ASSBs by combining lithium sulfate and lithium ruthenate, which results in improved performance. The scientists hope that their novel approach will guide future research and the eventual commercialization of such high-capacity batteries.

Molecular interactions within gels and rubbers can be controlled to fabricate stronger and more elastic materials.

Scientists have found catalysts that improve an important industrial reaction and make it more eco-friendly.

A surprisingly simple method improves ‘drop casting’ fabrication of tiled nanosheets that could be used in next-generation electronic devices. All you need is a pipette and a hotplate.

The quality of muon beams can now be assessed thanks to a new technique that has produced the first known images of these high-energy particles.

Nagoya University scientists find a rare mineral in nuclear power plant walls, significantly improving their strength following years of full operation.

Materials inspired by the colour changes in a peacock’s feather could lead to anti-counterfeit and sensing applications.

A joint research led by City University of Hong Kong (CityU) has built a mathematical model to explore and analyse the relationship between disease transmission, people’s awareness about the disease and their resulting behaviours, as well as disease information spread by the mass media and opinion leaders. The research may shed some insights on responding to COVID-19 and other similar infectious diseases.

Accurate measurements of crystalline deformation should help engineer stronger components for more energy-efficient turbines.

A researcher at The University of Tokyo develops a method for recharging used N95 masks with a van de Graaff generator, which may greatly alleviate the lack of high-quality personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic

Seoul National University researchers build a non-volatile magnetic memory prototype.

Scientists at The University of Tokyo study aluminosilicate glass to determine its complex local structure with unprecedented detail. This work may lead to tougher and more inexpensive glass for touchscreens and solar arrays

Scientists at The University of Tokyo use computer simulations to model the effects of elemental composition on the glass-forming ability of metallic mixtures, which may lead to tough, electroconductive glasses

A recent study has measured the internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of Zinc-Oxide (ZnO) crystals in both the light-emitting process and non-light-emitting process.

University of Tokyo researchers have fabricated a tiny electronic sensor that can detect very low levels of a commonly used weed killer in drinking water.

By controlling the curvature, researchers have successfully retained the electrical properties of 2D graphene in a 3D structure.

A research team, affiliated with South Korea's Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) has succeeded in patterning the two-dimensional (2D) metal electrode into desired shapes on the 4-inch diameter silicon substrate.

Scientists have found a way to control an interaction between quantum dots that could lead to more efficient solar cells.

A research team has developed a new method for creating metal-organic framework (MOF) thin films that can be applied to sensors and electric devices.

The University of Tokyo introduced a system of gold nanorods that acts like a tiny light-driven motor, with its direction of motion is determined by the orientation of the motors. This work may lead to smaller and more precise nanomachines.