A spin liquid is a fascinating state of matter that occurs in certain magnetic materials at very low temperatures. Unlike conventional magnetic states where electron spins align in a regular pattern, spin liquids exhibit a disordered state due to the peculiarities of quantum mechanics. This state of matter does not resemble everyday liquids but is … Read more
A team of scientists led by the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory has found an unconventional way to improve catalysts made of more than one material. The solution demonstrates a path to designing catalysts with greater activity, selectivity and stability. A catalyst normally uses a support to stabilize nanometer-sized metal particles that speed … Read more
Spintronics is a field garnering immense attention for its range of potential advantages for conventional electronics. These include reducing power consumption, high-speed operation, non-volatility, and the potential for new functionalities. Spintronics exploits the intrinsic spin of electrons, and fundamental to the field is controlling the flows of the spin degree of freedom, i.e., spin currents. … Read more
Improved neutron mirrors can increase the efficiency of material analysis in neutron sources such as the European Spallation Source. The improved mirror has been developed by researchers at Linköping University by coating a silicon plate with extremely thin layers of iron and silicon mixed with boron carbide. Their study has been published in the journal … Read more
Guided by machine learning, chemists at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory designed a record-setting carbonaceous supercapacitor material that stores four times more energy than the best commercial material. A supercapacitor made with the new material could store more energy—improving regenerative brakes, power electronics and auxiliary power supplies. “By combining a data-driven method … Read more
Tokyo Tech scientists have revealed the remarkable dual-ion conductivities of Ba7Nb3.8Mo1.2O20.1, an oxide related to hexagonal perovskite. This discovery holds significant promise for advancing electrochemical devices crucial in the realm of clean energy technologies. Solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and proton ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) are promising for green power generation, yet they face challenges such … Read more
In 1973, physicist Phil Anderson hypothesized that the quantum spin liquid, or QSL, state existed on some triangular lattices, but he lacked the tools to delve deeper. Fifty years later, a team led by researchers associated with the Quantum Science Center headquartered at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory has confirmed the presence … Read more
A recent scientific study conducted by a collaborative team of researchers from Nagoya City University (NCU), Japan Space Forum (JSF), Advance Engineering Services (AES), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and ANSTO has made a significant discovery related to charged particles in the unique microgravity environment of the International Space Station (ISS). The findings of this … Read more
The production of nonfood, plant-based biofuels has been limited by the inefficiency and high cost of the enzymes required for their production. However, recent research published in Chemical Science has shed light on a promising solution involving enzymes from fungi. Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs), which contain copper in addition to the typical carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, … Read more
In a recent study published in Nature Communications, physicists from Rice University and their collaborators have made a fascinating discovery regarding spin excitations in magnets. Typically, when electron spins in a magnet are perturbed, it results in the formation of spin waves that propagate through the magnet like ripples on a pond. However, in this … Read more