Using multimodal, in situ measurements at the ALS, researchers uncovered a two-stage process for how stretchable polymer semiconductors adapt their structure during stretching. The findings establish a multiscale design framework for conjugated polymers used in stretchable electronic devices. Read more »
A New Framework for Designing Synthetic Enzymes
Researchers engineered protein-like polymers that replicate complex enzyme functions. This work, which was verified using X-ray characterization techniques at the ALS, offers a cost-effective, scalable approach that paves the way for functional materials in biomedicine, energy, and manufacturing. Read more »
Robotics Project Pushes Toward Self-Driving Materials Optimization
A new multi-disciplinary team aims to automate complex sample handling at Beamline 7.3.3, leveraging AI and robotics to speed up material optimization and discovery. Read more »
Building Materials from the Nanocrystal Up
Researchers used the Advanced Light Source to clarify how an unusual intermediate state accelerates the transformation of nanocrystals into a superlattice during a two-step process with fewer defects than a one-step process. Read more »
Characterizing Membrane Fouling with Operando Experiments
Membrane filtration offers a cost-effective, energy-efficient approach to purify and desalinate water, but fouling limits the performance of these devices. A new study explored the new experimental design that allows one to study the dynamic fouling process in real time to improve the field’s understanding of how materials deposit, accumulate, and/or crystallize on the membrane’s surface. Read more »
Advancing high-temperature electrostatic energy storage via linker engineering of metal–organic frameworks in polymer nanocomposites
High-performance, thermally resilient polymer dielectrics are essential for film capacitors used in advanced electronic devices and renewable energy systems, particularly at elevated temperatures where conventional polymers fail to perform. Herein, we unravel the untapped potential of UiO-66 metal–organic framework (MOF) derivatives as exceptional nanofillers for tuning the properties of the widely used polyetherimide (PEI). Read more »
Jamming Giant Molecules at Interface in Organic Photovoltaics to Improve Performance and Stability
Giant molecule acceptors (GMAs), known for their large size and intricate functional structures, are an emerging focus in materials science. Through implementation of an interface-enhanced layer-by-layer fabrication strategy, we have successfully demonstrated that GMA with designed electronic structure at interfaces can effectively improve OPV device performance. Read more »
How Processing Affects Structure in Composite Nanotube Yarns
Using the ALS, researchers found quantitative correlations between processing parameters and the structure of ultrafine, polymer-reinforced carbon-nanotube fibers. The work will facilitate the production of high-strength materials, including those needed for positioning target capsules for fusion research at the National Ignition Facility. Read more »
An Organic Transistor That Can Sense, Process, and Remember
Traditional AI hardware employs physically separated information sensing, processing, and memory architecture, a configuration that suffers from large energy and time overhead. Now, researchers have fabricated an organic transistor device that can simultaneously act as the sensor and processing core of a streamlined AI hardware system. Read more »
Controlling the Structure and Morphology of Organic Nanofilaments Using External Stimuli
Coexisting organic helical and helicoidal crystalline nanofilaments formed by molecules with a bent molecular shape can now be transformed to a smectic liquid crystal phase or only helical nanofilaments by applying an electric field or irradiating the sample with UV light. Read more »
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