Healing cracks in perovskite films for solar cells

A cracked perovskite film (left) can be fully healed (right) with some compression of a little heat, new research shows. The findings from a new study bode well for the long-term reliability of perovskite films used in next-generation solar cells.

PowderMEMS Technology of Fraunhofer ISIT

See Fraunhofer ISIT’s new PowderMEMS technology, a manufacturing process that enables generating 3D microstructures from any powdered material at the wafer level enabling novel microsystem applications with previously unattainable functions.

New tool allows unprecedented modeling of magnetic nanoparticles

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new computational tool that allows users to conduct simulations of multi-functional magnetic nanoparticles in unprecedented detail. The advance paves the way for new work aimed at developing magnetic nanoparticles for use in applications from drug delivery to sensor technologies.

Unique zentropy theory aims to deliver a universal answer to a materials design challenge

A problem in materials design is that in natural as well as artificial materials, volume occasionally drops, or surges, with rising temperature. While there are mechanical reasons for this occurrence for certain materials, a general insight into why this occasionally occurs is still lacking. However, a group of Penn State scientists has formulated a theory to elucidate and then forecast it: Zentropy.