News from the NNI Community - Research Advances Funded by Agencies Participating in the NNI

Scientists at Columbia University and the University of Glasgow have discovered a new chemical design principle for exploiting destructive quantum interference. The scientists used their approach to create a six-nanometer single-molecule switch in which the on-state current is more than 10,000 times greater than the off-state current. They demonstrated that this approach can be used to produce stable and reproducible single-molecule switches at room temperature that can carry currents exceeding 0.1 microamp in the on state. 

An international team of researchers, led by scientists at Penn State, found that arranging micro-supercapacitor cells in a serpentine, island-bridge layout allows the configuration to stretch and bend at the bridges, while reducing deformation of the micro-supercapacitors. The researchers used non-layered, ultrathin zinc-phosphorus nanosheets and 3D laser-induced graphene foam – a highly porous, self-heating nanomaterial – to construct the island-bridge design of the cells and noticed that these micro-supercapacitor arrays can charge and discharge efficiently and store the energy needed to power a wearable device.

An international team of researchers, led by scientists at Penn State, found that arranging micro-supercapacitor cells in a serpentine, island-bridge layout allows the configuration to stretch and bend at the bridges, while reducing deformation of the micro-supercapacitors. The researchers used non-layered, ultrathin zinc-phosphorus nanosheets and 3D laser-induced graphene foam – a highly porous, self-heating nanomaterial – to construct the island-bridge design of the cells and noticed that these micro-supercapacitor arrays can charge and discharge efficiently and store the energy needed to power a wearable device.

Researchers at Rice University have identified a novel, second level of fluorescence by carbon nanotubes. The Rice University team discovered that single-walled nanotubes emit a delayed secondary fluorescence when triggered by a multistep process in a solution with dye molecules and dissolved oxygen. Potential applications for the findings include optoelectronics and solar energy developments.

Researchers at Rice University have identified a novel, second level of fluorescence by carbon nanotubes. The Rice University team discovered that single-walled nanotubes emit a delayed secondary fluorescence when triggered by a multistep process in a solution with dye molecules and dissolved oxygen. Potential applications for the findings include optoelectronics and solar energy developments.

Scientists at Washington State University have used human white blood cell membranes to carry two drugs, an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory, directly to infected lungs in mice. The nano-sized drug delivery method successfully treated both the bacterial growth and inflammation in the mice's lungs. The study shows a potential new strategy for treating infectious diseases, including COVID-19.

Scientists at Washington State University have used human white blood cell membranes to carry two drugs, an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory, directly to infected lungs in mice. The nano-sized drug delivery method successfully treated both the bacterial growth and inflammation in the mice's lungs. The study shows a potential new strategy for treating infectious diseases, including COVID-19.

Researchers at Columbia University report that they have achieved plasmonically active graphene with record-high charge density without an external gate. They accomplished this by exploiting novel interlayer charge transfer with a two-dimensional (2D) electron-acceptor known as α-RuCl3. α-RuCl3 is unique among nanomaterials because it has an exceptionally high work function even when it is exfoliated down to a one- or few-atom-thick 2D layers.

Researchers at Columbia University report that they have achieved plasmonically active graphene with record-high charge density without an external gate. They accomplished this by exploiting novel interlayer charge transfer with a two-dimensional (2D) electron-acceptor known as α-RuCl3. α-RuCl3 is unique among nanomaterials because it has an exceptionally high work function even when it is exfoliated down to a one- or few-atom-thick 2D layers.

Researchers at Penn State are beginning to understand the behavior of so-called "active" particles, which, if controlled, has potential implications for smart 3D printing and engineered drug delivery systems. The particles – which can be biological but, in this case, are cylindrical platinum-gold nanorods smaller than a red blood cell – flow in a fluid through a micro-channel into a tapered nozzle. Once collected there, they can be used in additive manufacturing to 3D-print objects or to deliver therapeutics directly to cells.