Materials Science and NanoEngineering

Weak bonds a strength in making borophene

Rice University researchers show how borophene, the 2D form of boron, can be grown to simplify its use for applications.

Rice tapped to develop 3D-printed ‘smart helmets’ for the military

Rice University researchers have embarked upon a project to build the first printable “smart helmet” with funding from the Department of Defense.

This pyramid scheme could be helpful

Rice chemists uncover the mechanism behind controlled growth of gold tetrahedron nanoparticles using liquid cell transmission electron microscopy.

Anticorrosion coating sets new benchmark

Rice engineers adapt a compound to serve as a universal anticorrosive coating for steel.

Nanoscale lattices flow from 3D printer

Rice University engineers are printing 3D lattices of glass and crystal with sub-200 nanometer resolution. The technique could make it practical to print micro-scale electronic, mechanical and photonic devices.

People, papers and presentations for Oct. 11, 2021

People, papers and presentations for Oct. 11, 2021

American Chemical Society honors Gustavo Scuseria

Rice University’s Gustavo Scuseria wins the American Chemical Society Award in Theoretical Chemistry.

Tweezer grant pleases Rice researchers

Rice researchers have won an NSF grant to acquire a sophisticated optical tweezer microscope to manipulate, measure and monitor micron-scale particles.

Rice physicists find 'magnon' origins in 2D magnet

Rice physicists have confirmed the topological origins of magnons, magnetic features they discovered three years ago in a 2D material that could prove useful for spintronics.

Double-walled nanotubes have electro-optical advantages

Rice theorists find that flexoelectric effects in double-walled carbon nanotubes could be highly useful for photovoltaic applications.

Bilayer borophene is a first

Scientists make bilayer borophene for the first time. The versatile 2D material shows promise for quantum electronics, energy storage and sensors.

‘Smart’ shirt keeps tabs on the heart

Carbon nanotube thread woven into athletic shirts gathered electrocardiogram and heart rate data that matched standard monitors and beat chest-strap monitors. The fibers are flexible and the shirts are machine washable.

CPRIT grant establishes Genetic Design and Engineering Center

Rice faculty members led by bioengineer Gang Bao have been awarded a $4 million CPRIT grant to establish the Genetic Design and Engineering Center.

National 2D materials research center wins NSF funding

Rice, Penn State and Boise State have won a federal grant to expand ATOMIC, a national research center that develops atom-thin 2D coatings via university, industry and government partnerships.

Woven nanotube fibers turn heat into power

Carbon nanotubes woven into thread-like fibers and sewn into fabrics become a thermoelectric generator that can turn heat from the sun or other sources into energy.