New detector design has potential to expand search for dark matter
Rice researchers’ detector concept uses engineered semiconductor materials to search for axions in a range of possible masses that has remained difficult to probe with existing experiments.
Researchers create moisture-driven tech that powers green batteries — and dissolves spy gear
Researchers from Rice and North Carolina State University have created a nontoxic, stretchable battery that operates by extracting moisture from the ambient environment.
Rice researchers develop shape-shifting surface for next-generation human-machine interaction
A team of engineers at Rice and Kyung Hee University has developed a soft, shape-shifting mechanical surface that can respond to touch, sense its own movements and visually communicate changes in real time.
Rice researchers automate defect detection in diamond, other advanced semiconductors
Rice researchers have developed a high-throughput method to measure the quality of diamond and other wide-bandgap semiconductor materials, providing rapid feedback for improving crystal growth and device reliability.
Stressed crystal creates nanoscale patterns on chip materials at room temperature
A new chip-making technique pioneered by Rice scientists exploits a material’s crystal structure to create nanoscale patterns at room temperature directly onto hard materials used in devices, including silica.
Researchers measure giant light-conversion effect in chiral carbon nanotubes
Rice scientists successfully assembled carbon nanotubes with the same chiral orientation into large high-quality crystals that can manipulate light with an efficiency two to three orders of magnitude greater than conventional materials.
Room-temperature multiferroic could pave way to low-energy computing
Rice researchers engineered a new version of a well-known multiferroic that exhibits orders of magnitude higher performance at room temperature than its parent material.
Scientists at Rice pioneer faster, greener method to recycle lithium-ion batteries
As global demand for lithium-ion batteries continues to surge, a team of Rice researchers has developed a faster, more energy-efficient way to recover critical minerals from spent batteries, potentially easing supply chain pressures and reducing environmental harm.
Pengcheng Dai elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Rice professor Pengcheng Dai has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, one of the oldest and most prestigious learned societies in the nation.
Rice researchers redefine what we can build by 3D printing electronics with focused microwaves
In a recently published paper in Science Advances, a team led by Rice’s Yong Lin Kong describes a new 3D-printing process with focused microwaves that overcomes a fundamental constraint of electronics 3D printing.
Rice study resolves decades-old mystery in organic light-emitting crystals
Researchers at Rice have now solved a long-standing mystery in a widely used organic semiconductor, revealing how tiny structural imperfections can actually improve how these materials work.
Rice scientists discover new way metals bind oxygen, possibly starting ‘new chapter’ in chemistry
Rice researchers develop a way to create new interaction between dioxygen and a lanthanide metal called neodymium, enabling the creation of lanthanide-oxos.
Rice spinoff Helix Earth raises $12M to tackle energy efficiency in commercial buildings
A Houston-based energy technology startup with roots at Rice has secured a major funding milestone, underscoring the growing impact of Rice-driven innovation in the clean energy industry.
‘Perfectly symmetrical’ 2D perovskites boost energy transport
Rice scientists have created a new type of 2D semiconductor that comes closer than ever to a “perfect” crystal.
‘Nothing short of fantastic’: US Rep. Babin, staff tour Rice labs during campus visit
Rep. Brian Babin (R-Woodville), chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, visited Rice March 20 with a delegation of congressional staff to tour research facilities and learn about areas of focus across the university.
