Scientists observe exotic quantum phase once thought impossible
A team of Rice researchers reported the first direct observation of a surprising quantum phenomenon predicted over half a century ago known as a superradiant phase transition, which occurs when two groups of quantum particles begin to fluctuate in a coordinated, collective way without any external trigger, forming a new state of matter.
Wade Adams, former director of the Richard E. Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology at Rice, passed away Feb. 12 at the age of 78. A self-described “technical optimist,” Adams was not only an experienced researcher and educator but also an enthusiastic advocate of nanotechnology, which he defined as “making small stuff do big things” and viewed as offering potential solutions to pressing challenges, particularly in energy but also in clean water and medicine.
Nobel laureate M. Stanley Whittingham shared insights from his pioneering work on lithium-ion batteries and addressed the future of energy storage during the Adams-Hauge Fund Smalley Lecture in Materials Science and Nanoengineering delivered at Rice.
New method developed to dramatically enhance bioelectronic sensors
In a breakthrough that could transform bioelectronic sensing, an interdisciplinary team of researchers at Rice University has developed a new method to dramatically enhance the sensitivity of enzymatic and microbial fuel cells using organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs).
Rice-led study finds 2D carbon material is 8 times tougher than graphene, resists cracking
Rice researchers found that a carbon material known as monolayer amorphous carbon is eight times tougher than graphene.
Rice researchers lead project using quantum phenomenon to transform super-resolution imaging
A multidisciplinary team of researchers from Rice and Texas A&M has received a $1.2 million award from the W.M. Keck Foundation to advance super-resolution imaging and single-molecule tracking by harnessing super-radiance, a quantum optical phenomenon with transformative potential for research and innovation in medicine, engineering and the physical sciences.
Rice Continuing Studies prepares Houston teachers, students for success
The Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies is building relationships and connections in the greater Houston area that are resulting in novel learning opportunities for both students and teachers.
Rice researchers unlock new insights into tellurene, laying the foundation for next-gen electronics
Rice researchers have published a study describing how quasiparticles called polarons behave in tellurene, a nanomaterial first synthesized in 2017 that is made up of tiny chains of tellurium atoms and has properties useful in sensing, electronic, optical and energy devices.
Researchers at Rice University have made a meaningful advance in the simulation of molecular electron transfer — a fundamental process underpinning countless physical, chemical and biological processes.
Rice honors Nobel laureates Robert Curl and Richard Smalley at medal exhibit
Rice University celebrated a milestone in its scientific history Dec. 9 by displaying the Nobel Prize medals of late Rice chemistry professors Robert F. Curl ’54 and Richard Smalley at a daylong event held at the Welcome Center at Sewall Hall.
From ballet to quantum chemistry: Rice’s James Shee dances between worlds
James Shee’s journey from the ballet stage to the classroom may seem improbable, yet for Shee, it all stems from an appreciation for beauty.
A team of researchers led by Anna-Karin Gustavsson at Rice University has developed an innovative imaging platform that promises to improve our understanding of cellular structures at the nanoscale.
Newly designed nanomaterial shows promise as antimicrobial agent
Newly developed halide perovskite nanocrystals show potential as antimicrobial agents that are stable, effective and easy to produce.
Quantum-inspired design boosts efficiency of heat-to-electricity conversion
Researchers at Rice have found a new way to improve a key element of thermophotovoltaic systems, which convert heat into electricity via light. Rice engineer Gururaj Naik and his team designed a thermal emitter that can deliver high efficiencies within practical design parameters.
Rice hosts workshop and winter school to advance quantum materials research
Rice’s Center for Quantum Materials and Smalley-Curl Institute recently held two successive events aimed at advancing the field of quantum materials research.
