First principles modeling demonstrates  that the efficiency of Multi-Exciton Generation (MEG) increases as quantum dot size decreases resolving a major controversy.  The results were highly visible. 

Polymer gels undergoing a self-oscillating chemical reaction have been previously shown to pulsate autonomously while exhibiting periodic color changes. Van Vliet and Balazs have now demonstrated that a non-oscillating, quiescent gel can be “resuscitated” by applying mechanical pressure to the material. By varying the conditions of the reaction, the amplitude and frequency of the mechanically resuscitated oscillations can be tuned. Further, it was demonstrated that gel-to-gel communication occurs when the gels are

MRSEC researchers have developed the materials necessary to embed GHz speed electronic photodetectors into micron diameter channels in optical fibers.

An international team studying the motion of  both bacteria and similar-sized artificial  catalytic nanomotors has found that they transfer momentum to their surroundings in a  similar way, despite their very different  propulsion mechanisms.

Ferroelectric ferromagnets are a holy grail of materials research, since they would enable electrically  switchable magnetism with diverse potential applications in information technology, sensing and new  “electro-magneto-mechanical” devices.

MRSEC scientists and collaborators have shown [1] that the localized buckling of a compressed thin sheet, important for molecular interfaces, [2] has the same mathematical origin as the localization of kinetic energy in a line of swinging pendulums.  It is a form of soliton. 

Luping Yu, Dmitri Talapin and collaborators from the University of Chicago MRSEC are working to develop highly efficient bulk heterojunction organic solar cells.  They have recently created composite polymer solar cells from a combination of the semiconducting polymer, PTB7, PC71BM, and doped multiwall carbon nanotubes (MCNT--these MCNT are doped with N (nitrogen), 

Highly-symmetrized MnAu nanoalloys may possess high magnetic moments for potential application. The magnetic properties of MnAu nanoclusters exhibit strong dependence on the cluster sizes and morphologies.

The detection of noxious gases or bio-agents is important for various environmental and security needs. High sensitivity, sufficient selectivity and molecular recognition are key characteristics for such sensing. Nebraska MRSEC researchers have developed a scheme for molecular sensing using magnetic tracer particles and a microcantilever torsional magnetometer. An example of using this system with a detection process is illustrated in the Figure below.