Materials Engineering Nanotechnology

Woke up today thinking about how atomic particles carry information — a shift that could redefine computing and communication. We typically think of information transfer through wires and circuits. But at the smallest scales, individual particles — photons, electrons, even atoms — are changing how things could work. 1 / Qubits in Quantum Computing In quantum systems, particles like photons and electrons store information as qubits. Unlike traditional bits, qubits use superposition and entanglement to process certain problems exponentially faster, transforming fields like cryptography and complex optimization. 2 / Photonic Communication (bullish here) Photons transmit data in fiber optics, but in quantum communication, single photons enable secure data transfer. Quantum key distribution (QKD) leverages photons to detect interception attempts, creating highly secure networks. 3 / Spintronics for Data Storage Electron spin, rather than charge, is used in spintronics, leading to faster, energy-efficient storage technologies like MRAM. This approach could revolutionize data density and durability, key for next-gen devices. 4 / Atomic Computing At the experimental edge, atoms themselves are being explored as data carriers. Single-atom transistors demonstrate the potential for ultra-compact processing power, hinting at a new frontier in computing miniaturization. Atomic-scale information transfer is reshaping tech—moving us beyond circuits to a new paradigm where particles drive performance. Thoughts?

🔬 Pushing the Boundaries of Molecular Architecture A few years ago, we accomplished a rare feat in macromolecular chemistry: the synthesis and direct visualization of individual giant molecules - compact, globular nanostructures with molecular weights reaching up to 9 million Daltons. Synthesizing molecules of this scale is no small task. Their dense architecture (spanning tens of nanometers) and high viscosity during polymerization make control over molecular weight and branching extremely challenging. 💡 Our approach: a two-step anionic synthesis using glycidol as the building block. We first created a ~800 kDa precursor initiated by Trimethylolpropane (TMP), then used it as a macroinitiator to build semidendritic hyperbranched polyglycerols with molecular weights of 1, 3, and 9 MDa. 📏 These molecular giants were not only synthesized but also successfully visualized as single particles: ·      Cryo-SEM imaging confirmed spherical, single-particle morphology (28 - 51 nm) ·      AFM revealed compact, non-aggregating structures in water ✨ Visualizing individual giant molecules at this scale is a rare achievement. It provides direct insight into their morphology and stability - critical for advancing applications in nanomedicine, molecular delivery, and advanced materials. #chemistry #macromolecules #polymerchemistry #nanotechnology

Scientists have developed a new class of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, known as MXenes, by incorporating up to nine different metals into a single atomic layer. These ultrathin materials, just a few atoms thick, exhibit enhanced stability and performance under extreme conditions such as high temperatures and radiation. The research team, led by experts at Purdue University, utilized a process that combines entropy and enthalpy to design these high-entropy MXenes. By carefully selecting and arranging various metal atoms, they created nearly 40 distinct layered materials, each with unique properties tailored for specific applications. This approach allows for the fine-tuning of material characteristics at the atomic level. These advanced MXenes are particularly promising for use in environments where traditional materials fail. Potential applications include aerospace technologies, clean energy systems, and deep-sea exploration, where materials must withstand harsh conditions without degrading. The ability to design materials with such precision opens new avenues for innovation in various technological fields. This breakthrough represents a significant step forward in materials science, demonstrating how the strategic combination of metals at the nanoscale can lead to the development of materials with exceptional capabilities. Research Paper 📄 DOI:10.1126/science.adv4415

🌟 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲! 🌟 Alhamdulillah, our comprehensive review paper titled "𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐍𝐢𝐂𝐨 𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐇𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐬: 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬, 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬" has been published in the prestigious journal 𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙡𝙨 𝙎𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙀𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜: 𝙍: 𝙍𝙚𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙨 (𝙄𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧: 31.6)!🎉 🌍 The paper is open access, so anyone can read and download it for free! Check it out now at this link: https://lnkd.in/ejcfFFFS As global energy demand increases and the world transitions to renewable energy, there is an urgent need for advanced energy storage technologies. Supercapacitors have emerged as one of the most promising solutions, offering high power density, rapid charge/discharge rates, and long cycle life. Among the many materials being explored for supercapacitors, NiCoLDHs stand out due to their exceptional properties, including: Tunable composition, Large surface area, High electrical conductivity, Multiple redox states, and Superior redox activity. In this paper, we explore the state-of-the-art developments in NiCoLDHs, outlining their structural and electrochemical properties. We delve into various strategies to enhance their performance, such as doping with metals/non-metals, hybridization with carbon materials, and integration with other advanced materials like metal oxides, MXenes, and conducting polymers. We go beyond just the basics! The review: Provides an in-depth analysis of synthetic methodologies and their impact on electrochemical performance. Discusses the challenges related to scalable synthesis, structural stability, and increasing energy/power densities. Offers valuable insights from computational modeling and density functional theory for optimizing performance at commercial scales. By reading this review, researchers can gain a clear understanding of the current advancements, the critical challenges faced in the field, and the future prospects of NiCoLDHs for next-generation, cost-effective, and sustainable energy storage devices. This review is highly important and comprehensive in its scope, offering a holistic overview of advancements in NiCoLDHs for the development of cost-effective, sustainable, and high-performance energy storage devices. It is a must-read for anyone interested in advanced materials, energy storage, and sustainable technologies! A huge thank you to all the authors for their incredible work and dedication in making this impactful review a reality! (Md. Abdul Aziz, Dr. Muhammad Usman, Ibrahim Khan (Dr. Khan), Laiq Zada, Zafar Said, ABDUL JABBAR KHAN, Mohsin Ali Marwat)

Atomically thin semiconductors driving smart sensors with real-world impact Focusing on atomically thin semiconductors at RMIT University, we are creating the next generation of ultra-sensitive sensors and smart systems. They are smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient than ever before. Our innovation begins at the atomic scale. My colleagues and I are engineering two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors such as graphene, transition-metal dichalcogenides, and transition-metal oxides - materials only a few atoms thick yet possessing extraordinary electrical and optical tunability. These quantum-thin layers exhibit exceptional charge-carrier mobility, excitonic behaviour, and mechanical flexibility, unlocking new frontiers in wearable sensors, ultra-fast optoelectronics, and bio-integrated devices. I’m lucky to work in world-class research facilities, which serve as the backbone of innovation, enabling interdisciplinary collaboration across scales, and alongside several national research centres, including the ARC Centre of Excellence in Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science (COMBS) . These hubs help connect my research to a global network of experts in photonics, quantum materials, and low-energy electronics. What truly distinguishes our approach is the ability to translate atomic-scale discoveries into intelligent, connected systems. Atomically thin semiconductor devices are being integrated into Internet of Things platforms, wireless communication modules, and AI-assisted signal processors, creating systems that not only sense but also interpret and respond. These platforms enable real-time environmental monitoring, such as detecting trace gases and pollutants, as well as advanced biomedical diagnostics, where bio-field-effect transistors (bio-FETs) and photonic biosensors can identify disease biomarkers at early stages. In the energy and mobility sectors, high-mobility 2D semiconductors are driving low-power electronics and adaptive control systems for sustainable technologies. RMIT’s multidisciplinary engineering ecosystem ensures each layer, from material design to data analytics, contributes to intelligent functionality. A notable example of this multi-layered ecosystem at work is the world-first ingestible gas-sensing capsule, now commercialised by Atmo Biosciences. Incorporating nanoscale sensors, a smart processor, and a wireless transmission module, the capsule measures intestinal gases in vivo and transmits real-time data to reveal insights into gut health. It exemplifies how nanomaterial-enabled sensors can evolve into life-changing medical technologies. By uniting atomically thin materials, smart system integration, and global collaboration, my colleagues and I continue to lead in Electrical and Electronic Engineering research. We are shaping a future where every atom powers intelligent, sustainable, and connected technologies. Interested in collaborating? Get in touch: Jian Zhen Ou - RMIT University

Turning agricultural waste into advanced nanomaterials 🌾🔬 Recently explored the green synthesis of Silica Nanoparticles (SiNPs) using wheat husk — an eco-friendly and sustainable approach in Nanobiotechnology. The methodology involves: ✅ Wheat husk ash preparation ✅ Extraction of sodium silicate ✅ Green synthesis using biological stabilizing agents ✅ Formation and purification of silica nanoparticles ✅ Characterization through FTIR, SEM, XRD, and DLS analysis These biosynthesized silica nanoparticles have promising applications in: 💊 Drug delivery 🧬 Bioimaging 💄 Cosmetics 🦠 Biosensors 🩺 Tissue engineering 🧫 Antimicrobial coatings This approach not only reduces agricultural waste but also supports sustainable and low-toxicity nanomaterial production for biomedical applications. Nanobiotechnology is creating smarter, greener, and more innovative solutions for the future of healthcare and science. 🌱✨ #Nanobiotechnology #SilicaNanoparticles #GreenSynthesis #Biotechnology #Nanoscience #DrugDelivery #Bioimaging #Research #Sustainability #BiomedicalEngineering #Science #Innovation

🌱 Green Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Using Spinach Leaf Extract & CuSO₄·5H₂O ⚗️📊 Detailed overview of our green synthesis protocol for Copper Nanoparticles (CuNPs), including UV–Vis spectrophotometric confirmation. 🔬 🌿 #Methodology 1️⃣ #Preparation #of #Spinach #Leaf #Extract 👉Fresh spinach leaves were rinsed thoroughly with distilled water. 👉10 g of leaves were boiled in 100 mL of distilled water for 10 minutes. 👉The mixture was cooled and filtered through Whatman filter paper. 👉The extract served as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. 2️⃣ #Preparation #of #Copper #Salt #Solution 👉0.1 M Copper Sulphate Pentahydrate (CuSO₄·5H₂O) solution was prepared in distilled water. 👉The solution exhibited the characteristic blue color of Cu²⁺ ions. 3️⃣ #Green #Synthesis #of #CuNPs 👉Spinach leaf extract and CuSO₄ solution were mixed in different ratios of 1:1, 1:5 and 1:10. 👉The mixture was kept at 60–70°C with continuous stirring for 30–45 minutes. 👉A color transformation green → light brown → dark brown indicated nanoparticle formation. 👉The mixture was incubated further for complete reduction. 4️⃣ #Purification #of #Nanoparticles 👉The reaction mixture was centrifuged at 10,000 rpm for 15 minutes. 👉The pellet was washed 2–3 times with distilled water and ethanol. 👉The final nanoparticles were dried at 60°C and stored for characterization. 📊 #Spectrophotometric (#UV–#Vis) #Analysis 👉To confirm nanoparticle synthesis, UV–Vis scans were performed from 300–700 nm. #Key #Observations: 👉A distinct Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) peak appeared at ≈ 330–350 nm, characteristic of CuNPs. 👉Peak intensity increased with reaction time, indicating successful growth and stabilization. 👉Spinach extract alone (control) showed no peak in this region. 👉Absorbance values for synthesized CuNPs ranged from 0.45 to 1.20, depending on concentration. 🌍 #Significance This method demonstrates how plant-derived phytochemicals can effectively reduce metal ions under mild, eco-friendly conditions. Such green nanotechnology contributes to safer synthesis routes for antimicrobial, catalytic, and environmental applications. #GreenNanotechnology #CopperNanoparticles #SpinachExtract #UVVis #Spectrophotometry #GreenSynthesis #Nanoscience #MaterialsChemistry #Biotechnology #ResearchUpdate #EcoFriendlyScience

Excited to share our new paper, “High-resolution liquid metal–based stretchable electronics enabled by colloidal self-assembly and microtransfer printing”, just published in Science Advances! This work introduces a scalable approach for microscale patterning of liquid metal particle films with high conductivity, extreme stretchability, and unusual strain- and pressure-insensitive resistance. We demonstrate applications in balloon catheter–integrated microelectrode arrays for high-resolution cardiac mapping, including ex vivo studies in a human heart. These capabilities expand the potential of liquid metal–based stretchable electronics for implantable biomedical devices, soft robotics, and human–machine interfaces. Special thanks to our close collaborator Prof. Igor Efimov! Congratulations to Xuan (Shawn) Li, Eric Rytkin, Anna Pfenniger, Rishi Arora, and all co-authors at University of Southern California, Northwestern University, and University of Chicago. We are also grateful for support from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Here is the full paper: https://lnkd.in/gYTj3-5E

A collaborative study by Ajou University and Stanford University has introduced an amorphous niobium phosphide (NbP) thin film that offers reduced electrical resistivity as the film thickness decreases, addressing a critical challenge in semiconductor miniaturization. Unlike traditional metals such as copper, which face increased resistivity in ultrathin layers due to electron-surface scattering, the amorphous NbP thin film enhances surface conduction and achieves superior performance at nanoscale thicknesses. The research, published in Science, demonstrates that NbP films thinner than 5 nanometers exhibit significantly lower resistivity than bulk NbP and conventional metals, making them promising for nanoelectronics. The study highlights the material’s compatibility with current semiconductor processes, potential cost benefits, and effectiveness when deposited via atomic layer deposition (ALD), a method that allows precise thickness control. This breakthrough could revolutionize semiconductor wiring by enabling ultrathin, low-resistivity interconnects critical for advancing next-generation chip technologies. LINK ⬇️ #ALDep #Semiconductor

Transistors don’t live forever… Engineers at Duke University built a working transistor using only carbon-based inks. They printed it on paper, using nanocellulose for insulation, carbon nanotubes for switching, and graphene to carry current. It printed cold, straight from an aerosol jet. No conventional chip materials in sight. After use, they dunked it in a sonic bath, spun the mix, and recovered nearly all the materials. Then they reused them to print again. It won’t power a phone. But for disposable biosensors, environmental monitors, or other short-life electronics, this approach makes a lot of sense. Only about 20% of global e-waste gets recycled. These engineers designed something that doesn’t add to the pile. What stood out wasn’t the device. It was the method. Instead of chasing performance, they designed for disassembly. Electronics that work, then come apart. A rare case where teardown is part of the design. Would you trust printed sensors like this on your skin or inside your building’s walls? Daily #electronics insights from Asia—follow me, Keesjan, and never miss a post by ringing my 🔔 #technology #innovation #titoma