University of Queensland scientists have cracked a problem that’s frustrated chemists and physicists for years, potentially leading to a new age of powerful, efficient, and environmentally friendly technologies.
Using quantum mechanics, Professor Ben Powell from UQ’s School of Mathematics and Physics has discovered a ‘recipe’ which allows molecular switches to work at room temperature.
“Switches are materials that can shift between two or more states, such as on and off or 0 and 1, and are the basis of all digital technologies,” Professor Powell said.
“This discovery paves the way for smaller and more powerful and energy efficient technologies.
“You can expect batteries will last longer and computers to run faster.”
Until now, molecular switching has only been possible when the molecules are extremely cold – at temperatures below minus 250 degrees centigrade.
“Engineering-wise, this is a big problem,” Professor Powell said.
“By following this detailed ‘recipe’, chemists should be able to make molecular switches work at room temperature.
“This will open the door to a bounty of technological advancements, such as improving MRI scans which could lead to earlier detection of diseases like cancer.
“These materials can also be used for sensors, carbon capture and storage, hydrogen fuel cells, and as actuators, which can turn electricity into movement, which would be useful for robots.
“All of these applications need materials that can be switched at or above room temperature, which is why our discovery is so important.
“Using these materials will also reduce the burden on the environment because computer energy use will be cut, aiding the fight against climate change.”
UQ researchers will be collaborating with chemists at the University of Sydney and University of New South Wales, to make new materials to test the new ‘recipe’.
Research Report:Toward high-temperature light-induced spin-state trapping in spin-crossover materials: The interplay of collective and molecular effects
Related Links
The University of Queensland
Powering The World in the 21st Century at Energy-Daily.com
|
We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook – our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don’t have a paywall – with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution. |
||
|
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal |
 |
SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only |
Lifespan of solid-state lithium batteries extended by Surrey researchers
Guildford, England (SPX) Jun 10, 2022
Researchers have successfully increased the lifespan and stability of solid-state lithium-ion batteries, creating a viable approach for future widespread usage.
The strength of the new, high-density batteries produced by the University of Surrey means that they are less likely to short-circuit – a problem found in previous lithium-ion solid-state batteries.
Dr Yunlong Zhao from the Advanced Technology Institute, the University of Surrey, explained: “We have all heard horror stories of lithiu … read more