#advancedmaterials

Researchers at Westlake University have disclosed a two-dimensional (2D) mechanically interlocked polymer (MIP) that mimics medieval chainmail at the molecular scale. This micrometer-scale 2D material exhibits exceptional flexibility and stiffness, potentially revolutionizing next-generation lightweight protective gear and smart armor systems.

The newly invented system is a way to guide light—known as a waveguide—that is essentially two-dimensional. In tests, the researchers found they could use extremely tiny prisms, lenses, and switches to guide the path of the light along a chip—all the ingredients for circuits and computations.

The newly developed method leverages a structure-directing agent to modify the crystal structure of the seed edges. It also redirects growth of the second phase from the formation of isolated particles to epitaxial growth at the seed edges. The modified synthesis is expected to be extendable to other layered materials, enabling the fabrication of a range of 2-D heterostructures for optoelectronic and electronic devices.

Since the switching to X-photon excitation mechanism from two-photon absorption does not require significantly higher laser powers (sub-1 nJ pulses are sufficient) or decrease of fabrication throughput (10 mm/s writing velocity was routinely achieved), it is expected to be immediately uptaken by many laboratories worldwide and introduced in industry.

Two-dimensional materials are a breakthrough in nanotechnology, realizing materials with exotic electronic and physical properties which are specific to their sheet-like nature. While graphene is well known, there has also been a lot of focus on transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs), composed of a transition metal and a group 16 element like sulfur or selenium. For example, nanosheets of TMCs have been shown to be able to emit light and show excellent performance as transistors.

The new theory is based on a combination of two properties of strange metals. First, their electrons can become quantum mechanically entangled with one another, binding their fates, and they remain entangled even when distantly separated. Second, strange metals have a nonuniform, patchwork-like arrangement of atoms.

Scientists at ICN2 have developed an innovative material based on a solution of fluorescent dyes (ketocyanines) and phase-change materials (PCM). This combination enables a reversible and controllable colour change in response to temperature-induced solid-liquid transitions. These findings pave the way for the development of a wide range of new technologies.

Resembling the interlocking links in chainmail, the nanoscale material exhibits exceptional flexibility and strength. With further work, it holds promise for use in high-performance, light-weight body armor and other uses that demand lightweight, flexible and tough materials.