"Nanoscoops" could spark new generation of electric car batteries

"Nanoscoops" could spark new generation of electric car batteries An entirely new type of nanomaterial developed at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute could enable the next generation of high-power rechargeable lithium (Li)-ion batteries for electric automobiles, as well as batteries for laptop computers, mobile phones, and other portable devices.The new material, dubbed a “nanoscoop” because its shape resembles a cone with a scoop of ice cream on top, can withstand extremely high rates of charge and discharge that would cause conventional electrodes used in today’s Li-ion batteries to rapidly deteriorate and fail. The nanoscoop’s success lies in its unique material composition, structure, and size.

Multi-metal nanoparticles: Digestive ripening is the ticket - Small Times

Multi-metal nanoparticles: Digestive ripening is the ticket - Small Times December 20, 2010) -- A new study from researchers at North Carolina State University sheds light on how a technique that is commonly used for making single-metal nanoparticles can be extended to create nanoparticles consisting of two metals and that have tunable properties. The study also provides insight into the optical properties of some of these nanoparticles.

Coiled nanowires may hold key to stretchable electronics

Coiled nanowires may hold key to stretchable electronics: "ScienceDaily (Jan. 12, 2011) — Researchers at North Carolina State University have created the first coils of silicon nanowire on a substrate that can be stretched to more than double their original length, moving us closer to incorporating stretchable electronic devices into clothing, implantable health-monitoring devices, and a host of other applications."