Materials
The latest chemistry news and research on materials, including polymers, electronic materials, soft matter and porous materials, from the Royal Society of Chemistry's magazine, Chemistry World
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FeatureKesterite solar cells break efficiency ceiling after decade-long stall
Once-promising kesterite solar technology has finally broken through its efficiency ceiling, jumping from a decade-long stall at 12.6% to nearly 17% in just three years – putting commercial viability within reach.
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ResearchThese flexible fuel cells still work after being pierced with toothpicks and cut into pieces
Power sources made from cotton yarn could power new wearable electronics
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ResearchThis deep-sea worm turns two toxins into a harmless mineral
Unusual biomineralisation strategy used for detoxification rather than reinforcing tissues
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ResearchElectron irradiation converts hydrocarbon crystals into nanodiamonds
Flawless nanodiamond synthesis that wasn’t though possible accomplished by transforming adamantane
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WebinarExploring the frontiers of the periodic table: bismuth catalysis and its applications
Join us on 16 October to learn about state-of-the-art synthesis coming from one of the world’s leading catalysis research groups
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ResearchReflective cement could help buildings stay cool in hot weather
‘Supercooling’ material could drastically reduce carbon dioxide emissions and energy consumption associated with air conditioning units
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ResearchStereochemical editing used to tune explosive power of cage-like energetic materials
Stereoisomers found to exhibit substantial differences in density, stability and detonation performance
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ResearchA greener approach to finishing fabrics
Cottonseed oil used to confer wrinkle and water resistance
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ResearchUnrecovered byproducts from US mines could meet the country’s demand for dozens of critical materials
Huge quantities of metals and other elements are discarded each year in mining waste
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OpinionWhat happens next after the plastic treaty negotiations fail once again?
Bold action may now be needed to secure agreement on plastic pollution
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ResearchBranched polymers protect cell mimics that can interact with biological cells
Dendritic polymers encase coacervate microdroplets, enabling them to closely mimic natural cells
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NewsNegotiations to create a global plastic pollution treaty collapse again
Geneva meeting descends into chaos with hastily revised treaty text rejected by member states
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NewsWhat are the top journals in chemistry right now?
Following the recent release of journal impact factors, we round up the leading journals across 10 chemistry fields
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OpinionCheap virgin plastic limits recycling potential
Global plastic treaty negotiations risk being derailed by minority opposed to production caps
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ResearchNew adhesive is so sticky it can glue a rubber duck to a seaside rock
Features of 25,000 biological adhesives analysed to create glues stronger than any found in nature
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ResearchGold samples heated to 19,000K without losing their crystalline structure
Ultrafast lasers used to superheat gold films faster than they can melt
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ResearchClathrate material’s crystal structure finally solved, 80 years after it was first discovered
TBAB hydrate is the most widely used semiclathrate hydrate, with potential uses in heat storage and air conditioning
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NewsHow the extraordinary science of everyday items is bringing chemistry to the public
Three analytical chemists explain how turning powerful techniques towards ordinary objects inspires public engagement with science
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ResearchRare diamond with unique hexagonal structure is harder than natural counterpart
Millimetre-sized chunks of unusual carbon allotrope were synthesised from graphite
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NewsPlastic treaty negotiations go down to the wire
Capping production and limiting use of harmful chemicals are key topics for negotiators to consider