Materials World resources

Scientists in the US have developed a one-atom thin 2D magnet that they propose could lead to significant advances in next-generation memory devices, computing, spintronics and quantum physics.

A nanoscale material that can split seawater into oxygen and hydrogen, balancing the competing reactions that are critical to electrolysis, could produce hydrogen fuel on an industrial scale and high-purity oxygen for hospitals, say researchers at the University of Central Florida (UCF), USA.

Sensors installed on the ‘world’s first’ 3D-printed steel footbridge in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, are now measuring, monitoring and analysing the structure’s performance as it handles pedestrian traffic. The findings will help inform the future design of such printed structures.

Scientists have created synthetic gypsum using waste sulphuric acid and limestone that they say could replace natural gypsum in construction.

Transforming biomaterial fabrication with a less environmentally hazardous electrospinning process could enable scalable production of nanomaterials, researchers say.

A smartwatch that dissolves within 40 hours when submerged in water could aid small electronics recycling, say scientists in China.

A decarbonising precast concrete project demonstrates that a 40% reduction in emissions is possible by optimising the design, mix and transportation across the supply chain.

As the UK prepares to lead discussions on climate change strategies among world leaders next month, Shardell Joseph reports from an event that navigated the 'Next steps for UK climate change policy and priorities for COP26'.

Swedish mining company LKAB claims to have produced the world’s first hydrogen-reduced sponge iron at a pilot scale. In doing so, its HYBRIT initiative is said to eliminate 90% of emissions in the steelmaking process.

Humanitarian and sustainable development George Foden on a scheme to quantify and minimise the environmental impact of shelter solutions in disaster management.

Milk protein whey – a by-product of cheese making – is being used to fabricate high-performance, plastic-like foams that show chemical resistance and mechanical strength, stiffness, and toughness in harsh environments at over 150°C.