#molybednum

[materialsworld]

5 things you didn’t know about…merelaniite

1. Merelaniite is a mineral having the formula Mo4Pb4VSbS15.

2. Researchers named the new chemical compound for the Merelani mining district of Tanzania, a region rich in rare minerals.

3. It occurs sporadically as metallic dark gray cylindrical whiskers that are typically tens of micrometres in diameter and up to a millimetre long, although a few whiskers up to 12mm long have been observed.

4. Merelaniite has been recorded so far in association with calcite, chabazite, diopside, graphite, quartz, fluorapatite, prehnite, stilbite, tremolite, laumontite, titanite, zoisite (tanzanite), alabandite, clausthalite, pyrite, and wurtzite.

5. Researchers at MIT used Ramen spectrometry and electron microscopy to study the merelaniite mineral, which forms into tiny coiled sheets of molybdenum, lead and sulfur.

To read more on the history and properties of a wide-range of materials and elements, read our Material of the Month features at bit.ly/1SNOQII

[materialsworld]

Week in brief (16–20 May)

Molybednum nanocavity may improve optoelectronics

Credit: University at Buffalo

Researchers believe they have found a two-dimensional semiconductor material, similar to those used in LEDs, lasers and solar cells. The team from the University at Buffalo, USA, have developed a method of making ultrathin semiconducting materials using aluminium oxide and aluminium.

According to researchers, laying a layer of molybdenum disulphide (MoS) molecules on top of an optical nanocavity made from aluminium oxide and aluminium increases the amount of light a semiconducting material can absorb.

The MoS nanocavity could have a better advantage over graphene in similar applications, state the researchers. Qiaoqiang Gan, Assistant Professor explained, ‘The nanocavity we have developed has many potential applications. It could potentially be used to create more efficient and flexible solar panels, and faster photodetectors for video cameras and other devices.’

‘In experiments, the nanocavity was able to absorb nearly 70% of the laser we projected on it. Its ability to absorb light and convert that light into available energy could ultimately help industry continue to more energy-efficient electronic devices,’ said co-lead researcher Haomin Song. 

The team is excited with this discovery. Gan said, ‘It may even be used to produce hydrogen fuel through water splitting more efficiently.’

To read the paper MoS monolayers on nanocavities: Enhancement in light-matter interaction published in April by 2D Materials, visit bit.ly/1ThjI8K 

In other news:

·   Researchers develop transparent wood as an alternative to glass and plastic

·   Scientists discover melanin could make for greater batteries

·   World's first floating wind farm gets go-ahead off Scottish coast

·   Self-healing, flexible material restores functions after multiple breaks

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By Natalie Daniels – Writer and Social Media Co-Ordinator