A highly accurate ion sieve has been developed. Free Technical Library News

NEWS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, NOVELTY IN ELECTRONICS
Free technical library / timeline

Developed the finest ion sieve

09.09.2021

Researchers at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have shown that the parameters of ion-screen polymer membranes can be controlled with high precision.

It is known that the mechanism of transmission of nerve impulses in animals and the contraction or relaxation of muscles involve the transfer of sodium and potassium ions across membranes. If fabricated membranes could achieve this kind of ion selectivity, it would be possible to transform many technologies, such as water treatment and mining.

Ions are formed when atoms or molecules lose or gain electrons, thereby gaining a positive or negative electrical charge. Sodium, lithium or chloride ions are less than 1 nanometer (10-9 meters) in diameter.

The researchers used the known sizes of the ions to determine the monomers from which the membrane could be constructed. A monomer is a molecule that forms compounds with other particles and is part of the polymer as its structural unit. For example, ethylene, like other hydrocarbon molecules, is a monomer. The membranes themselves were made by the method of electropolymerization - the deposition of films from monomer solutions on the surface of electrically conductive materials.

Before it was possible to get a successful result, scientists went through more than a hundred samples. However, the resulting membranes outperformed all those previously made in tests using solutions containing ions.

The most obvious application is the removal of salt ions from sea water to produce drinking water. Membranes that selectively pass the ions of interest to us can be used both in a new generation of more accurate and flexible sensor technologies, and in batteries that also work by ion transport.

<< Back: 200MP ISOCELL HP1 image sensor 09.09.2021

>> Forward: Marble beef printed on a 3D printer 08.09.2021

Latest news of science and technology, new electronics:

The existence of an entropy rule for quantum entanglement has been proven 09.05.2024

Quantum mechanics continues to amaze us with its mysterious phenomena and unexpected discoveries. Recently, Bartosz Regula from the RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing and Ludovico Lamy from the University of Amsterdam presented a new discovery that concerns quantum entanglement and its relation to entropy. Quantum entanglement plays an important role in modern quantum information science and technology. However, the complexity of its structure makes understanding and managing it challenging. Regulus and Lamy's discovery shows that quantum entanglement follows an entropy rule similar to that for classical systems. This discovery opens new perspectives in the field of quantum information science and technology, deepening our understanding of quantum entanglement and its connection to thermodynamics. The results of the study indicate the possibility of reversibility of entanglement transformations, which could greatly simplify their use in various quantum technologies. Opening a new rule ... >>

Mini air conditioner Sony Reon Pocket 5 09.05.2024

Summer is a time for relaxation and travel, but often the heat can turn this time into an unbearable torment. Meet a new product from Sony - the Reon Pocket 5 mini-air conditioner, which promises to make summer more comfortable for its users. Sony has introduced a unique device - the Reon Pocket 5 mini-conditioner, which provides body cooling on hot days. With it, users can enjoy coolness anytime, anywhere by simply wearing it around their neck. This mini air conditioner is equipped with automatic adjustment of operating modes, as well as temperature and humidity sensors. Thanks to innovative technologies, Reon Pocket 5 adjusts its operation depending on the user's activity and environmental conditions. Users can easily adjust the temperature using a dedicated mobile app connected via Bluetooth. Additionally, specially designed T-shirts and shorts are available for convenience, to which a mini air conditioner can be attached. The device can oh ... >>

Energy from space for Starship 08.05.2024

Producing solar energy in space is becoming more feasible with the advent of new technologies and the development of space programs. The head of the startup Virtus Solis shared his vision of using SpaceX's Starship to create orbital power plants capable of powering the Earth. Startup Virtus Solis has unveiled an ambitious project to create orbital power plants using SpaceX's Starship. This idea could significantly change the field of solar energy production, making it more accessible and cheaper. The core of the startup's plan is to reduce the cost of launching satellites into space using Starship. This technological breakthrough is expected to make solar energy production in space more competitive with traditional energy sources. Virtual Solis plans to build large photovoltaic panels in orbit, using Starship to deliver the necessary equipment. However, one of the key challenges ... >>

New method for creating powerful batteries 08.05.2024

With the development of technology and the expanding use of electronics, the issue of creating efficient and safe energy sources is becoming increasingly urgent. Researchers at the University of Queensland have unveiled a new approach to creating high-power zinc-based batteries that could change the landscape of the energy industry. One of the main problems with traditional water-based rechargeable batteries was their low voltage, which limited their use in modern devices. But thanks to a new method developed by scientists, this drawback has been successfully overcome. As part of their research, scientists turned to a special organic compound - catechol. It turned out to be an important component that can improve battery stability and increase its efficiency. This approach has led to a significant increase in the voltage of zinc-ion batteries, making them more competitive. According to scientists, such batteries have several advantages. They have b ... >>

Alcohol content of warm beer 07.05.2024

Beer, as one of the most common alcoholic drinks, has its own unique taste, which can change depending on the temperature of consumption. A new study by an international team of scientists has found that beer temperature has a significant impact on the perception of alcoholic taste. The study, led by materials scientist Lei Jiang, found that at different temperatures, ethanol and water molecules form different types of clusters, which affects the perception of alcoholic taste. At low temperatures, more pyramid-like clusters form, which reduces the pungency of the "ethanol" taste and makes the drink taste less alcoholic. On the contrary, as the temperature increases, the clusters become more chain-like, resulting in a more pronounced alcoholic taste. This explains why the taste of some alcoholic drinks, such as baijiu, can change depending on temperature. The data obtained opens up new prospects for beverage manufacturers, ... >>

Random news from the Archive

Elephants on a treadmill 14.07.2003

Can elephants run, or do they simply walk at a fast pace if necessary? A group of Thai biologists studied the issue by running 42 Asian elephants on a treadmill.

A total of 188 races were held under the lens of television cameras. To make it possible to analyze the movements of the legs of thick-skinned giants on video frames, the joints were marked on the elephant skin with spots of white paint. The speed was recorded with a photo finish.

It turned out that elephants use something between fast walking and running. The order and mode of movement of the legs does not change, and there are no moments when all four legs leave the ground, as in typical running of other animals. On the other hand, when the elephant moves to a fast pace, the body's center of gravity begins to jump up and down, which is typical for running (when walking, the elephant's center of gravity shifts back and forth).

Many of the experimental animals reached speeds of 25 kilometers per hour, and three particularly nimble individuals exceeded it. This is the first time that such speeds have been recorded in elephants. The conclusion of zoologists: with some stretch, we can assume that elephants can run.

See full Archive of science and technology news, new electronics

All languages of this page

Home page | Library | Articles | Website map | Site Reviews