Nanoparticle- and DNA-based composite explosive French researchers have produced a composite material in the form of a solid explosive that is as powerful as nitroglycerine. The novel production process brings nanoparticles into contact with strands of DNA, which assemble the various types of nanoparticles used. The released energy and thermal ignition temperature of the new explosive are among the best to date. The new explosive could also be used as an energy source for embedded microsystems. Advanced Functional Materials October 2011 Artist’s impression of an energetic nanocomposite resulting from the assembly of nanoparticles by DNA strands. Nanocomposite in the early stages of aggregation, observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). A new model to describe the thermodynamics of petroleum fluids Researchers have developed a simple and totally predictive model of the thermodynamic properties of petroleum fluids, and in particular of phase equilibria under pressure. The model is able to represent liquid-vapor equilibria of complex hydrocarbon mixtures as well as liquid-liquid equilibria in the Scanning electron microscope image of a half-battery. The electrolyte has penetrated presence of water and alcohols. This could be an invaluable into the macroscopic pores in the electrode (yellow dots within the purple stripe). tool for offshore oil extraction, which requires underwater transport to the refineries of water-hydrocarbon mixtures that Safer lithium-ion batteries often form hydrate plugs. Commercial batteries use a flammable liquid electrolyte, which has already caused thousands of product recalls throughout the world. A new system Fluid Phase Equilibria February 2011 improving the safety of lithium-ion batteries has now been designed. It makes it possible to obtain so-called ‘solid state’ systems that nonetheless display the properties of liquids. The researchers develop these systems by confining an ionic liquid in the nanocavities of a porous silica framework and tightly assembling the whole with a battery electrode. Advanced Functional Materials September 2011 37 2011 A year at CNRS
ra2011
To see the actual publication please follow the link above