Perovskite Solar Cells Moving On

I would like to highlight a recent article by Michael Grätzel published in Nature Materials which shows in my opinion a very nice view of the emergence, development, and problems to be addressed in the field of Perovskite Solar Cells. The article covers all the relevant aspects of this novel technology in a brief and clear way, which results very helpful for those non-familiar with the topic or willing to contribute to it.

Special emphasis is given to the issues rising in the characterisation due to hysteresis effects, and the problems to be addressed in order for the technology to reach the market. In this respect, stability studies seem to be scarce and the high toxicity of Pb compounds has to be overcome by searching new perovskite materials.

Top 10 Emerging Technologies for 2014

The World Economic Forum has published a relation of the the top 10 most promising technologies for 2014. Within the selected breakthroughs are the ones related to wearable electronics, storage of electricity, screenless displays and brain-computer interfaces. All these technologies offer solutions to important problems of our society and hence could make an important impact in the economic market. To see the whole list and a brief summary of their relevance, click here.

The Art of Scientific Publication

ACS publications have compiled a list of 20 references that cover a wide range of issues and aspects related to scientific publications. It deals with the preparation of graphics, the role of corresponding authors, preparation of cover letters, rejection and acceptance and up to the reply to reviewers. It is an excellent guidance, made from the point of view of the own editors and worth looking at it. The link is here.

The Prospects of Graphene Applications

Graphene has acquire an enormous interest in the scientific community due to its outstanding properties and the large range of applications it can be used. In this month's issue of Nature Nanotechnology, seven experts briefly comment their views in the potential and challenges in the realization of graphene-based products in a range of fields such as displays, inks, energy, corrosion, health and life science, biomolecular analysis and aerospace. The article can be read here.

(Graphene transparent screen from Nature journal)

Remarks About Record SnSe Thermoelectric Material

Few months ago, a new article appeared in Physics Today describing some concerns and comments about the outstanding properties of the new SnSe material which has shown impressive thermoelectric properties recently. Advantages and disadvantages regarding practical considerations are also included in the article along with some comments from different recognised researchers and laboratories which offer very interesting and critical points of view.