Northwestern University

Self-shading windows developed

A team of researchers at MIT has developed a new way of making windows that can switch from transparent to opaque, potentially saving energy by blocking sunlight on hot days and thus reducing air-conditioning costs.

Wearable sensing technology for heart failure patients

Scientists are working to address heart failure issues by building wearable and weighing-scale-based ballistocardiogram technology for monitoring heart failure patients at home.

Light-powered 3-D printer creates terahertz lens

Engineers have used metamaterials and 3-D printing to develop a novel lens that works with terahertz frequencies.

New kind of polymer could lead to artificial muscles

A completely new hybrid polymer has been developed by researchers that might one day be used in artificial muscles or other life-like materials; for delivery of drugs, biomolecules or other chemicals; in materials with self-repair capability; and for replaceable energy sources.

A new way to print 3D metals and alloys

A team of engineers has created a new way to print three-dimensional metallic objects using rust and metal powders.

Scientists create atomically thin metallic boron

A team of scientists has, for the first time, created a two-dimensional sheet of boron, a material known as borophene.

SiNode Systems

Sinode systems was founded in 2012 as a spin out from Northwestern University. The company has developed a silicon-graphene composite material for lithium-ion batteries and it is the exclusive licensee of the patents held by Northwestern University.

Realizing carbon nanotube integrated circuits

Individual transistors made from carbon nanotubes are faster and more energy efficient than those made from other materials. Going from a single transistor to an integrated circuit full of transistors, however, is a giant leap.

Processed perovskite has superior stability

A new perovskite solar cell with 16% efficiency has been developed by researchers from Switzerland and China.

New solar technology pays back energy investment faster

In the solar power research community, a new class of materials called perovskites is causing quite a buzz, as scientists search for technology that has a better "energy payback time" than the silicon-based solar panels currently dominating the market.

Printing 3D graphene structures for tissue engineering

Researchers have found a way to print three-dimensional structures with graphene nanoflakes.

Imperfect graphene opens door to better fuel cells

Researchers have discovered that if the graphene naturally has a few tiny holes in it, you have a proton-selective membrane that could lead to improved fuel cells.

Silver nanowires demonstrate unexpected self-healing mechanism

With its high electrical conductivity and optical transparency, indium tin oxide is one of the most widely used materials for touchscreens, plasma displays, and flexible electronics. But its rapidly escalating price has forced the electronics industry to search for other alternatives.

New technique could produce the ideal light-absorbing material

The electronic band gap is a fundamental material parameter required for controlling light harvesting, conversion, and transport technologies.

Quantum world without queues could lead to better solar cells

Researchers have used new technology to study extremely fast processes in solar cells. The research results form a concrete step towards more efficient solar cells.

Skin-Like device monitors cardiovascular and skin health

A new wearable medical device can quickly alert a person if they are having cardiovascular trouble or if it's simply time to put on some skin moisturiser.

Designing ion 'highway systems' for batteries

A lithium-based battery has a major disadvantage: it's highly flammable, and when it overheats, it can burst into flames. For years, scientists have searched for safer battery materials that still have the same advantages as lithium.

Surprising material could play role in saving energy

Scientists have discovered a surprising material that is the best in the world at converting waste heat to useful electricity.

Stick-on electronic patches for health monitoring

Engineers have demonstrated thin, soft stick-on patches that stretch and move with the skin and incorporate commercial, off-the-shelf chip-based electronics for sophisticated wireless health monitoring.

Extending the life span of batteries with new technology

Technology expert Cary Hayner says his company has developed battery materials that can store about 10 times the amount of energy that a lithium-ion battery does, potentially changing the future of energy storage in products such as cell phones and electric cars.