Mike Williams
Articles
Lithium-ion anodes renews graphene from waste
Rice University researchers use a "green" process revives essential battery components for reuse.
Spiders used as mechanical grippers for soft robotics
Researchers are showing how to repurpose deceased spiders as mechanical grippers that can pick up objects, which can be used for soft robotics.
Lithium’s narrow paths limit batteries
Rice University study suggests stress among misaligned particles in typical cathodes limits flow.
Graphene on textured surface allows for 2D electron optics
Rice University scientists put forth the idea that graphene on a gently textured surface turns it into “pseudo-electromagnetic” devices.
Anticorrosion coating sets new benchmark
Rice engineers develop flexible, self-healing material to protect steel from the elements.
Refining tests for detecting COVID-19 in wastewater facilities
Rice University-led study evaluates methods to find signs of COVID-19 virus in municipal wastewater plants and have found a viable and consistent method for detection.
How carbon nanotube fibers are becoming stronger
Wet-spun carbon nanotube fibers have doubled in strength and conductivity and this could lead to breakthroughs in a host of medical and materials applications.
Health students not hampered by distance, COVID-19 in innovation
Rice University, Malawi students design devices to help keep medical workers, public safe from COVID-19.
Adhesive tape improves lithium batteries’ performance, lifespan
Rice University researchers turned adhesive tape into a silicon oxide film improve lithium metal technology and make them last longer.
2D oxide flakes pick up electrical properties
Rice University lab detects piezoelectric effects in nanosheets due to defects, which could improve energy harvesting applications.
Tight spaces tip presence of petrochemicals
Rice University researchers reveal the critical role of molecular confinement in interpreting nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), which will lead to better interpretation by the oil and gas industry.
Double-walled nanotubes have electro-optical advantages
Rice University calculations show double-walled nanotubes could be highly useful for solar panels and other nanoelectronics applications such as photovoltaics.
Microscopic saltwater droplets enhance oil recovery
Rice University researchers have found microscopic saltwater droplets emulsify crude oil when each has the right composition, which can enhance oil recovery.
Detours can improve batteries for electronics, solar energy storage
Scientists at Rice University’s Brown School of Engineering have discovered that placing specific defects could improve how lithium ions travel in batteries.
Greenhouse gases transformed into liquid fuel
Rice University researchers have found a common greenhouse gas could be repurposed in an efficient and environmentally friendly way with an electrolyzer that uses renewable electricity to produce pure liquid fuels.
Researchers develop device that channels heat into light
Rice University scientists are designing arrays of aligned single-wall carbon nanotubes to channel mid-infrared radiation and increase the efficiency of solar energy systems.
University wins grant to boost STEM education
The Rice University Office of STEM Engagement (R-STEM) has won a $3 million National Science Foundation grant to help STEM faculty and staff enroll 20 greater Houston teachers.