Decorative nanocoal

The colorized scanning electron micrograph shows a freestanding composite electrode based on activated carbon particles (blue) with dimensions in the micrometer range with a high surface area (ca. 1800 m2/g) decorated with nanoscale carbon black particles (beige) to improve electrical conductivity. Ultrafine poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (yellow) nanofibers hold it all together.

Nicolas Jäckel, Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Germany

figure 1

Sea monster and the sub-nanoleague submarine

A STEM secondary electron image of Fe3O4 grown on a Tb-doped lanthanum phosphate microrod is depicted as an octopus enveloping a submarine vessel (Adobe Photoshop Elements). The magnetic iron oxide allows controlled delivery of the phosphor materials for use as biomarkers.

Brian Sneed, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA

figure 2