Best thermoelectric efficiency of ever-explored materials.

A thermoelectric device is a heat engine that directly converts heat into electricity. Many materials with a high figure of merit have been discovered in the anticipation of a high thermoelectric efficiency. However, there has been a lack of investigations on efficiency-based material evaluation, and little is known about the achievable limit of thermoelectric efficiency.

Electric Transport Properties of NaAlB with Covalent Frameworks.

A synthetic protocol was developed for obtaining a single phase of polycrystalline NaAlB with strongly connected intergrain boundaries. NaAlB has a unique crystal structure with a tunnel-like covalent framework of B that traps monovalent Na and trivalent Al ions. Owing to the atmospheric instability and volatility of Na, the synthesis of polycrystalline NaAlB and its physical properties have not been reported yet.

High wettability of liquid caesium iodine with solid uranium dioxide.

In March 2011, the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident caused nuclear fuel to melt and the release of high-volatility fission products into the environment. Caesium and iodine caused environmental contamination and public exposure. Certain fission-product behaviours remain unclear.