Surfaces

Theoretical simulations reveal how nanoscale lubricating systems can ease friction between surfaces coated with diamond-like carbon

Imaging nanoporous metals with beams of electrons provides deep insights into the unusual optical properties of these materials

Understanding the molecular properties of polyelectrolytes gives unprecedented control over responsive polymer microstructures

Microtextured surfacing may help to eradicate the problem of barnacle larvae in the shipping industry

Short, capped single-walled carbon nanotubes may serve as ideal probing tips to study friction, lubrication and wear at the microscale

Vibration-assisted milling can lead to higher-quality surfaces

Density-based methods for characterizing molecular volume reveal how liquid mixtures behave at interfaces

A laser-patterned template could enable self-cleaning surfaces to be grown over large areas at low cost

Construction of the world’s smallest controllable gear sets the stage for new nanoscale mechanical devices