Titanium

Over the last few years, perovskite has proven itself to be a promising material for photovoltaic solar cells, but it’s not without its problems. Now, a team has found a way to helps solve at least one of those issues, removing toxic lead from the device by substituting in titanium.

Exoplanets are a constant source of surprise and wonder, and now astronomers have noticed something strange about a gas giant called WASP-19b. In the upper atmosphere of this “hot Jupiter” sits a layer of titanium oxide, which has flipped the usual atmospheric temperature structure on its head.

Apparently, being the only titanium car in the world isn't enough to woo a suitable buyer. Icona is shopping the on-off Vulcano Titanium around, and following forays into the USA and China, the car has now returned to Europe.

In its short history, Horacio Pagani's boutique rival to Ferrari and Lamborghini has developed a back catalogue of automotive erotica to make any petrol head weak at the knees. We didn't think it possible, but the company's latest offering might just be its most beautiful car yet.

Formula One cars are the lightest, fastest, most advanced pieces of engineering in the motoring world, with prices stretching well into seven figures. So, what happens when the same focus on weight is applied to the world of watches? The Richard Mille RM 50-03 McLaren F1.

​​When a medical implant is rejected by the body, blood platelets adhere to the device, forming a clot that encapsulates it. Engineers at Colorado State University, however, have developed blood-repellent titanium that could be used to build such implants.​

While not quite as significant as the one-time accidental discovery of penicillin, 2016 did have its share of chance findings in the scientific community. Here we take a look at five of them.​

Nissan has teamed up with the English Institute of Sport to help three-time Paralympic gold medallist David Stone get more from his trike. With a light, aerodynamic titanium frame, the new trike should give one of Britain's best medal hopes another small edge over the competition.

Scientists have found that by melting gold into the titanium mix they can produce a non-toxic metal that is four times harder than titanium itself, raising the prospect of more durable, longer lasting medical implants. ​​

​Carbon fiber mountain bike frames are typically cast from a mold, which makes having one custom-built rather a tall order. The Robot Bike Company, however, has developed an alternative. Its R160 incorporates carbon fiber tubes joined together by custom-made 3D-printed titanium lugs.​

Researchers at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed the strongest​ titanium alloy ever made. They believe the new material could be used in the production of lighter and cheaper vehicle components, and lead to the development of other high strength alloys.

Bikes made from titanium and carbon fiber are already pretty special. The folks at Bastion Cycles, however, are taking things even further. Their bike features carbon tubes, joined to one another with titanium lugs that are 3D printed to fit the buyer.​