The year in clean energy: Wind, solar and batteries grow despite economic challenges

[edwest4]

The year in clean energy: Wind, solar and batteries grow despite economic challenges

Led by new solar power, the world added renewable energy at breakneck speed in 2023, a trend that if amplified will help Earth turn away from fossil fuels and prevent severe warming and its effects.

apnews.com

 

[TMA1]

"Green" energy has often been heavily subsidized. The article is a bit ambiguous about facts given. For example it says in certain regions solar power has become the least expensive form of power generation. The regions mentioned lead me to think it is cheap because of government programs in place, trying to artificially spur on development in hope that it ultimately lowers cost and institutionalizes these forms of power generation. What do you guys think?

 

[Elan Vital]

"Green" energy has often been heavily subsidized. The article is a bit ambiguous about facts given. For example it says in certain regions solar power has become the least expensive form of power generation. The regions mentioned lead me to think it is cheap because of government programs in place, trying to artificially spur on development in hope that it ultimately lowers cost and institutionalizes these forms of power generation. What do you guys think?

Fossil fuels are also heavily subsidized to reduce the burden of these energies for the poorer consumers while green energy is heavily subsidized to promote its deployment.

 

[publiusr]

Gates is funding the HAWT turbine array.

Bill Gates-backed startup develops ‘HAWT’ turbines that reduce cost of wind power to new lows — here’s how they work

"For decades, the wind industry has lowered the cost of energy production by scaling ever larger turbines."

www.yahoo.com

The O-wind

View: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TNpcJn02CM4

More

Scientists unveil genius solar tower design that can generate power 24/7: ‘[It’s] feasible to increase energy production’

“This mode is independent of solar irradiance and can operate day and night."

www.yahoo.com

Needs lightning protection

Preventing Lightning Strikes: Are You Shocked We Can Prevent It?

Discover the fascinating world of lightning strike prevention. Explore our advanced and innovative safety measures and technologies.

capitolelectronics.com

Solar news

Bulky additives could make cheaper solar cells last longer

An insight into preventing perovskite semiconductors from degrading quickly, discovered at the University of Michigan, could help enable solar cells estimated to be two to four times cheaper than today's thin-film solar panels.

techxplore.com

Scientists unveil blueprint for affordable solar cells to power Saudi Arabia and beyond

Scientists have unveiled a roadmap for bringing perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells to market, paving the way for a future powered by abundant, inexpensive clean energy in Saudi Arabia and the world.

techxplore.com

Future gigantic solar farms might impact how much solar power can be generated elsewhere in the world

The sun's energy is effectively limitless. While resources such as coal or gas are finite, if you are able to capture and use solar power it doesn't prevent anyone else from also using as much sunshine as they need.

techxplore.com

How black silicon, a prized material used in solar cells, gets its dark, rough edge

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) have developed a new theoretical model explaining one way to make black silicon, an important material used in solar cells, light sensors, antibacterial surfaces and many other applications.

phys.org

New material to boost the efficiency limits of silicon solar cells

A research group from the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC, Lithuania), together with partners from Tallinn University of Technology (Estonia) set out to synthesize new material that could potentially complement silicon solar cell technologies and increase the overall efficiency...

techxplore.com

Research enhances stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells

A research team has achieved notable advancements in the stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells. Their work not only paves the way for the commercialization of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), but also offers significant potential in green hydrogen production technology, ensuring...

techxplore.com

Green tech

Novel chemical recycling system for vinyl polymers of cyclic styrene derivatives

Chemical recycling of widely used vinyl polymers (VPs) is one of the key technologies required for realizing a sustainable society. In this regard, a team of researchers from Shinshu University have recently reported a new chemical process that facilitates the depolymerization of cyclic...

phys.org

Catalytic combo converts CO₂ to solid carbon nanofibers while offsetting emissions

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory and Columbia University have developed a way to convert carbon dioxide (CO2), a potent greenhouse gas, into carbon nanofibers, materials with a wide range of unique properties and many potential long-term uses...

techxplore.com

Scientists come up with technology to recycle used clothes rather than simply burning them

When you go running in the woods in your running tights, elastane is the reason they fit you so comfortably. Elastane is an elastic material that allows the fabric to stretch and adapt to your body.

phys.org

Core-shell 'chemical looping' boosts efficiency of greener approach to ethylene production

Ethylene is sometimes called the most important chemical in the petrochemical industry because it serves as the feedstock for a huge range of everyday products. It's used to produce antifreeze, vinyl, synthetic rubber, foam insulation, and plastics of all kinds.

phys.org

Realizing eco-friendly and high-performance thermoelectric materials

In a new study, environmentally benign inverse-perovskites with high energy conversion efficiency have been reported by Tokyo Tech scientists with potential for practical application as thermoelectric materials (TEMs). Addressing the limitations typically faced with TEMs, such as insufficient...

phys.org

Green tech pumps water from air at CES

Tech aimed at battling climate change and even pumping fresh water out of thin air attracted crowds as the annual CES gadget extravaganza showed its green side.

techxplore.com

Researchers create light-powered yeast, providing insights into evolution, biofuels and cellular aging

You may be familiar with yeast as the organism content to turn carbs into products like bread and beer when left to ferment in the dark. In these cases, exposure to light can hinder or even spoil the process.

phys.org

Capturing greenhouse gases with the help of light

If we want to slow down global warming, we need to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Among other things, we need to do without fossil fuels and use more energy-efficient technologies.

phys.org

Researchers discover eco-friendly fungicide alternative

A material that could replace current fungicides (i.e., anti-fungal pesticides), increase food security, and help protect wildlife has been discovered.

phys.org

 

[OliverSedlacek]

I'm not surprised that solar is cheapest "in most countries". If you live near the equator, like most of the world's population does then your solar generation capacity doesn't plummet in the winter. It's us bu66ers in northern lattitudes that strugglee to make it economical.

 

[edwest4]

I'm not surprised that solar is cheapest "in most countries". If you live near the equator, like most of the world's population does then your solar generation capacity doesn't plummet in the winter. It's us bu66ers in northern lattitudes that strugglee to make it economical.

There is a way around the myth that solar can only work with the sun shining.

Solar Power Tower: Use Molten Salt as an Energy Storage System

One of the most difficult tasks is to use renewable energy to decarbonise Australia's industrial sector. One potential clean, renewable energy source is

www.energymatters.com.au

 

[OliverSedlacek]

Storing enough energy during the day to get you through a night (or two) is easy compared to getting you through november-december-january-febuary

 

[publiusr]

Hydrogen in the news again

New material opens up possibility of converting water pollutants into hydrogen gas

WPI Researchers have developed a material to remove urea from water and potentially convert it into hydrogen gas. By building these materials of nickel and cobalt atoms with carefully tailored electronic structures, the group has unlocked the potential to enable these transition metal oxides and...

phys.org

Discovery enables cost-effective and eco-friendly green hydrogen production

A breakthrough technology has been developed that enables the production of green hydrogen in a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner, bringing us closer to a carbon-neutral society by replacing expensive precious metal catalysts.

techxplore.com

This idea of a superconductor is wild

Making a superconductor liquid–solid out of the vacuum with hundred-exatesla-strong magnetic fields

The discovery of superconductivity more than a century ago has significantly changed our world.

phys.org

Green energy

Scientists develop liquid metal-embraced photoactive films for artificial photosynthesis

Solar-driven photocatalytic or photoelectrochemical water splitting holds great promise for direct solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion, especially in the context of the carbon-neutral initiative, while its practical applications hinge on significant advances in the scalable production of robust...

techxplore.com

Researchers develop novel method to photosynthesize hydrogen peroxide using water and air

Researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a microporous covalent organic framework with dense donor–acceptor lattices and engineered linkages for the efficient and clean production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) through the photosynthesis process with water and air.

phys.org

AI technique promotes green hydrogen production using more abundant chemical elements

A NIMS research team has developed an AI technique capable of expediting the identification of materials with desirable characteristics. Using this technique, the team was able to discover high-performance water electrolyzer electrode materials free of platinum-group elements—substances...

phys.org

AI-driven lab speeds catalysis research

Researchers have developed a "self-driving" lab that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and automated systems to provide in-depth analyses of catalytic reactions used in chemical research and manufacturing. The new tool, called Fast-Cat, can provide more information in five days than is possible...

phys.org

Producing quantum materials with precision, with the help of AI

A team of NUS researchers led by Associate Professor Lu Jiong from the Department of Chemistry and Institute for Functional Intelligent Materials, together with their international collaborators, have developed a novel concept of a chemist-intuited atomic robotic probe (CARP).

phys.org

Researchers observe the effect of magnetic fields on electrocatalytic processes

A collaboration between research groups from ICIQ demonstrate how the presence of an external magnetic field alters the reaction mechanism of the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction.

phys.org

A novel catalyst for efficient oxidation of inactive alkanes

A discovery in the field of catalysis has emerged from the laboratories of Professor Jaeheung Cho and his team in the Department of Chemistry at UNIST. Their pioneering work has led to the development of a copper(II)–alkylperoxo complex that could revolutionize the realms of synthetic chemistry...

phys.org

Powering nitrogenases: Researchers find new targets for improving biocatalysts

Nitrogenases are considered promising candidates for the sustainable enzymatic production of ammonia and carbon compounds. Unfortunately, one bottleneck in this complex process, the supply of electrons to the enzymes, has remained a mystery until now.

phys.org

Scientists create single-atom catalysts for efficient electrooxidation of water

Single-atom catalysts (SACs), due to their excellent catalytic activity, have been a hot topic in the field of energy catalysis. In SACs, the metal atoms are able to directly interact with the supports, thus maximizing the metal-support interface. The metal-support interactions (MSIs) largely...

phys.org

Towards the selective and energy-efficient synthesis of ethylene via carbon dioxide reduction

The synthesis of carbon-based chemicals via the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) has become the key objective of numerous recent energy research efforts. While these studies have yielded promising results, enabling the production of various widely used chemicals, most proposed...

phys.org

Heterogeneous copper photocatalysis for production of diverse bioactive compounds

Professor Jian He, from the Department of Chemistry at The University of Hong Kong (HKU), has spearheaded a research endeavor aimed at revolutionizing organic synthesis. His research team has successfully developed a novel heterogeneous copper photocatalyst that enables the efficient formation...

phys.org

New findings suggest convergent evolution of algal CO₂-fixing organelles

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba identified the proteins of a CO2-fixing organelle, namely, "pyrenoid," in the marine algal group Chlorarachniophyta and revealed various pyrenoid-associated proteins among algal groups, suggesting the independent evolution of pyrenoids in different algal...

phys.org

Novel material increases efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells

In an article published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry C, Brazilian researchers describe a strategy to enhance the efficiency and stability of solar cells made of perovskite, a semiconductor material produced in the laboratory. The results of the project could be highly positive for the...

techxplore.com

Study unlocks nanoscale secrets for designing next-generation solar cells

Perovskites, a broad class of compounds with a particular kind of crystal structure, have long been seen as a promising alternative or supplement to today's silicon or cadmium telluride solar panels. They could be far more lightweight and inexpensive, and could be coated onto virtually any...

techxplore.com

An alternate arrangement: How a propeller-shaped isomer can improve organic solar cells

Imagine technology as a race car speeding down a track—it can only go as fast as its engine allows. But just when it seemed like organic solar cells hit a roadblock, along comes 3PNIN, a game-changing molecule shaped like a propeller, ready to turbocharge their progress and break through barriers.

phys.org

New dyeing method could help jeans shrink toxic problem

Can the multi-billion-dollar denim industry keep producing blue jeans in every shape, size and silhouette, while shrinking oversized levels of hazardous pollution? Research published Tuesday suggests a new dye could be a step in the right direction.

phys.org

Enter the gridworld: Using geometry to detect danger in AI environments

Spacetime is a conceptual model that fuses the three dimensions of space (length, width, and breadth) with the fourth dimension of time. By doing so, a four-dimensional geometric object is created. Researchers have recently used a similar way of thinking to study AI environments, leading to a...

techxplore.com

safe battery

Fire-resistant sodium battery balances safety, cost and performance

A sodium battery developed by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin significantly reduces fire risks from the technology, while also relying on inexpensive, abundant materials to serve as its building blocks.

techxplore.com

 

[BlackBat242]

There is a way around the myth that solar can only work with the sun shining.

Solar Power Tower: Use Molten Salt as an Energy Storage System

One of the most difficult tasks is to use renewable energy to decarbonise Australia's industrial sector. One potential clean, renewable energy source is

www.energymatters.com.au

OK - and how much mining and manufacturing (with the pollution attendant thereunto) is needed for building and installing those whomping big (and expensive) molten salt towers?

Also, those giant solar farms still need the transmission infrastructure to get that electric power where it is needed - lots of mining and construction of interstate power line systems, etc. Which adds its own environmental damage and pollution.


Solar is not, and never has been (nor is it likely to be in the near future) nearly as "green" as its pundits claim.

It is, however, worth doing IF a realistic approach is taken.

 

[OliverSedlacek]

OK - and how much mining and manufacturing (with the pollution attendant thereunto) is needed for building and installing those whomping big (and expensive) molten salt towers?

Also, those giant solar farms still need the transmission infrastructure to get that electric power where it is needed - lots of mining and construction of interstate power line systems, etc. Which adds its own environmental damage and pollution.


Solar is not, and never has been (nor is it likely to be in the near future) nearly as "green" as its pundits claim.

It is, however, worth doing IF a realistic approach is taken.

Plenty of studies have quantified the environmental cost of solar power generation, and it's certainly not zero. In the same sense, electric sars are not 'zero emission' either, so calling them that is quite frankly misleading and unhelpful. Interestingly in the UK wind generators are lower 'net carbon' than solar PV. Comparing solar PV and wind to my thinking mostly favours solar because:
1. Solar works well small scale and incrementally, every land owner can add some incremental capacity.
2. Solar is very, very predicatable on much energy you will get compared to wind.
3. No noise, no dead bats, no impact on aviation or shipping.
4. Solar can be installed closer to point of load. If French policy is adopted and supermarket car parks are covered in PV panels supermarkets could probably be net electricity exporters.

The big down side, what do you do in the winter

 

[starviking]

There is a way around the myth that solar can only work with the sun shining.

Solar Power Tower: Use Molten Salt as an Energy Storage System

One of the most difficult tasks is to use renewable energy to decarbonise Australia's industrial sector. One potential clean, renewable energy source is

www.energymatters.com.au

The Ivanpah Solar Plant is of this type, but requires fossil fuel use in the morning to liquify the salts that are used to harvest the solar power.

 

[starviking]

"Green" energy has often been heavily subsidized. The article is a bit ambiguous about facts given. For example it says in certain regions solar power has become the least expensive form of power generation. The regions mentioned lead me to think it is cheap because of government programs in place, trying to artificially spur on development in hope that it ultimately lowers cost and institutionalizes these forms of power generation. What do you guys think?

The problem with statements that solar is the least expensive form of power generation is that they look at solar in isolation, and do not account for things like grid reinforcement, grid extension, and power storage that these Variable Renewables need.

 

[publiusr]

Green energy in the news

Turning glass into a 'transparent' light-energy harvester

What happens when you expose tellurite glass to femtosecond laser light? That's the question that Gözden Torun at the Galatea Lab at Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, in collaboration with Tokyo Tech scientists, aimed to answer in her thesis work when she made the discovery that may one...

phys.org

Quantum physicist uses graphene ribbons to build nanoscale power plants

When Mickael Perrin started out on his scientific career 12 years ago, he had no way of knowing he was conducting research in an area that would be attracting wide public interest only a few years later: Quantum electronics. "At the time, physicists were just starting to talk about the potential...

phys.org

From bubbles to fuel: Could this special soap film soon enable artificial photosynthesis?

A soap film with chemically distinct sides represents the latest breakthrough in research led by chemist Sylvestre Bonnet. This unique soap film, along with an innovative device capable of continuously producing new soap films, forms a crucial piece in the puzzle for the development of...

phys.org

Tiny vibrating bubbles could lead to better water treatment

Fresh research into the physics of vibrating nanobubbles reveals that they do not heat up as much as previously thought. The work appears in Nano Letters.

phys.org

Scientists retrieve rare methane hydrate samples for climate and energy study

A scientific drilling mission in the Gulf of Mexico has returned with 44 cores from a methane hydrate reservoir deep under the seafloor. Globally, energy-rich methane hydrates hold an estimated 15% of the world's organic carbon but are poorly understood by the scientific community.

phys.org

A pure water-fed membrane-electrode-assembly system for electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide

The sustainably powered, electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) into useful chemicals and feedstock could help to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, allowing industries to reuse released CO2 in beneficial ways. Most of the strategies for realizing this introduced so far, however, have...

techxplore.com

Researchers unlock energy-efficient solution to global water crisis

Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering achieved a major breakthrough in Redox Flow Desalination (RFD), an emerging electrochemical technique that can turn seawater into potable drinking water and also store affordable renewable energy.

techxplore.com

Injectable water filtration system could improve access to clean drinking water

More than 2 billion people, approximately a quarter of the world's population, lack access to clean drinking water. A new, portable and affordable water filtration solution created by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin aims to change that.

techxplore.com

Research proposes a self-powered movable seawall for tsunami protection and emergency power generation

With over 2,780 fishing ports and 993 commercial and industrial ports, Japan faces the challenge of safeguarding these important coastal assets from the destructive forces of tsunamis. A promising solution lies in the form of a movable barrier system, where gates rising from the seafloor act as...

techxplore.com

Batteries

Cobalt-free batteries could power cars of the future

Many electric vehicles are powered by batteries that contain cobalt—a metal that carries high financial, environmental, and social costs.

phys.org

Electrolyte additive increases charging rate of lithium metal batteries

On a mission to build better electric vehicle batteries, chemists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory have used an electrolyte additive to improve the functionality of energy-dense lithium metal batteries. By adding a compound called cesium nitrate to the...

techxplore.com

Fast-charging lithium battery seeks to eliminate 'range anxiety'

A team in Cornell Engineering has created a new lithium battery that can charge in under five minutes—faster than any such battery on the market—while maintaining stable performance over extended cycles of charging and discharging.

techxplore.com

Seaweed and food

Seaweed 'could survive nuclear war, avert famine,' says new study

Imagine a catastrophic event that blocked out the sun, such as the eruption of a large volcano, or even a nuclear war.

phys.org

Study finds no evidence for fractal scaling in canopy surfaces across a diverse range of forest types

The complexity of forests cannot be explained by simple mathematical rules, a study finds. The way trees grow together do not resemble how branches grow on a single tree, scientists have discovered.

phys.org

Cultivated meat production costs could fall significantly: Bovine muscle engineered to produce their own growth signals

Cellular agriculture—the production of meat from cells grown in bioreactors rather than harvested from farm animals—is taking leaps in technology that are making it a more viable option for the food industry. One such leap has now been made at the Tufts University Center for Cellular Agriculture...

phys.org

 

[publiusr]

The latest in green tech

How leafcutter ants cultivate a fungal garden to degrade plants could provide insights into future biofuels

Scientists have spent decades finding ways to efficiently and affordably degrade plant materials so that they can be converted into useful bioproducts that benefit everyday life.

phys.org

Understanding nutrient cycling between algae and bacteria could lead to increased biofuel production

The interactions between algae and bacteria are essential to the primary productivity of Earth's oceans and surface waters. Bacteria can increase the productivity of algae by producing key factors, such as vitamins, iron-chelating molecules, and growth hormones. In addition, bacteria...

phys.org

Intensifying the production of high-value compounds from industrial waste

A study by the Center for Integrated Technology and Organic Synthesis (CiTOS) demonstrates how glycerol carbonate, a biosourced industrial additive, can be produced in record time using CO2 and a by-product of the cooking oil recycling industry.

phys.org

Microfluidic chip reveals that bacteria swim toward large, complex polymers

Using a novel microfluidic chip, ETH researchers led by Professor Roman Stocker and Estelle Clerc have shown that bacteria not only recognize small food molecules, but also swim towards large, complex polymers. A startup is now using these findings and applying the technology to find microbes in...

phys.org

Research team develops world's most efficient quantum dot solar cells

A research breakthrough in solar energy has propelled the development of the world's most efficient quantum dot (QD) solar cell, marking a significant leap toward the commercialization of next-generation solar cells. This cutting-edge QD solution and device have demonstrated exceptional...

techxplore.com

Green leaf volatiles may work as a less toxic pesticide for farmers

Have you ever wondered about that sharp, green note that hits your nose when you mow the lawn or cut flower stems? Those are green leaf volatiles, or GLVs: easily evaporated oils that plants use to communicate with other plants and defend themselves against herbivores or pathogens like bacteria...

phys.org

Green methanol for the circular economy: Researchers develop new catalyst

Researchers hope to produce the raw material methanol at the edge of a field or on the farm using renewable energy. In addition to wind or sun, water and CO2 would be needed to produce the raw materials for the green methanol process: carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2), which react...

phys.org

Video: Converting captured carbon dioxide to usable materials with environmentally-friendly reagents

As efforts to address the effects of a warming planet ramp up, CO2 removal is at the forefront of sustainability. But what happens to that carbon dioxide once it's removed from the environment? Researchers at UConn are showing how it can be converted into chemicals, fuels, and other beneficial...

phys.org

 

[publiusr]

Hydrogen production and more

A scalable photoelectrochemical system for green hydrogen production

If realized using solar energy or other renewable energy, water splitting could be a promising way of sustainably producing hydrogen (H2) on a large-scale. Most photoelectrochemical water splitting systems proposed so far, however, have been found to be either inefficient, unstable, or difficult...

techxplore.com

Largest flow of natural hydrogen gas ever found measured in Albanian chromium mine

A team of geologists affiliated with several institutions in France, working with a pair of colleagues from Albania, has measured the largest natural flow of hydrogen ever in an Albanian chromium mine. In their study, reported in the journal Science, the group measured hydrogen gas bubbling up...

phys.org

Scientists investigate a better way of releasing hydrogen stored in hydrogen boride sheets

The looming threat of climate change has motivated scientists worldwide to look for cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels, and many believe hydrogen is our best bet. As an environmentally friendly energy resource, hydrogen (H2) can be used in vehicles and electric power plants without releasing...

phys.org

Study unveils scalable and efficient photoelectrode modules for green hydrogen production

In a development toward practical photoelectrochemical water splitting, a research team has achieved a technological breakthrough in the production of green hydrogen. Through their innovative approach, the team has overcome the challenges of efficiency, stability, and scalability in...

techxplore.com

Research team improves fuel cell durability with fatigue-resistant membranes

A novel approach to address environmental challenges is developing and commercializing robust hydrogen fuel cells. These cells contain a polymer electrolyte membrane that serves as a barrier between the electrodes (the conductors that enable the flow of electricity through a substance). This...

techxplore.com

A new high-concentration solid polymer electrolyte for high-voltage lithium-metal batteries

Lithium-metal batteries, which contain anodes based on metallic lithium, are promising rechargeable batteries that could help to meet the growing demands of the electronics industry. These batteries have various advantages, including high energy density and fast charging times.

techxplore.com

Greenhouse gas repurposed in novel experiments

Cutting-edge University of Auckland research has converted waste carbon dioxide into a potential precursor for chemicals and carbon-free fuel.

phys.org

Engineers boost efficiency for converting greenhouse gas into ethylene

Engineers at the University of Cincinnati have created a more efficient way of converting carbon dioxide into valuable products while simultaneously addressing climate change.

phys.org

New genetic strategy for preventing breakdown of plant oils needed for biofuels and other products

Biologists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory have demonstrated a new way to boost the oil content of plant leaves and seeds. As described in the journal New Phytologist, the scientists identified and successfully altered key portions of a protein that...

phys.org

Inexpensive, carbon-neutral biofuels are finally possible

When it comes to making fuel from plants, the first step has always been the hardest—breaking down the plant matter. A new study finds that introducing a simple, renewable chemical to the pretreatment step can finally make next-generation biofuel production both cost-effective and carbon-neutral.

techxplore.com

Natural gas flare samples collected by aircraft reveal high variation in nitrogen oxides emission estimates

Natural gas flaring, or burning, is commonly used in parts of the United States to dispose of the gas byproduct from oil extraction. The flare's combustion converts hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide and water, which lessens the climate impact and reduces the safety concerns of the natural gas on...

phys.org

 

[publiusr]

Green tech this week

Harnessing light with hemispherical shells for improved photovoltaics

In the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, the quest for more efficient solar cells is paramount. Organic photovoltaic cells have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional silicon-based counterparts due to their flexibility and cost-effectiveness. However, optimizing their...

phys.org

Using thermotropic liquid crystals to enhance the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar modules

Solar panels and photovoltaics (PVs) are becoming increasingly widespread, contributing to ongoing efforts aimed at decarbonizing electricity production. Solar cells based on perovskites, a class of minerals that can leverage parts of the solar spectrum, have recently achieved highly promising...

techxplore.com

Researchers observe highly excited 'roaming' energy pathway in chemical reactions

Scientists have observed so-called roaming chemical reactions, those that at certain points move away from the lowest minimum energy path of least resistance, in highly excited energy states for the first time.

phys.org

New synthesis method uses light reaction on a water surface

By forming chemical bonds between atoms, complex molecules such as those needed for medicines, crop protection products, or high-performance materials are prepared using synthetic chemistry. Such synthesis reactions typically require organic solvents, metal catalysts, and reagents such as acids...

phys.org

Researchers expand ways to improve the selectivity of catalytic reactions

Researchers from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), Harvard Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, and Utrecht University have reported on a previously elusive way to improve the selectivity of catalytic reactions, adding a new method of...

phys.org

Applying a small voltage to a catalyst can increase the rates of common reactions used in manufacturing, study finds

A simple technique that uses small amounts of energy could boost the efficiency of some key chemical processing reactions, by up to a factor of 100,000, MIT researchers report. These reactions are at the heart of petrochemical processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and many other industrial...

phys.org

Scientists use AI to identify new materials for carbon capture

Generative AI techniques, machine learning, and simulations give researchers new opportunities to identify environmentally friendly metal-organic framework materials.

phys.org

Vanadium research makes key advance for capturing carbon from the air

A chemical element so visually striking it was named for a goddess shows a "Goldilocks" level of reactivity—neither too much nor too little—that makes it a strong candidate as a carbon scrubbing tool.

phys.org

A geothermal-powered, climate-friendly way to capture carbon dioxide in the air

In a new study, researchers have developed a method for capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, powered by clean and relatively inexpensive geothermal energy.

techxplore.com

Study reveals eco-friendly way to generate power from waste wood

A new study by researchers at University of Limerick in Ireland has revealed a sustainable method of efficiently converting waste heat into electricity using Irish wood products, while minimizing costs and environmental impact.

techxplore.com

 

[publiusr]

Solar city

Scientists design 'sunflower' city to boost solar energy in countries with relatively low levels of sunlight

Inspired by the distribution of sunflower seeds, a group of scientists say they have developed a new city-pattern that ensures the best distribution of solar energy utilization "in low solar radiation countries."

techxplore.com

Solar tech

Research team develops parabolic trough solar module for hybrid electricity and heat generation

Solar rays focused on concentrator photovoltaic cells using parabolic mirrors not only supply electricity, but also thermal energy for industrial processes, heating or cooling. Three technological innovations significantly reduce costs.

techxplore.com

Amorphous solar cells with FIDO technology are more efficient, stable and lightweight

A group led by researchers at Nagoya University in Japan has created a material based on fullerene indanones (FIDO), which promises to improve the durability of next-generation solar cells. Durability has been one of the biggest hurdles in their practical application and commercialization. The...

techxplore.com

Physicists develop new solar cell design for better efficiency

Physicists at Paderborn University have used complex computer simulations to develop a new design for significantly more efficient solar cells than previously available. A thin layer of organic material, known as tetracene, is responsible for the increase in efficiency. The results have now been...

phys.org

Researchers invent new triple-junction tandem solar cells with world-record efficiency

Scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a novel triple-junction perovskite/Si tandem solar cell that can achieve a certified world-record power conversion efficiency of 27.1% across a solar energy absorption area of 1 sq cm, representing the best-performing...

techxplore.com

Smart optimization paves the way for improved silicon solar cell performance

In the face of the ever-growing threat of climate change, the past few decades have witnessed great progress in solar energy technology. In particular, silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells have become a hot topic in this field since they can reach very high energy conversion efficiencies.

techxplore.com

The consequences of the PV boom: Study analyzes recycling strategies for solar modules

The energy transition is progressing, and photovoltaics (PV) is playing a key role in this. Enormous capacities are to be added over the next few decades. Experts expect several tens of terawatts by the middle of the century. That's 10 to 25 solar modules for every person. The boom will provide...

techxplore.com

Research links rapidly evolving photovoltaic module technologies with potential reliability impacts

Historically, photovoltaic (PV) modules have demonstrated high reliability, making them a dependable and growing part of global decarbonization efforts. PV module technology also has a history of iteration and evolution over time, with potential impacts for module reliability.

techxplore.com

Vehicles

Research team develops low-emission, natural-gas-fueled hybrid truck

Southwest Research Institute has developed a natural-gas-fueled medium-duty truck outfitted with a hybrid powertrain that achieved a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) over standard diesel powertrains. The vehicle uses an SwRI-designed, spark-ignited natural gas engine coupled with...

techxplore.com

Ammonia-powered engines: A path to cleaner and more efficient transportation

While the transportation sector has witnessed a dramatic shift toward electric vehicles (EVs), the idea of using hydrogen as a clean and efficient fuel for transportation has been explored for many decades. These vehicles emit water on combustion, and since they are based on the production of...

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More

Balancing building temperatures sustainably with a device requiring no extra energy

Heating and cooling buildings currently accounts for a significant portion of global energy consumption, posing a challenge for reducing reliance on fossil fuels. By using less energy to heat and cool our buildings, we can take a big step towards sustainable building practices that help reduce...

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[publiusr]

Fuel cell wimpy?--get it a Red Bull (Brad Dourif swears by it)

Supercharging fuel cells with caffeine

With global goals set on transitioning away from fossil fuels, fuel cells stand out as a promising carbon-free energy source. Comprising an anode and a cathode separated by an electrolyte, fuel cells convert the chemical energy of fuel directly into electricity. The anode receives the fuel...

phys.org

Hot and cold

Sun and space: Harnessing cold universe and solar power for renewable energy

As traditional energy methods increase in cost and take their toll on the environment, Penn State researchers are turning to two underutilized renewable resources, the sun and outer space, for solutions to generate electricity and passively cool down structures.

techxplore.com

Green tech today

An electricity generator inspired by the drinking bird toy powers electronics with evaporated water

Inspired by the classic drinking bird toy, scientists in Hong Kong and Guangzhou, China have developed an engine that efficiently converts energy from water evaporation into electricity to power small electronics. The device produces energy outputs exceeding 100 volts—much higher than other...

techxplore.com

Engineers use moisture to pull carbon dioxide out of the air

In a corner of Kelsey Hatzell's lab sits a small jar filled with a material that has an ability far beyond what its nondescript appearance would suggest: a way to capture and release carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by simply changing the surrounding humidity.

techxplore.com

Perovskite solar cells: Vacuum process may offer a short track to commercialization

Research and industry worldwide work on the commercialization of perovskite photovoltaics. Most research laboratories focus on solvent-based manufacturing processes because these methods are versatile and easy to use. Established photovoltaic industries, however, almost exclusively apply vacuum...

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Researchers discover new yttrium-hydrogen compounds with implications for high-pressure superconductivity

Researchers at the University of Bayreuth have made a significant scientific breakthrough by identifying new yttrium-hydrogen compounds, a discovery that has serious implications for research on high-pressure superconductivity. High-pressure superconductivity refers to the property of materials...

phys.org

Research team develops catalyst that can purify municipal sewage while enhancing hydrogen generation efficiency

Researchers have devised a novel catalyst aimed at enhancing the efficiency of reactions using contaminated municipal sewage to produce hydrogen—a green energy source.

phys.org

Cold plasma could be hot stuff for grain growers, say researchers

Using plasma—the stuff of outer space—University of Alberta researchers have found an effective way to decontaminate grain tainted by mold and also boost seed germination. Their study is published in the Journal of Food Engineering.

phys.org

 

[publiusr]

Energy concerns

Researchers take major step toward developing next-generation solar cells

The solar energy world is ready for a revolution. Scientists are racing to develop a new type of solar cell using materials that can convert electricity more efficiently than today's panels.

techxplore.com

Novel material for perovskite solar cells can improve their stability and efficiency

A team of chemists from Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), Lithuania, developed a new material for perovskite solar cells. After polymerization, it can be used as a hole transporting layer in both regular and inverted architecture solar cells; in both cases, the solar elements constructed...

techxplore.com

Two-faced solar panels can generate more power at up to 70% less cost

Researchers have built a new kind of two-faced (bifacial) panel. They used single-walled carbon nanotubes as both front and back electrodes.

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Reimagining the future of solar energy

Scientists are always on the lookout for ways to make our world a better place, and one area they're focusing on is solar energy. One idea in this area is to make solar cells more efficient by concentrating more solar light on them.

techxplore.com

Predicting energy yields for photovoltaic systems

The journey toward a sustainable future hinges on our ability to harness the power of renewable sources effectively. Solar energy, in particular, has emerged as a cornerstone of this transition. However, the unpredictable and variable nature of sunlight poses a significant challenge for...

techxplore.com

Study explores how wind turbine visibility affects property values across the US

Renewable energy sources are essential for transitioning towards a decarbonized energy system and making the electricity grid more environmentally sustainable. Clean energy alternatives like wind power can effectively replace fossil fuels, contributing to reduced air pollution and slowing down...

techxplore.com

Scientists develop bifunctional catalyst performance enhancement technology to lower the cost of hydrogen production

Researchers have developed a methodology to improve the reversibility and durability of electrodes using bifunctional platinum-nickel alloy catalysts with an octahedral structure that exhibits both oxygen reduction and generation reactions. The study is published in the journal Advanced Energy...

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Strengthening the grid's 'backbone' with hydropower

Argonne-led studies investigate how hydropower could help Alaska add more clean energy to its grid, how it generates value as grids add more renewable energy, and how liner technology can improve hydropower efficiency.

techxplore.com

How do we tell future generations about highly radioactive nuclear waste repositories?

In Europe, increasing efforts on climate change mitigation, a sudden focus on energy independence after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and reported breakthroughs in nuclear fusion have sparked renewed interest in the potential of nuclear power. So-called small modular reactors (SMRs) are...

phys.org

 

[publiusr]

New power converter
https://techxplore.com/news/2024-04-scientists-high-boost-efficiency-dc.html

New energy handling and more

Machine learning enables viability of vertical-axis wind turbines

If you imagine an industrial wind turbine, you likely picture the windmill design, technically known as a horizontal-axis wind turbine (HAWT). But the very first wind turbines, which were developed in the Middle East around the 8th century for grinding grain, were vertical-axis wind turbines...

techxplore.com

Researchers find a simple way to harvest more 'blue energy' from waves

As any surfer will tell you, waves pack a powerful punch. Now, we are one step closer to capturing the energy behind the ocean's constant ebb and flow with an improved "blue energy" harvesting device.

techxplore.com

Researchers build selenium–silicon tandem solar cell that could improve efficiency to 40%

A team of physicists and engineers at Technical University of Denmark reports that it is possible to build a working selenium–silicon tandem solar cell, a combination that could theoretically improve the efficiency of solar cells to 40%. The study is published in the journal PRX Energy.

techxplore.com

New materials discovered for safe, high-performance solid-state lithium-ion batteries

Scientists have discovered a stable and highly conductive lithium-ion conductor for use as solid electrolytes for solid-state lithium-ion batteries.

techxplore.com

Chemistry researchers modify solar technology to produce a less harmful greenhouse gas

Researchers in the UNC-Chapel Hill Chemistry Department are using semiconductors to harvest and convert the sun's energy into high-energy compounds that have the potential to produce environmentally friendly fuels.

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Powering the future: Advanced energy harvesting for loT devices

Researchers have developed a high-performance energy management unit (EMU) that significantly boosts the efficiency of electrostatic generators for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. This breakthrough addresses the challenge of high impedance mismatch between electrostatic generators and...

techxplore.com

Increasing the efficiency of eco-friendly solar cells by converting wind energy into high-voltage electricity

A research team led by Professor Lee Ju-hyuck of DGIST in the Department of Energy Science & Engineering has successfully developed an energy harvesting device that enhances solar energy efficiency by removing and preventing surface contamination on solar cells.

techxplore.com

Tech news

Propelling atomically layered magnets toward green computers

Globally, computation is booming at an unprecedented rate, fueled by the boons of artificial intelligence. With this, the staggering energy demand of the world's computing infrastructure has become a major concern, and the development of computing devices that are far more energy-efficient is a...

phys.org

Proof-of-principle demonstration of 3D magnetic recording could lead to enhanced hard disk drives

Research groups from NIMS, Seagate Technology, and Tohoku University have made a breakthrough in the field of hard disk drives (HDD) by demonstrating the feasibility of multi-level recording using a three-dimensional magnetic recording medium to store digital information.

techxplore.com

Researchers create stable superconductor enhanced by magnetism

An international team including researchers from the University of Würzburg has succeeded in creating a special state of superconductivity. This discovery could advance the development of quantum computers. The results are published in Nature Physics.

phys.org

Team presents new path to long-term data storage based on atomic-scale defects

With the development of the internet, social media and cloud computing, the amount of data created worldwide on a daily basis is sky-rocketing. This calls for new technologies that could provide higher storage densities combined with secure long-term data archiving far beyond the capabilities of...

phys.org

'Surprising' hidden activity of semiconductor material spotted by researchers

New research suggests that materials commonly overlooked in computer chip design actually play an important role in information processing, a discovery that could lead to faster and more efficient electronics.

techxplore.com

Low power news

Researchers develop a novel ultra-low–power memory for neuromorphic computing

A team of Korean researchers has developed a new memory device that can be used to replace existing memory or be used in implementing neuromorphic computing for next-generation artificial intelligence hardware for its low processing costs and its ultra-low–power consumption.

techxplore.com

Optics sensors and such

Semi-transparent camera allows for eye tracking without obstructing the view

A team of engineers at The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology's ICFO–Institut de Ciències Fotòniques has developed a nearly transparent camera that can be used for eye tracking without obstructing the view. The team has published a paper describing their camera and its performance as...

techxplore.com

Innovative sensing platform unlocks ultrahigh sensitivity in conventional sensors

Optical sensors serve as the backbone of numerous scientific and technological endeavors, from detecting gravitational waves to imaging biological tissues for medical diagnostics. These sensors use light to detect changes in the properties of the environment they're monitoring, including...

phys.org

Classical optical neural network exhibits 'quantum speedup'

In recent years, artificial intelligence technologies, especially machine learning algorithms, have made great strides. These technologies have enabled unprecedented efficiency in tasks such as image recognition, natural language generation and processing, and object detection, but such...

phys.org

New research uses coaxial 'dish' antenna to scan for dark matter

One of the great mysteries of modern science is dark matter. We know dark matter exists thanks to its effects on other objects in the cosmos, but we have never been able to directly see it. And it's no minor thing—currently, scientists think it makes up about 85% of all the mass in the universe.

phys.org

Focused ultrasound technique gets quality assurance protocol

For the past several years, Washington University in St. Louis researchers have been using focused ultrasound combined with microbubbles to target an opening in the tough, protective blood-brain barrier to deliver drugs or retrieve biomarkers. However, the fast-developing technology has lacked a...

medicalxpress.com

Drawing inspiration from plants: A metal–air paper battery for wearable devices

For more than two millennia, paper has been a staple of human civilization. But these days, the use of paper is not limited to writing. It is also playing a pivotal role in ushering in a greener future.

techxplore.com

Scientists develop novel amorphous flexible mini-inductor

A research team has developed a mini-inductor based on amorphous alloys that can achieve both excellent flexibility and high inductance. The study is published in Advanced Functional Materials.

techxplore.com

You still need hydrocarbons--even for solar
https://phys.org/news/2024-04-hydrocarbon-molecule-supplier-energy-storage.html


The future?

Researchers envision sci-fi worlds involving changes to atmospheric water cycle

Human activity is changing the way water flows between the Earth and atmosphere in complex ways and with likely long-lasting consequences that are hard to picture.

phys.org

 

[publiusr]

Energy news

Plasma treatment enhances electrode material for fuel cells in industry, homes and vehicles

Researchers from Skoltech and their colleagues have improved the properties of a carbon-based electrode material by exposing it to air plasma. Such treatment turned out to enhance electrode performance, which is the limiting factor for high-tech energy sources—particularly fuel cells.

techxplore.com

High-energy-density capacitors with 2D nanomaterials could significantly enhance energy storage

In the quest for more efficient and sustainable energy solutions, a multi-university research team has reached a significant milestone in capacitor technology. Researchers from the University of Houston, Jackson State University and Howard University have developed a new type of flexible...

techxplore.com

Going with the flow: Research dives into electrodes on energy storage batteries

As a grid-scale energy storage system, flow batteries have gained increasing attention as a means to address the challenges associated with fluctuations and intermittency in renewable energy sources.

techxplore.com

Storing and utilizing energy with innovative sulfur-based cathodes

Electric vehicles and portable electronic devices such as laptops and mobile phones are unthinkable without lithium-ion batteries. The problem is highly toxic materials such as cobalt are often used for the cathodes of these batteries, which jeopardize the environment and the health of people in...

techxplore.com

Researchers develop high-energy-density aqueous battery based on halogen multi-electron transfer

Traditional non-aqueous lithium-ion batteries have a high energy density, but their safety is compromised due to the flammable organic electrolytes they utilize.

techxplore.com

Previous theory on how electrons move within protein nanocrystals might not apply in every case

Researchers believe that understanding how electrons move within small, natural systems could power a more sustainable future for our energy grid.

phys.org

An ultralow-concentration electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries

Lithium salts make batteries powerful but expensive. An ultralow-concentration electrolyte based on the lithium salt LiDFOB may be a more economical and more sustainable alternative. Cells using these electrolytes and conventional electrodes have been demonstrated to have high performance, as...

techxplore.com

Mechanical engineers develop miniaturized, hydrogel-based electric generators for biomedical devices

Mechanoelectrical energy conversion offers a promising solution for powering miniaturized biomedical devices, such as cardiac pacemakers, brain stimulators, wearable drug delivery systems, and more.

medicalxpress.com

How much energy can offshore wind farms in the U.S. produce? New study sheds light

As summer approaches, electricity demand surges in the U.S., as homes and businesses crank up the air conditioning. To meet the rising need, many East Coast cities are banking on offshore wind projects the country is building in the Atlantic Ocean.

techxplore.com

Salt battery harvests osmotic energy where the river meets the sea

Estuaries—where freshwater rivers meet the salty sea—are great locations for birdwatching and kayaking. In these areas, waters containing different salt concentrations mix and may be sources of sustainable, "blue" osmotic energy.

techxplore.com

Study shows potential of super grids when hurricanes overshadow solar panels

When hurricanes threaten tropical shores, "super grids" could come to the rescue.

techxplore.com

Researchers develop sodium battery capable of rapid charging in just a few seconds

Sodium (Na), which is over 500 times more abundant than lithium (Li), has recently garnered significant attention for its potential in sodium-ion battery technologies. However, existing sodium-ion batteries face fundamental limitations, including lower power output, constrained storage...

techxplore.com

Cost-effective, high-capacity and cyclable lithium-ion battery cathodes

Charge-recharge cycling of lithium-super-rich iron oxide, a cost-effective and high-capacity cathode for new-generation lithium-ion batteries, can be greatly improved by doping with readily available mineral elements.

techxplore.com

Solar

Researchers outline path forward for tandem solar cells

As the old saying goes, two heads are better than one. The same is true when it comes to solar cells working in tandem. Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have prepared a roadmap on how to move tandem solar cells—particularly those that...

techxplore.com

A shade closer to more efficient organic photovoltaics

Transparent solar cells will transform the look of infrastructure by enabling many more surfaces to become solar panels. Now, materials called non-fullerene acceptors that can intrinsically generate charges when exposed to sunlight could make semitransparent organic photovoltaics easier to...

phys.org

New insights lead to better next-gen solar cells

For Michael Saliba and Mahdi Malekshahi, it was one of those moments in science when good experimental results raised more questions. The University of Stuttgart researchers recently developed a new process to make solar cells with perovskites—advanced crystalline materials with the potential to...

techxplore.com

Light, flexible, efficient: Perovskite-based tandem solar cells

Roof tiles are becoming a thing of the past: Today, more and more Swiss roofs boast large black and blue rectangles that convert sunlight into electricity. The blueish color comes from silicon crystals, as the majority of solar cells available today are based on this semiconductor material. But...

techxplore.com

 

[jsport]

Geothermal energy easing US military's logistics challenges

DIU is doubling its investment in new technology to harness the heat of Earth's core.

www.defenseone.com

 

[publiusr]

Energy news

Finding credible pathways to net-zero emissions: The challenge of scaling up an emerging electrification technology

Chemical and material engineering professor, Adnan Khan, has spent the past 15 years focusing his research on developing sustainable technologies aimed at decarbonizing our energy systems. "This is the most important challenge we face today. We owe this to our future generations," he says.

techxplore.com

Floating photovoltaics could limit Africa's future reliance on hydro-generated energy

Floating photovoltaics (FPV), also known as floating solar farms, are photovoltaic systems that can be deployed on the sea's surface or on other bodies of water. While their environmental impact is still the topic of debate worldwide, these systems could be highly advantageous for generating...

techxplore.com

Sun, sustainability, and silicon: A double dose of solar fuel research

The race is on to develop a new generation of liquid fuels that are activated by sunlight, and Yale researchers are helping to lead the way.

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Study shows self-assembled monolayers approach can be applied to regular structure perovskite solar cells

Researchers from Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), Lithuania, who contributed to the development of record-breaking solar cells a few years ago have expanded their invention. The self-assembled monolayers can now be applied not only in inverted but also in regular structure perovskite solar...

techxplore.com

Scientists control daily biological clock of algae, advancing biomedicine

Carl H. Johnson, Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Biological Sciences, along with a team of Vanderbilt scientists, have succeeded in adjusting the daily biological clock of cyanobacteria, making the blue-green algae a more prolific producer of renewable fuels, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals...

phys.org

Nanobubble research to improve green hydrogen production

In a novel study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers from the University of Twente have made significant strides in understanding the behavior of micro- and nanobubbles on electrodes during water electrolysis. This process is crucial for (green) hydrogen...

phys.org

Researchers compile most comprehensive power outage dataset for the US

In a recent study published in the journal Scientific Data, researchers from the Department of Energy's (DOE) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have produced the most comprehensive power outage dataset ever compiled for the United States.

techxplore.com

Swedish researchers develop eco-friendly and affordable battery for low-income countries

A battery made from zinc and lignin that can be used over 8,000 times has been developed by researchers at Linköping University, Sweden, with a vision to provide a cheap and sustainable battery solution for countries where access to electricity is limited. The study has been published in the...

techxplore.com

Scientists convert chicken fat into energy storage devices

The global move toward more sustainable, green energy has increased power reserves and the demand for energy storage devices. Unfortunately, some materials for these devices can be expensive and environmentally problematic. Producing alternative energy storage devices from things that are...

techxplore.com

Chemistry

Strategy uses boron-nitrogen covalent bonds to enable high-performance narrowband electroluminescence

To meet the demands of next-generation ultrahigh-definition displays, the organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) industry is actively pursuing the development of narrowband organic light-emitting materials. Within this effort, multiple resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR-TADF)...

phys.org

Data-driven model rapidly predicts dehydrogenation barriers in solid-state materials

Researchers have developed a data-driven model to predict the dehydrogenation barriers of magnesium hydride (MgH2), a promising material for solid-state hydrogen storage. This advancement holds significant potential for enhancing hydrogen storage technologies, a crucial component in the...

phys.org

Repurposed beer yeast encapsulated in hydrogels may offer a cost-effective way to remove lead from water

Every year, beer breweries generate and discard thousands of tons of surplus yeast. Researchers from MIT and Georgia Tech have now come up with a way to repurpose that yeast to absorb lead from contaminated water.

phys.org

Scientists develop an affordable sensor for lead contamination

Engineers at MIT, Nanytang Technological University, and several companies have developed a compact and inexpensive technology for detecting and measuring lead concentrations in water, potentially enabling a significant advance in tackling this persistent global health issue.

phys.org

Polyglycerol coating offers safer nanoparticle environmental remediation

Nanoparticles (NPs) are often used to reduce environmental pollution by targeting harmful chemicals in soil and water that are released by industrial and agricultural activities. These NPs are engineered to absorb, degrade, or neutralize these pollutants, providing a potential solution to...

phys.org

Uneven strain distribution induces detwinning in penta-twinned nanoparticles

Twinned nanoparticles have regions of clear symmetry that share the same crystal lattice, separated by a clear boundary. Changing the twin structure can affect the properties of the nanoparticles, which makes controlling twinning to create tailored nanomaterials an active area of research.

phys.org

Machine learning and AI aid in predicting molecular selectivity of chemical reactions

There are few problems now that AI and machine learning cannot help overcome. Researchers from the Yokohama National University are using this modern advantage to resolve what conventional methods cannot.

phys.org

Researchers achieve first condensation of non-ground state cesium atoms

In a pioneering effort, researchers from the University of Innsbruck in collaboration with the University of Durham have for the first time achieved Bose-Einstein condensation of non-ground state cesium atoms. Published in Nature Communications, this research paves the way for new experiments...

phys.org

Exploration of polymer cononsolvency mechanism through soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy

A study, published in Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, investigated the cononsolvency mechanism of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM), which is soluble in pure methanol (MeOH) and water but insoluble in aqueous MeOH solutions.

phys.org

Nitrogen-doped carbon layers boost efficiency and stability of nickel catalysts at room temperature

A research team led by Wang Guozhong from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences encapsulated metallic nickel in a nitrogen-doped carbon-silica composite (SiO2@Ni@NC) as a catalyst, which showed good performance in vanillin hydrogenation in aqueous media.

phys.org

With the help of catalysts the chemical industry can be revolutionized and create a circular economy, say researchers

The chemical industry is a cornerstone of global development, driving innovation, and providing essential products that support our modern way of life.

phys.org

Research team makes hydroxylamine from air and water

A research team led by Prof. Zeng Jie and Prof Geng Zhigang from University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) has proposed a new model for sustainable hydroxylamine (NH2OH) synthesis via a plasma-electrochemical cascade pathway (PECP). They achieved the green and sustainable synthesis of...

phys.org

New photocatalyst to improve decarbonization and other chemical reactions

The use of greenhouse gases is one of the most popular directions of the global trend toward decarbonization—reducing the carbon footprint from production and human activities. In the process of converting carbon dioxide into methane, the main catalysts used today are gold, platinum, and...

phys.org

Researchers develop increasingly sustainable methods for dissolving gold, silver and copper from recycled materials

Waste from computers and cell phones, solar panels and other discarded electronics are becoming an important source of noble metals alongside mining. Researchers at the University of Helsinki have developed sustainable dissolution methods for noble metals.

phys.org

Chainmail catalysts: Carbon-encapsulated FeNi alloys for enhanced oxygen electrocatalysis

Rapid growth in global energy demand has caused massive depletion of traditional fossil fuels and serious environmental problems, and there is no doubt that the development of efficient energy storage and conversion technologies is an essential field of research. Rechargeable Zn-air batteries...

phys.org

More

New database aims to accelerate electrocatalyst development through atomic-scale insights

The quest for more productive catalysts for the creation of sustainable fuels and commodity chemicals via electrochemical reactions just became easier.

phys.org

New device architecture enables streamlined production of formic acid from CO₂ using renewable electricity

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is both an essential resource for life on Earth and a greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. Today, scientists are investigating CO2 as a promising resource that can be utilized to create renewable low-carbon fuels and high-value chemical products.

techxplore.com

Chemists succeed in synthesizing a molecule first predicted 20 years ago

The first and the best-known metallocene is "ferrocene," which contains a single iron atom. Today, sandwich complexes can be found in many inorganic chemistry textbooks, and the bonding and electronic structure of metallocenes is taught in undergraduate chemistry lecture courses. Sandwich...

phys.org

Method accelerates the development of sustainable biomaterials from years to minutes

A study, published in Advanced Materials on May 6, 2024, led by VTT's researchers, introduces a transformative approach that integrates synthetic biology with advanced machine learning and computational techniques to significantly accelerate the development of new biomaterials.

phys.org

A novel multifunctional catalyst turns methane into valuable hydrocarbons

Methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to global warming, is also an important source of energy and an essential chemical resource. When used as a chemical feedstock, methane is typically converted into methanol first and then into hydrocarbons. However, this sequential...

phys.org

New technique to transform waste carbon dioxide into high-value chemicals achieves cost reduction of about 30%

Addressing the urgent challenge posed by escalating carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and their impact on climate change, researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a novel technique that significantly advances the conversion of waste carbon dioxide (CO2) into...

techxplore.com

Entangled mesh hydrogels enable rapid atmospheric water harvesting

According to a study published in Advanced Materials, researchers have developed entangled mesh hydrogels (EMHs) via cryogelation, achieving rapid atmospheric water harvesting.

techxplore.com

New gel breaks down alcohol in the body

Most alcohol enters the bloodstream via the mucous membrane layer of the stomach and the intestines. These days, the consequences of this are undisputed: even small amounts of alcohol impair people's ability to concentrate and to react, increasing the risk of accidents.

phys.org

New research employs shutter speed analogies to validate 55-year-old theory about chemical reaction rates

Chemical reactions are commonly depicted as transitions from reactants to products. However, such reactions involve many molecules, and the individual molecules themselves undergo frequently-occurring structural changes as they transform from the reactants to the products.

phys.org

Breaking bonds to form bonds: New chemical reaction with potential applications in medicinal chemistry

A team of chemists from the University of Vienna, led by Nuno Maulide, has achieved a significant breakthrough in the field of chemical synthesis, developing a novel method for manipulating carbon-hydrogen bonds. This discovery provides new insights into the molecular interactions of positively...

phys.org

Researchers precisely characterize styrene oxide isomerase, which could help yield 'green' chemicals and drug precursors

Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have—for the first time—precisely characterized the enzyme styrene oxide isomerase, which can be used to produce valuable chemicals and drug precursors in an environmentally friendly manner. The study appears in the journal Nature Chemistry.

phys.org

Bioengineered enzyme creates natural vanillin from plants in one step

Vanilla extract is one of the most widely used flavoring compounds in food products and cosmetics. The pleasant and sweet smell of this classic flavor is imparted by the chemical compound "vanillin" found in the seed pods of vanilla plants belonging to the orchid family. In plants, vanillin is...

phys.org

Chemists develop new method for introducing fluorinated components into molecules

A team of chemists at the University of Münster has developed a synthesis method for the site-selective integration of the biologically relevant difluoromethyl group into pyridines.

phys.org

More efficient bioethanol production might be possible using persimmon tannin to help yeast thrive

While ethanol in alcoholic beverages impairs drinkers' motor functions, it is that same substance that can power motor vehicles in a cleaner, more sustainable manner. What is necessary for the production of ethanol is yeast, but ethanol is among the environmental factors that add stress to...

phys.org

Ion swap dramatically improves performance of CO₂-defeating catalyst

A team of scientists led by the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has found an unconventional way to improve catalysts made of more than one material. The solution demonstrates a path to designing catalysts with greater activity, selectivity and stability.

phys.org

Scientists demonstrate the survival of quantum coherence in a chemical reaction involving ultracold molecules

If you zoom in on a chemical reaction to the quantum level, you'll notice that particles behave like waves that can ripple and collide. Scientists have long sought to understand quantum coherence, the ability of particles to maintain phase relationships and exist in multiple states...

phys.org

 

[publiusr]

A biggie:

Renewable grid: Recovering electricity from heat storage hits 44% efficiency

Closing in on the theoretical maximum efficiency, devices for turning heat into electricity are edging closer to being practical for use on the grid, according to University of Michigan research.

techxplore.com

windows

Transparent metamaterial for energy-efficient regulation in building can clean itself like a lotus leaf

Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) introduce a polymer-based material with unique properties in the journal Nature Communications. This material allows sunlight to enter, maintains a more comfortable indoor climate without additional energy, and cleans itself like a lotus...

techxplore.com

Electronics for heat

Researchers investigate properties of novel materials for electronics operating in extremely hot environments

The scorching surface of Venus, where temperatures can climb to 480°C (hot enough to melt lead), is an inhospitable place for humans and machines alike. One reason scientists have not yet been able to send a rover to the planet's surface is that silicon-based electronics can't operate in such...

phys.org

Study identifies high-performance alternative to conventional ferroelectrics

Lighting a gas grill, getting an ultrasound, using an ultrasonic toothbrush—these actions involve the use of materials that can translate an electric voltage into a change in shape and vice versa.

phys.org

Five ways to keep towns cool in a heat wave

Along with warmer and wetter winters across the UK and Europe, our summers are getting hotter with more frequent periods of extreme hot weather. And as well as affecting agriculture, infrastructure and wildlife, hot weather influences us.

phys.org

From burns to the wave nature of heat—via the telegraph equation

When a train approaches or an ambulance with its siren blaring nears us, we hear the sound with an increased frequency, gradually decreasing slightly. As it passes, the frequency changes abruptly to a lower one, then decreases further. This commonly encountered Doppler effect can be a valuable...

phys.org

Artificial geysers can compensate for our mineral shortages

By imitating nature, it may be possible to recover seabed minerals by extracting hot water from the Earth's crust. We can harvest green energy and be sensitive to the environment—all at the same time.

phys.org

Cement recycling

Cement recycling method could help solve one of the world's biggest climate challenges

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have developed a method to produce very low emission concrete at scale—an innovation that could be transformative in the transition to net zero.

techxplore.com

New research shows how biofuels affect cement production

The production of cement and quicklime is energy demanding and causes high carbon dioxide emissions. This is because the fuel, which is used for heating, and the limestone, which is converted into quicklime at high temperatures, emits carbon dioxide. By replacing fossil fuels with renewable...

techxplore.com

Sunlight-trapping device can generate temperatures over 1000°C

A solar energy absorber that uses quartz to trap heat reached 1050°C in tests and could offer a way to decarbonise the production of steel and cement

www.newscientist.com

Perfect for the Moon?

'Fossilizing' cracks in infrastructure creates sealing that can even survive earthquakes

Various forms of underground activity, such as deep wells or the disposal of hazardous materials, require the long-term sealing of rocks. A team of researchers has developed an innovative method based on fossilization processes to seal cracks and fractures in rock using a "concretion-forming...

techxplore.com

Plastics

New polystyrene recycling process could be world's first to be both economical and energy-efficient

Engineers have modeled a new way to recycle polystyrene that could become the first viable way of making the material reusable. The chemical method identified to tackle hard-to-recycle packaging material, cutting landfill waste

phys.org

A metal-free organic framework for electrocatalytic production of ethylene from carbon dioxide

Use of the greenhouse gas CO2 as a chemical raw material would not only reduce emissions, but also the consumption of fossil feedstocks. A novel metal-free organic framework could make it possible to electrocatalytically produce ethylene, a primary chemical raw material, from CO2.

phys.org

Researchers analyze how a chemical process could help recycle a common plastic waste

Researchers at Virginia Tech are exploring processes that might greatly increase the recycling of one of the world's most-produced plastics.

phys.org

A research team is developing a method to recycle more plastics

Despite consumer efforts to sort and separate recyclables, most plastic bottles still end up in the landfill. Standard recycling methods to sort, shred and remake plastics are limited to just type-1 and type-2 plastics—basically only soda bottles, water bottles and milk jugs.

phys.org

hydrogen handling

New metal-free porous framework materials may have potential for hydrogen storage

Researchers at the University of Liverpool and the University of Southampton have used computational design methods to develop non-metal organic porous framework materials, with potential applications in areas such as catalysis, water capture or hydrogen storage.

phys.org

Green tech today

New technology keeps food refrigerated with phase change materials, reduces carbon emissions by 30%

A technology developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory works to keep food refrigerated with phase change materials, or PCMs, while reducing carbon emissions by 30%.

techxplore.com

New, electricity-free desalination method shows promise

Researchers from The Australian National University have proposed a new method for desalinating water that avoids many of the unwanted side effects of traditional desalinating techniques and that reduces the energy required by about 80%.

techxplore.com

New quantum dot approach can enhance electrical conductivity of solar cells

A team led by Professor Jongmin Choi of the Department of Energy Science and Engineering has developed a PbS quantum dot that can rapidly enhance the electrical conductivity of solar cells. The findings are published in the journal Small.

phys.org

New 3D polymeric structure combines lightweight properties with high energy density to enhance lithium metal batteries

A research team has developed a three-dimensional polymeric structure, a lightweight structure that facilitates the transport of lithium (Li) ions. Their study was recently published in the journal Advanced Science.

techxplore.com

Researchers strive to make 'clean fuels' a reality through the production of electrofuels

Starting in 2035, the European Union (EU) will prohibit the sale of internal combustion engine vehicles powered by gasoline or diesel, except for newly manufactured cars that utilize electrofuels (e-fuels, manufactured using green hydrogen obtained through electrolysis using renewable energy...

techxplore.com

Researchers provide a supply chain model to chart a pathway to next-gen biofuels

From soil to sequestration, researchers at Princeton University and the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center have modeled what a supply chain for second-generation biofuels might look like in the midwestern United States.

techxplore.com

New study offers a cleaner path for controlling water, transforming greenhouse gases

Scientists looking to convert carbon dioxide into clean fuels and useful chemicals often make hydrogen gas and carbonates as unwanted byproducts. A new paper from the UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering has found a cleaner path.

phys.org

Carbon dioxide, the main culprit of global warming, reborn as an antioxidant substance

A research team led by Dr. Lee Soo Youn at the Gwangju Clean Energy Research Center of the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) has successfully converted carbon dioxide, the main culprit of global warming, into carotenoids, which possess antioxidant and anticancer effects. The findings...

phys.org

Costly gas separation may not be needed to recycle CO₂ from air and industrial plants

A costly step in the process of taking carbon dioxide emissions and converting them into useful products such as biofuels and pharmaceuticals may not be necessary, according to University of Michigan researchers.

phys.org

Novel liquid crystals produced by stacking antiaromatic units could lead to advances in organic semiconductors

In organic chemistry, π-stacking systems are supramolecular structures that arise due to the dispersion force, a type of intermolecular noncovalent interaction. They are a common occurrence in nature. The stabilized structure of DNA is a very prominent example of a π-stacking system, and so are...

phys.org

https://techxplore.com/news/2024-05-iron-key-expensive-greener-lithium.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-05-machine-discovery-solar-cell-perovskites.html

https://techxplore.com/news/2024-05-microstructural-optimize-electrode-materials-batteries.html

https://techxplore.com/news/2024-05-method-energy-raw-materials-batteries.html

https://techxplore.com/news/2024-05-successfully-gen-semi-permanent-battery.html

Sun, sustainability, and silicon: A double dose of solar fuel research

The race is on to develop a new generation of liquid fuels that are activated by sunlight, and Yale researchers are helping to lead the way.

techxplore.com

https://techxplore.com/news/2024-05-magnetic-resonance-spectroscopy-safer-higher.html

https://techxplore.com/news/2024-05-electronics-successfully-mos-transistors-mm.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-05-method-driven-oxidation-aryl-ethers.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-05-fungus-cellulose-platform-chemical.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-05-complex-sulfur-molecules-approach-synthesis.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-05-chemical-enigma-sulfur-trioxide-atmosphere.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-05-chemistry-showcase-method-aid-pharma.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-05-method-graphene-nanoribbons-nanoelectronics.html

Researchers develop organic photoredox catalysts with enhanced stability and recyclability

In recent years, global environmental concerns have prompted a shift toward eco-friendly manufacturing in the field of organic synthetic chemistry. In this regard, research into photoredox catalytic reactions, which use light to initiate redox or reduction-oxidation reactions via a photoredox...

phys.org

 

[publiusr]

More on cement

Scientists say they can make zero-emission cement

Researchers on Wednesday said they were a step closer to solving one of the trickiest problems in tackling climate change—how to keep making cement despite its enormous carbon footprint.

phys.org

Other finds

Green methanol may be on the verge of a breakthrough

One of the promising alternatives to fossil fuels is methanol, in which the global shipping and logistics company Maersk, among others, is investing for its future fleet of container ships. However, there is a problem when it comes to methanol. Today, 99% of methanol production is based on coal...

techxplore.com

Novel material shows potential to produce green hydrogen

An article published in the journal Polymer describes the production of a material with the potential to be used to obtain hydrogen (H2) by solar-driven water splitting (photoelectrocatalysis) instead of the conventional electricity-driven process.

phys.org

Study introduces a cleaner way to produce ammonia at room temperature and pressure

Ammonia is the starting point for the fertilizers that have secured the world's food supply for the last century. It's also a main component of cleaning products, and is even considered as a future carbon-free replacement for fossil fuels in vehicles.

phys.org

Shear genius: Researchers find way to scale up wonder material, which could do wonders for the Earth

Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science have figured out how to take a miracle material, one capable of extracting value from captured carbon dioxide, and do what no one else has: make it practical to fabricate for large-scale application.

phys.org

Cheap, dirty leftovers can release pure oxygen: Hexagonal manganites show promise for production on an industrial scale

New materials for producing oxygen may challenge traditional production methods. This is exciting news, because pure oxygen is in demand for many areas in industry and medicine.

phys.org

New method makes hydrogen from solar power and agricultural waste

University of Illinois Chicago engineers have helped design a new method to make hydrogen gas from water using only solar power and agricultural waste, such as manure or husks. The method reduces the energy needed to extract hydrogen from water by 600%, creating new opportunities for...

techxplore.com

New sulfur-free catalyst enables efficient green diesel production

Green diesel, a blend of diesel-grade hydrocarbons derived from renewable oils such as vegetable oils and animal fats, offers a promising alternative to traditional petroleum diesel. With a chemical composition similar to petroleum diesel, it integrates seamlessly into existing engines, making...

phys.org

New method uses light to enable the generation of non-canonical amino acids

UC Santa Barbara researchers are building out the repertoire of chemical reactions, using light. In a paper published in the journal Nature, chemistry professor Yang Yang and collaborators at the University of Pittsburgh report a method using photobiocatalysis to produce non-canonical (not...

phys.org

Accelerated approach leads to discovery of a new catalytic promoter on par with decades of study

Addressing climate change demands rethinking of established chemical processes on a timescale of years rather than decades as in traditional R&D cycles. In collaboration with BasCat (UniCat BASF JointLab), a team of researchers from the Theory Department at the Fritz Haber Institute developed an...

phys.org

New method could significantly reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions

New research by the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) and International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) proposes using soil bacteria to cut greenhouse gas emissions from food production. The research is published in the journal Nature.

phys.org

Study finds even low lead levels in US water are linked to lead poisoning among susceptible people

In a first-of-its-kind study, physician-researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) report that even lead levels below the EPA's threshold in household water may adversely affect individuals with chronic kidney disease.

medicalxpress.com

Scientists identify gene that could lead to resilient 'pixie' corn

A widely found gene in plants has been newly identified as a key transporter of a hormone that influences the size of corn. The discovery offers plant breeders a new tool to develop desirable dwarf varieties that could enhance the crop's resilience and profitability.

phys.org

Simple food swaps could cut greenhouse gas emissions from household groceries by a quarter

Switching food and drink purchases to very similar but more environmentally friendly alternatives could reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from household groceries by more than a quarter (26%), according to a new Australian study from The George Institute for Global Health and Imperial College...

phys.org

New metasurface-based edge detecting filter for remote sensing could transform crop monitoring

New work by researchers from the ARC Center of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS) and City University of New York (CUNY) published May 27 in Nature Communications realizes a new, tunable edge-detecting filter for flat-optic imaging systems that can switch between an image...

phys.org

US wind and solar generation provided $249 billion in climate and air quality health benefits from 2019–2022: Study

A new study published in the journal Cell Reports Sustainability focuses on the air quality and climate benefits of wind and solar energy.

techxplore.com

US Energy Secretary calls for more nuclear power while celebrating $35 billion Georgia reactors

U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm on Friday called for more nuclear reactors to be built in the United States and worldwide. But the CEO of the Georgia utility that just finished the first two scratch-built American reactors in a generation at a cost of nearly $35 billion says his company...

techxplore.com

Researchers develop new perovskite solar cells that set efficiency record

A research group led by Prof. Ge Ziyi from the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering (NIMTE) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed three isomeric bisphosphonate-anchored self-assembled molecules (SAMs) to achieve highly efficient and stable inverted perovskite solar...

techxplore.com

What are the risks of hydrogen vehicles in tunnels?

A team from Graz University of Technology has analyzed the risk and damage potential of hydrogen vehicles in tunnels and derived recommendations. Their conclusion? Any damage would be extensive, but its occurrence is unlikely. They presented the findings at The 12th International Conference on...

techxplore.com

 

[publiusr]

This week

Satellite mapping reveals a global bloom in greenhouse cultivation

We have long become accustomed to enjoying tomatoes, cucumbers, berries and melons year-round. In Europe, most of these imports come from Spain, where millions of tons of fruit and vegetables are grown under seas of white plastic that span the southern part of the country.

phys.org

Scientists identify crucial detail essential for the production of hydrogen from algae enzymes

Under certain conditions, some algae are able to produce hydrogen—a much sought-after green energy source. Its production takes place in the unique catalytic center of the unicellular algae and is only possible if certain cofactors of the relevant proteins are present.

phys.org

Study reveals reversible assembly of platinum catalyst

Chemists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory, Stony Brook University (SBU), and their collaborators have uncovered new details of the reversible assembly and disassembly of a platinum catalyst. The new understanding may offer clues to the catalyst's stability...

phys.org

A transition-metal-free zeolite catalyst for direct conversion of methane to methanol

In light of the waste-to-wealth movement, technology for converting greenhouse gases into value-added materials has gained significant attention in recent years. One such technology is the catalytic conversion of methane into methanol, a widely used industrial solvent and raw material for...

phys.org

New catalyst brings commercial high-efficiency zinc-air batteries closer to reality

The effective conversion from fossil fuel-based to renewable energy sources requires cost-efficient, high-capacity, rechargeable batteries. Zinc-air batteries (ZAB) can theoretically store large amounts of energy, but current technologies require the use of expensive noble metal catalysts, or...

phys.org

A better model for converting carbon dioxide into fuels and products

Some parts of the world have been so successful in making inexpensive renewable electricity that we occasionally have too much of it. One possible use for that low-cost energy: Converting carbon dioxide into fuel and other products using a device called a membrane-electrode assembly.

techxplore.com

Will the climate transition be a battle of materials?

As things stand today, global demand for cobalt and lithium for e-car batteries will increase almost 20-fold by 2050. By then, the development of a fossil-free power supply will require a lot of copper, aluminum and iron, and the respective demand is likely to roughly double.

phys.org

Study identifies fungus that breaks down ocean plastic

A fungus living in the sea can break down the plastic polyethylene, provided it has first been exposed to UV radiation from sunlight. Researchers from, among others, NIOZ published their results in the journal Science of the Total Environment. They expect that many more plastic degrading fungi...

phys.org

Enhancing green hydrogen production with robust carbon fabric electrocatalysts

A technology has been developed to address the limitations of current catalyst electrodes, resulting in the production of green hydrogen on a large scale and at a relatively low cost. The development is reported in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

phys.org

Some countries could meet their total electricity needs from floating solar panels, research shows

Floating solar photovoltaic panels could supply all the electricity needs of some countries, new research has shown.

techxplore.com

A cracking discovery: Eggshell waste can recover rare earth elements needed for green energy

A collaborative team of researchers has made a cracking discovery with the potential to make a significant impact in the sustainable recovery of rare earth elements (REEs), which are in increasing demand for use in green energy technologies. The team found that humble eggshell waste could...

phys.org

Scientists develop electrified charcoal 'sponge' that can soak up CO₂ directly from the air

Researchers have developed a low-cost, energy-efficient method for making materials that can capture carbon dioxide directly from the air.

techxplore.com

'Painting with light' illuminates photo evidence of air pollution

Researchers and artists have joined forces to "paint with light"—making invisible air pollution visible and demonstrating the health risks posed to people living and working in Ethiopia, India, and the UK.

phys.org

Basic income can double global GDP while reducing carbon emissions, analysis suggests

Giving a regular cash payment to the entire world population has the potential to increase global gross domestic product (GDP) by 130%, according to a new analysis published June 7 in the journal Cell Reports Sustainability. Researchers suggest that charging carbon emitters with an emission tax...

phys.org

Researchers develop photocatalyst with irregular surface characteristics to convert carbon dioxide into fuel

A research team have developed a high-efficiency photocatalyst that converts carbon dioxide (CO2), a major contributor to climate change, into natural gas (methane, CH4). The team is led by Professor In Soo-il of the Department of Energy Science & Engineering at DGIST. The study is published in...

phys.org

Researchers develop rechargeable carbonaceous geosupercapacitor for sustainable pollutant abatement

A research team recently developed a sustainable and chemical-free superoxide (O2•−) generation strategy by integrating rechargeable carbonaceous supercapacitors with redox-moiety based O2 activation. These findings have the potential to provide a new strategy for the sustainable remediation of...

phys.org

Ionic liquid electrolyte enables efficient CO₂ conversion to fuels and chemicals

Converting CO2 into fuel and chemicals using electricity, also known as electrochemical conversion of CO2, is a promising way to reduce emissions. This process allows us to use carbon captured from industries and the atmosphere and turn it into resources that we usually get from fossil fuels.

techxplore.com

Meet Neo Px: the super plant that attacks air pollution

It may look like an innocent green plant, but its name evokes something far closer to a robot or interstellar rocket.

phys.org

 

[Desertfox]

The problem with statements that solar is the least expensive form of power generation is that they look at solar in isolation, and do not account for things like grid reinforcement, grid extension, and power storage that these Variable Renewables need.

I would argue that those are improvements that should be made independently of what power source is being used.

 

[starviking]

I would argue that those are improvements that should be made independently of what power source is being used.

But the issue is that only variable-output renewables like solar and wind require grid reinforcement, extension, and power storage.

 

[Arjen]

Grid reinforcement and extension is needed wherever you get increased industrial activity, irrespective of the type of power source.

 

[1635yankee]

But the issue is that only variable-output renewables like solar and wind require grid reinforcement, extension, and power storage.

The need for grid reinforcement first hit the news and politicians' sensibilities with the Northeast Power failure in 1965, which was traced to a trip of one incorrectly set switch near the NY-Ontario border. The cascading failure ended up shutting down power for most of the people in New York, New Jersey, and New England, and parts of Canada. Renewables were not an issue in 1965, nor were they a significant factor in major power failures in 1977, 1982, 1996, 1998, 2003, 2011, or two in 2012. Some politicians blamed the major cold-weather blackout in Texas on renewables, but the real problems included that the Texas grid is largely isolated from the rest of the US and that the Texas grid operators had fatuously dismissed recommendations about upgrading their grid's resistance to weather-related problems.

Renewables are challenging to incorporated into a grid, but I've grown rather fond of breathing and am old enough to remember when the air was often brown.

 

[starviking]

Grid reinforcement and extension is needed wherever you get increased industrial activity, irrespective of the type of power source.

Sorry, I should have phrased that differently:

Variable-output renewables like solar and wind require

A) grid reinforcement above that of normal power sources, as they can go from very low levels of output to very high levels of output in short periods of time. Additionally, compared to normal, reliable sources of power, they require cabling set to the maximum output, despite not achieving that regularly. That adds an extra cost in the entire system, as energy delivered is lower per given power line. Also, all the gubbins that are needed to connect home panels to the grid also could be considered par of grid reinforcement.

B) extension, all the myriad dispersed solar and wind systems have to be connected to the grid.

C) power storage. For when the sun doesn’t shine, and the wind doesn’t blow - either power storage, or rapid ramping power sources are needed.

 

[Arjen]

@starviking Quite right, but at the moment the grid has suffered from neglect in many places - worldwide. In these circumstances, grid renforcement is necessary anyway, which offers the opportunity to size the grid for variable-output renewables.
There IS a strong case for using variable-output renewables:
- reducing reliance on dubious regimes who control supply of fossil fuels
- reducing the impact of climate change
- reducing pollution
Adopting renewables doesn't come free, though.

 

[PMN1]

PowerFoyle

Powerfoyle - Towards the Light

Powerfoyle will surprise you by how intuitive and simple it will be to replace the need of charging from a power outlet, utilizing the power of light.

www.powerfoyle.com

 

[starviking]

PowerFoyle

Powerfoyle - Towards the Light

Powerfoyle will surprise you by how intuitive and simple it will be to replace the need of charging from a power outlet, utilizing the power of light.

www.powerfoyle.com

It sounds interesting, but colour me sceptical.

We have two new solar-powered lights for the front porch of our house, and to get them to work for any significant amount of time we have to shift them around the exterior of the house during the day. Which we can only do at the weekend, as we’re working all day during the week.

 

[publiusr]

Harvesting lithium and more

New method optimizes lithium extraction from seawater and groundwater

As the electric vehicle market booms, the demand for lithium—the mineral required for lithium-ion batteries—has also soared. Global lithium production has more than tripled in the last decade. But current methods of extracting lithium from rock ores or brines are slow and come with high energy...

phys.org

New lithium extraction method could reuse fracking wastewater

Scientists have discovered a new and efficient way of extracting lithium and other minerals from water, including wastewater from hydraulic fracturing.

www.mining-technology.com

Nonreciprocal quantum batteries exhibit remarkable capacities and efficiency

In physics, nonreciprocity occurs when a system's response varies depending on the direction in which waves or signals are propagating within it. This asymmetry arises from a break in so-called time-reversal symmetry, which essentially means that a system's processes observed as they evolve over...

phys.org

Electrifying industry with flexible heat pumps—a new approach may help companies generate carbon-free process heat

Whether producing foods, beverages, drugs, metals or paper or treating surfaces and textiles, industrial companies need process heat for many applications. Much of this is still generated by burning fossil fuels. Consequently, the generation of process heat accounts for a large proportion of...

techxplore.com

Solar

Scientists achieve high efficiency all-polymer solar cells through pincer-shaped, non-covalent bond interactions

In the thriving photovoltaic industry, all-polymer solar cells (all-PSCs) are gaining attention for their mechanical flexibility, lightweight design, and ability to be printed at low temperatures. However, the complex molecular structures of the polymer materials in all-PSCs pose challenges in...

techxplore.com

Wind turbine blades

World's heaviest soaring bird inspires wind power design

Mechanical engineers at the University of Alberta have teamed up with a renewable energy company to design and test wind turbines based on the wings of the world's heaviest soaring bird: the Andean condor, which is capable of flying up to 240 kilometers in a single day without flapping its wings.

techxplore.com

Mine reclamation

Mine makeovers: How to turn pits into healthy habitats

Open-cast mines could be converted from blots on the landscape into havens for wildlife, with land restored straight after digging finishes, a new primer on post-mining landscapes has proposed.

phys.org

Green Chemistry

Mineralizing emissions: Advanced reactor designs for CO₂ capture

In advancing sustainable waste management and CO2 sequestration, researchers have crafted reactors that mineralize carbon dioxide with fly ash particles. This avant-garde technique is set to offer a sustainable and lasting solution to the pressing issue of greenhouse gas emissions, repurposing...

techxplore.com

Fixing excess carbon dioxide: Biocatalyst-driven carboxylation under mild conditions

Carbon capture and utilization technologies for the conversion of carbon dioxide into carboxylic acids have garnered attention recently, with researchers from Tokyo Tech recently demonstrating a biocatalyzed carboxylation reaction of not only natural substrate, pyruvate, but also an unnatural...

phys.org

Algae offer real potential as a renewable electricity source, research shows

The need to transition away from fossil fuels to more sustainable energy production is critical. That's why a team of Concordia researchers is looking at a potential power source that not only produces no carbon emissions but removes carbon as it works: algae.

techxplore.com

Scientists make and test efficient water-splitting catalyst predicted by theory

Hydrogen (H2) is a promising fuel for reducing greenhouse gases, especially if produced by using renewable energy to split water molecules (H2O). But as simple as it may seem to break water into hydrogen and oxygen, the chemistry is complex.

phys.org

Thermoelectric effect between two liquid materials observed for the first time

A trio of physicists at Sorbonne Université, in France, has observed a thermoelectric effect between two liquid materials for the first time. In their study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Marlone Vernet, Stephan Fauve and Christophe Gissinger put two types of...

phys.org

Scientists engineer yellow-seeded camelina with high oil output

Efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions from transportation fuels are increasing demand for oil produced by nonfood crops. These plants use sunlight to power the conversion of atmospheric carbon dioxide into oil, which accumulates in seeds. Crop breeders, interested in selecting plants that...

phys.org

Concrete-nitrogen mix may provide major health and environment benefits

Adding nitrogen to concrete could significantly reduce global levels of potentially harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) created by the construction industry in developing towns and cities, a new study reveals.

techxplore.com

New photocatalytic COFs mimic photosynthesis for H₂O₂ production

National University of Singapore (NUS) chemists have developed hexavalent photocatalytic covalent organic frameworks (COFs) which mimic natural photosynthesis for the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), an important industrial chemical.

phys.org

Researchers harvest acid from seawater to feed beneficial algae

From the air you breathe to the seafood you eat, marine algae have some involvement—they consume carbon dioxide and produce oxygen through photosynthesis and feed fish and shellfish. One day, marine algae could also be used to make widely available eco-friendly plastics or fuel.

phys.org

Novel photocatalyst enables efficient ester reduction with blue light

The sweet smell of strawberries and other fruits is thanks to a chemical compound called ester, which is also found in many fats and polyesters. The ubiquitous compound can be broken down to produce desirable alcohols and other chemicals for use across industries, including pharmaceuticals and...

phys.org

New carbon nitride membrane improves lithium extraction from salt lakes

In a breakthrough for lithium recovery technologies, researchers from the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology (QIBEBT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, together with collaborators, have developed a crystalline carbon nitride membrane that could transform the lithium...

techxplore.com

A strikingly natural coincidence: Researchers find heating gallium nitride and magnesium forms a superlattice

A study led by Nagoya University in Japan revealed that a simple thermal reaction of gallium nitride (GaN) with metallic magnesium (Mg) results in the formation of a distinctive superlattice structure. This represents the first time researchers have identified the insertion of 2D metal layers...

phys.org

A 'liquid battery' advance—strategies for electrocatalytic hydrogenation

As California transitions rapidly to renewable fuels, it needs new technologies that can store power for the electric grid. Solar power drops at night and declines in winter. Wind power ebbs and flows. As a result, the state depends heavily on natural gas to smooth out highs and lows of...

phys.org

Switching nanomagnets using infrared lasers

When molecules are irradiated with infrared light, they begin to vibrate due to the energy supply. For Andreas Hauser from the Institute of Experimental Physics at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz), this well-known phenomenon was the starting point for considering whether these...

phys.org

Researchers build an AI assistant for synthetic chemists

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have built an AI-assistant to guide laboratory chemists to find new, cheaper ways to make organic molecules.

phys.org

 

[publiusr]

Two for one solar and more

'Two-for-one' fission aims to improve solar cell efficiency

Singlet fission occurs when an organic molecule absorbs one photon of light, then splits that light's energy in two—a doubling effect that has the potential to improve the light-harvesting efficiency in solar cells, assuming the generated electrons can be properly harvested.

phys.org

New catalyst unveils the hidden power of water for green hydrogen generation

Hydrogen is a promising chemical and energy vector to decarbonize our society. Unlike conventional fuels, hydrogen utilization as a fuel does not generate carbon dioxide in return. Unfortunately, today, most of the hydrogen that is produced in our society comes from methane, a fossil fuel. It...

techxplore.com

Life cycle analysis reveals mixed CO₂ benefits from green hydrogen

Green hydrogen often, but certainly not always, leads to CO2 gains. This claim is based on research published in Nature Energy by Kiane de Kleijne from Radboud University and Eindhoven University of Technology.

techxplore.com

Chemistry

Study explores high-performance copper/graphene composite conductor for motors

A study, led by Tingting Zuo, was based on the idea of in-situ growth, and a series of Cu/Gr composites with improved interfaces were prepared by vacuum hot press sintering. Combined with cold-drawing and heat-treatment processes, composite wires with extremely high strength and electrical...

phys.org

Researchers find unexpected excitations in a kagome layered material

Researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy Ames National Laboratory have discovered an unexpected chiral excitation in the kagome layered topological magnet TbMn6Sn6. This chiral excitation can be viewed as a localized magnetic swirl or vortex. The team also confirmed the existence of...

phys.org

Breakthrough nanoporous material exhibits giant piezoelectric response

Recently a super-strain nanoporous material, barium calcium zirconium titanate composition (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Ti0.9Zr0.1)O3 (BCZT) was created, which showcases an extraordinary piezoelectric response (d33 ≈7500 pm V-1) . This value represents an order of magnitude greater than the traditional...

phys.org

Scientists uncover previously unknown properties of gallium

Nearly 150 years after gallium was discovered and added to the periodic table, University of Auckland scientists have uncovered previously-unknown aspects of the metal's structure and behavior.

phys.org

Scientists use computational modeling to guide a difficult chemical synthesis

Researchers from MIT and the University of Michigan have discovered a new way to drive chemical reactions that could generate a wide variety of compounds with desirable pharmaceutical properties.

phys.org

Synthetic pathway for promising nitride compounds discovered

Ruddlesden-Popper compounds are a class of materials with a special layered structure that makes them interesting for numerous applications—as superconductors or catalysts, for example, or for use in photovoltaics. There have been many halides and oxides of this structural type before now, but...

phys.org

The worm has turned: DIY lab platform evaluates new molecules in minutes

Plants are powerhouses of molecular manufacturing. Over the eons, they have evolved to produce a plethora of small molecules—some are beneficial and valuable to humans, while others can be deadly. For years, a good way for scientists looking for new medicines to distinguish beneficial...

phys.org

Aromatic compounds: A ring made up solely of metal atoms

The term aromaticity is a basic, long-standing concept in chemistry that is well established for ring-shaped carbon compounds. Aromatic rings consisting solely of metal atoms were, however, heretofore unknown.

phys.org

New method visualizes ligands on gold nanoparticles in liquid

The University of Antwerp and CIC biomaGUNE have come up with a promising method for understanding the role of surface molecules in the formation of nanoparticles. The groundbreaking research, published in Nature Chemistry, provides an advanced characterization tool for the design of nanomaterials.

phys.org

Not all calcite crystals perfect; synthesis methods can alter internal structure, affect chemical reactivity

When looking at calcite under a microscope, a scientist would immediately recognize the crystalline form of calcium carbonate by its rhombohedral appearance. That is, calcite is shaped like a distorted cube. One of Earth's most abundant minerals, calcite is a major component of limestone and...

phys.org

Secrets of salt drop stains unveiled: New research decodes chemical composition from simple photos

Imagine zooming in on a dried drop of salt solution—each pattern a unique masterpiece, reminiscent of abstract art, yet no larger than the size of a penny.

phys.org

Researchers identify a cheaper, more convenient method to detect asbestos

For decades, a laboratory procedure known as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been used to test for asbestos in samples taken at construction sites.

phys.org

From mantle to crust: Solving a green metal mystery

Researchers from The University of Western Australia have created an experiment to explain the volcanic processes needed to transport green metals from the Earth's interior to its surface.

phys.org

Magnesium-18's unique decay process: From theory to practice

Led by physicist Si-Min Wang, the research team at Key Laboratory of Nuclear Physics and Ion-beam Application (MOE), Institute of Modern Physics, and Shanghai Research Center for Theoretical Nuclear Physics, NSFC, Fudan University, has documented that 18Mg undergoes a unique "multi-proton" decay...

phys.org

Researchers determine high-pressure silica mineral in the deep Earth is anhydrous

In the Earth's subduction zones, water is transported into the deep mantle by nominally anhydrous minerals (NAMs) and water-bearing minerals in oceanic plates that react with seawater. Therefore, determination of the stability field and water content of water-bearing minerals is very important...

phys.org

Shaping the future of polymer nanocarriers

Scientists have taken a significant step towards the development of tailor-made chiral nanocarriers with controllable release properties. These nanocarriers, inspired by nature's helical molecules like DNA and proteins, hold immense potential for targeted drug delivery and other biomedical...

phys.org

Researchers develop polymer fibers that can facilitate controlled, local drug delivery

Medical products such as ointments or syringes reach their limits when it comes to delivering medication locally—and above all in a controlled manner over a longer period of time. Empa researchers are therefore developing polymer fibers that can deliver active ingredients precisely over the long...

phys.org

New study unveils formation secrets of tiny rare earth elements

Researchers from Trinity College Dublin's School of Natural Sciences have revealed a novel route to the formation of bastnäsite, a crucial mineral for the extraction of rare earth elements (REEs). Their work offers promise in one day making the extraction of these REEs more efficient.

phys.org

Observing flows at a liquid-liquid-solid intersection

Most of us are familiar with the classic example of a liquid-gas moving contact line on a solid surface: a raindrop, sheared by the wind, creeps along a glass windscreen. The contact line's movements depend on the interplay between viscous and surface tension forces—a relationship that has been...

phys.org

 

[publiusr]

More on green tech

Solar technology: Researchers develop innovative light-harvesting system

In order to convert sunlight into electricity or other forms of energy as efficiently as possible, the very first step is an efficient light-harvesting system. Ideally, this should be panchromatic, i.e. absorb the entire spectrum of visible light.

techxplore.com

'Self-healing' solar cells could become reality

Solar cells of the future could be able to withstand corrosive susceptibility by "self-healing," in a break-through the scientific community has long been pursuing.

techxplore.com

Researchers suggest smart solution to harness waste heat from industry

Norway wastes huge amounts of energy. Surplus heat produced by industry is hardly exploited at all.

techxplore.com

Engineered biocatalyst for making 'drop-in' biofuels

Researchers at the Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry (IPC), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), have developed an enzymatic platform that can efficiently transform naturally abundant and inexpensive fatty acids to valuable hydrocarbons called 1-alkenes, which are promising biofuels.

phys.org

Researchers develop a commercially viable and safe gel electrolyte for lithium batteries

Professor Soojin Park, Seoha Nam, a Ph.D. candidate, and Dr. Hye Bin Son from the Department of Chemistry at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) have achieved a breakthrough in creating a gel electrolyte-based battery that is both stable and commercially viable. Their research...

techxplore.com

 

[Orionblamblam]

So, uh, about that transition to "clean energy..."

 

[publiusr]

You want a combination in case peak oil becomes a thing.

 

[Orionblamblam]

You want a combination in case peak oil becomes a thing.

Yes... a combo of conventional nuclear, thorium nuclear, breeder reactors and underground H-bomb driven fusion. Steady-state fusion when it comes online.