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.

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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...

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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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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.

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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...

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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.

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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 plasmaâthe stuff of outer spaceâUniversity 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

 

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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.

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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...

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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.

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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...

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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...

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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.

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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

 

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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...

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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...

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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...

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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.

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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.

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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

 

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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.

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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...

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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.

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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...

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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.

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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...

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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.

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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.

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Study shows potential of super grids when hurricanes overshadow solar panels

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

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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...

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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...

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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...

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