Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a nanocatalyst that converts food waste into sustainable aviation fuel. The team's findings, published in Science Advances, demonstrate the production of an alternative to traditional jet fuel using non-noble metal carbide catalysts.
Researchers developed high-oxygen vacancy cerium catalysts with NiFe alloy heterostructures, significantly improving biomass ethanol T-SOFC efficiency and anti-carbon accumulation performance. The catalyst showed excellent catalytic activity and stable operation for up to 100 hours.
Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo found that exposure to water vapor enhances oxide-ion mobility by increasing interstitial oxygen ions, nearly doubling the oxide-ion conductivity at 500 °C. This breakthrough could advance the development of efficient and durable fuel cells for clean energy applications.
Scientists at Kyushu University have created a solid oxide fuel cell that operates at a low temperature of 300°C, overcoming a major hurdle in their development. The breakthrough uses scandium to create a 'ScO6 highway' for protons to travel efficiently, enabling the production of affordable hydrogen power.
A team of scientists at DGIST has created a new catalyst that boosts the performance and longevity of hydrogen fuel cells. By combining platinum with calcium, they achieved levels surpassing 2025 targets, paving the way for widespread adoption in hydrogen vehicles and power generation.
A global collaboration found that co-deposition is the dominant driver of fuel retention in lithium walls, and adding lithium during operation is more effective than pre-coating. The study offers insights into managing tritium, a rare fusion fuel, and improving plasma stability.
SwRI has created a novel controller system to test fuel cell stacks under normal and extreme driving conditions, enhancing performance and efficiency. The project aims to develop predictive control models for humidity management, improving fuel cell performance and reliability.
A new study suggests that afforestation may not be a viable method for offsetting carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel reserves due to spatial requirements and financial viability. The analysis found that planting trees on an area larger than North America would be needed to offset the potential emissions, raising concerns about d...
Researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University develop innovative solutions to enhance performance and reduce costs in PEM fuel cells and water electrolysis. The study addresses critical oxygen transport challenges, paving the way for high-performance, low-cost hydrogen technologies.
A new process using seawater and recycled soda cans can produce green hydrogen with a low carbon footprint comparable to other green hydrogen technologies. Researchers found that the overall emissions of this method are on par with those of fossil-fuel-based processes, making it a scalable and sustainable option for energy production.
The design enables liquid hydrogen to be used as both a clean fuel and a built-in cooling medium, achieving an optimal gravimetric index of 0.62, which is significantly better than conventional designs. The system uses tank pressure control to regulate the flow of hydrogen fuel without mechanical pumps.
A recent study by Ryan Thombs found no association between renewable energy production and fossil fuel production in the US. Despite this, more than 96% of variation in fossil fuel production was explained by fixed factors such as fossil fuel endowments.
SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Environmental Studies and Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 20, 2025
Researchers at UCLA developed a novel catalyst design that shields platinum from degradation, enabling fuel cells to power heavy-duty trucks reliably for up to 200,000 hours. This breakthrough could make hydrogen fuel cells a more viable clean energy source for long-haul trucking.
Researchers developed a new ultrafine platinum-based high-entropy alloy octahedra catalyst that enhances methanol oxidation reaction activity and durability. The senary alloy outperformed ternary alloys and commercial platinum-on-carbon catalysts in terms of performance, offering a promising advance for direct methanol fuel cells.
The American College of Cardiology is presenting the inaugural JACC Rocket Fuel Consultant Award to five experts who have streamlined the review process and ensured high-quality research submissions. The award aims to fuel JACC's mission to improve heart health through pertinent research.
Researchers develop novel function of semiconductor-ionic conductor (SIC) using Cu-Sm co-doping ceria, achieving superionic transport property and excellent fuel cell performance. The co-doped electrolyte features a denser grain network with smaller boundaries, improving ion mobility and supporting strong phase stability.
New research exposes samples to superheated plasma, revealing that carbon is the main cause of trapped fuel. The study aims to improve materials for future fusion power plants like ITER by minimizing carbon content.
The Ukraine war led to a significant increase in global aviation carbon dioxide emissions due to planes taking longer routes around Russian airspace. On average, flights used 13% more fuel, with the impact being greatest for Europe-Asia and North America-Asia flights.
A team of scientists at Washington State University has developed a new method for storing volatile hydrogen using lignin-based jet fuel. The technology could make it easier to harness hydrogen's potential as a high-energy and zero-emissions fuel source.
The article explores how AI is accelerating the development of fuel cell materials by predicting stability, performance, and optimizing system control. Machine learning techniques have been successfully applied to various types of fuel cells, including proton exchange membrane fuel cells and solid oxide fuel cells.
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology developed a model to estimate biofilm growth, enabling optimal hull cleaning schedules to save on fuel consumption. Biofilm fouling can increase fuel friction by up to 18%, leading to higher emissions and consumer prices.
A study published in PLOS Climate found substantial connections between fossil fuel, plastics, and agrichemical industries on Twitter. The research analyzed over 125,300 tweets from nine key players in these industries, revealing strong inter-sector connections, particularly between fossil fuel and plastics organizations.
The SNU-Hyundai joint research developed an innovative analysis technique, e-LCTEM, to rapidly evaluate fuel cell catalyst durability and identify degradation mechanisms. This technology accelerates durability testing, reducing evaluation costs and paving the way for more efficient catalyst verification.
Researchers developed an AI-based model to analyze carbon fiber paper microstructure, enabling near-real-time diagnosis of fuel cell performance degradation causes. The technology achieves speedup of 100x compared to existing methods, allowing for quick identification of damage areas and optimal design parameters.
Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a novel fuel cell electrolyte concept using phosphonic acid polymers with hydrocarbon spacers. The new membrane exhibits improved water insolubility, chemical stability and conductivity under high-temperature and low-humidity conditions.
A research team at DGIST has developed a breakthrough technology that improves fuel cell durability by incorporating nitrogen into alloy catalysts. The new method significantly enhances stability and reduces platinum usage, leading to more efficient and sustainable energy solutions.
Experts reveal how new photocatalytic sheets and reactors can split water into hydrogen and oxygen using sunlight. The breakthrough could make solar energy conversion a practical option, but challenges remain, including efficiency and safety concerns.
An investigation by The BMJ found over 180 medical articles funded by the fossil fuel industry, with ties to top journals including The BMJ and The Lancet. Experts demand stronger action against the industry's influence on research, citing similarities with tobacco companies in harm caused and tactics used.
The SRI and University of Houston-affiliated project aims to develop a modular microreactor technology that converts carbon dioxide into methanol using renewable energy sources. The project has the potential to transform sustainable fuel production, offering a clean alternative for sectors like transportation.
Researchers used computer modeling to study the feasibility and challenges of hydrogen-powered aviation, suggesting that improvements in fuel cell power could eliminate environmental impact. The team's model indicated that switching from traditional jet fuel to hydrogen fuel could reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90%.
A novel approach has improved the electrochemical performance of direct ammonia protonic ceramic fuel cells by introducing a CeO2-supported Ni and Ru catalyst layer. The study demonstrates enhanced performance and reduced degradation rates at various temperatures, paving the way for more efficient energy conversion systems.
Researchers developed a new synthesis method to lower the sintering temperature of proton ceramic electrolytes in fuel cells. This allows for the production of high-efficiency cells at lower temperatures, enhancing thermal stability and performance. The new process enables the creation of large-area cells with superior proton conductance.
A new study from Uppsala University found that nearly 40% of the public support rationing of goods like meat and fuel to reduce their climate impact. The study, which surveyed over 9,000 people in five countries, also showed that acceptability of rationing is on par with taxes for emissions-intensive food.
Washington State University scientists developed a continuous reaction process to produce lignin-based jet fuel from agricultural waste, reducing carbon footprint and emissions. The new technology has the potential to replace fossil fuel-derived compounds and make sustainable fuels fully "drop-in" capable.
Scientists have created an artificial motor that converts chemical energy into rotational energy at the supramolecular level, mimicking the movement of primitive bacteria. The new development has potential applications in nanorobots for detecting tumor cells and could lead to innovative medical treatments.
Researchers introduce a new mathematical model tailored for SOFCs using direct internal reforming of ethanol, validated against experimental data. The study reveals how operating conditions influence the reactions inside the SOFC, improving hydrogen yield and performance at increased current densities.
Researchers at Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology developed a new fuel cell catalyst made from platinum and magnesium, significantly improving efficiency and longevity. The catalyst surpasses US Department of Energy's 2025 performance targets, demonstrating its high efficiency and long-term stability.
Researchers developed improved double-layer frame structures with cushion layers to enhance MEA continuity and reduce membrane deformation. This enhances PEMFC durability, crucial for achieving the 5000-hour goal, bringing fuel cell vehicle commercialization closer to reality.
The study reveals that colder fuel increases the spray impingement ratio, leading to higher wall adhesion and thicker films. The findings aim to optimize fuel injection strategies for cleaner, more efficient engines.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new method to study fuel cell degradation, allowing them to pinpoint exactly when and where the material degrades. This provides valuable information for developing new and improved fuel cells with a longer lifespan.
Researchers from Tokyo Tech have discovered a material with exceptionally high proton conductivity and thermal stability, paving the way for more durable fuel cells. The new electrolyte enables fast proton diffusion and chemical stability at intermediate temperatures.
The research team developed a simple and fast oxide catalyst coating technology that significantly improves the performance of solid oxide fuel cells. The coating process takes only 4 minutes and enhances the oxygen reduction reaction, leading to a threefold improvement in peak power density.
An analysis published in Science found that high assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel can be used directly to make nuclear weapons, posing a significant threat to terrorism and nuclear proliferation. Many proposed reactors could contain enough HALEU to make a nuclear weapon, increasing security risks.
A newly developed perovskite with large intrinsic oxygen vacancies achieves high proton conduction at low and intermediate temperatures. The material can take up more water to increase its proton concentration, reducing proton trapping through electrostatic repulsion between the dopant and proton.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg studied how bubbles form in a drop of biodiesel using femtosecond lasers. The findings aim to improve engine efficiency, reduce emissions, and increase fuel combustion. Understanding bubble formation is crucial for developing more efficient biofuel motors.
A study models China's hydrogen-fuel industry and finds that platinum constraints could limit the country's expansion of hydrogen fuel use, especially if current supply chains are disrupted
A new study suggests that ammonia could be a smart and energy-efficient fuel in the race to achieve net zero in shipping. The NTNU researchers' model shows that IMO's ambitions have a strong impact on shipowners' choice of propulsion systems.
A team from the University of Virginia has identified an organic molecule that can effectively substitute expensive metal catalysts in fuel-cell technology, potentially leading to cheaper and more sustainable energy solutions. The discovery presents a significant step forward in the search for efficient fuel cells.
Researchers have decoded the multiple oxidation processes at the platinum-electrolyte interface in high-temperature PEM fuel cells using tender X-ray studies. The results show that variations in humidity can influence some of these processes to increase the lifetime and efficiency of fuel cells.
EPFL researchers have developed a novel approach to boost electrocatalysis using magnetic fields, enhancing the movement of reactants and improving reaction efficiency. This innovation has significant potential to revolutionize energy conversion technologies and increase sustainable fuel production, mitigating climate change.
The study elucidates the role of interfacial cations in oxide formation on Pt surfaces, suggesting that selecting optimal cations can control surface oxidation and improve electrode durability. This finding is crucial for developing high-performance and stable Pt electrocatalysts for next-generation electrochemical devices.
Island nations like New Zealand could reduce dependence on imported fuels by producing biofuel from locally grown crops like canola. This would ensure a supply for the country's bare minimum agricultural liquid fuel needs, even in the event of a major disruption.
Researchers investigate degradation mechanisms of proton exchange membrane fuel cells in automotive settings, highlighting chemical breakdown, corrosion, and mechanical wear. The study introduces pioneering approaches to enhance the lifespan and durability of PEMFCs, offering new perspectives for commercializing clean technology.
Researchers at Chiba University have discovered that adding caffeine to certain platinum electrodes can increase the activity of the oxygen reduction reaction. This discovery has the potential to reduce platinum requirements in fuel cells, making them more affordable and efficient.
Scientists have successfully developed a new structure family of oxide proton conductors as an alternative solid oxide fuel cell operated at low temperature. They achieved remarkable proton conductivity of 0.158 S cm−1 at 500°C by surficially transporting protons along oxide-ion conductor GDC particles.
Researchers at Sophia University have optimized air–fuel mixing conditions for efficient ammonia combustion in engines, bringing us closer to viable ammonia-fueled vehicles. Swirling flow patterns promote better air and fuel mixing, leading to improved combustion and reduced emissions.
Researchers have developed a chemical etching method to widen the pores of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which could improve their applications in fuel cells and as catalysts. The new MOF structure enables faster transfer of chemicals, enhancing activity and stability.
Scientists at the University of Ottawa have developed a new radiotracer called [18F]4-FDF that can map how cells use fructose for energy. This allows for earlier detection of diseases like cancers, heart and brain inflammation, using fructose as a metabolic fuel.
Researchers created a polymer electrolyte membrane with an interpenetrating network that enhances fatigue resistance and prolongs the lifespan of fuel cells. The composite membrane exhibits a lifespan of 410 hours, compared to 242 hours for the original Nafion membrane.
A new Northwestern University-led fuel cell harvests energy from microbes in soil to power underground sensors, potentially offering a sustainable alternative to batteries. The technology outlasts similar technologies by 120% and can operate in both wet and dry conditions.