Articles tagged with Alternative Energy
The Expand Appalachia project aims to accelerate the identification and characterization of unconventional critical mineral resources throughout the region. The team will assess regional infrastructure, identify industries that could benefit from production, and develop strategies to boost economic growth and attract investment.
A new analysis of social media posts reveals that public support for solar energy remains high, but has become increasingly polarized. The study found that attitudes toward solar energy are largely being driven by politics, with significant differences in support across regions and states.
Researchers found that applying external pressures can alleviate Li loss and battery degradation by alleviating SEI aggregation. Pressure regulation can rejuvenate I-iLi, reducing its content and Li loss. The study suggests a promising approach for advancing practical Li metal batteries.
Researchers found urban sprawl and poor waste management led to an abundance of plastic waste. Burning plastic releases harmful chemicals, posing health risks to women and children. The issue affects millions in cities struggling with basic services.
Researchers unveil Ba-Si orthosilicate oxynitride-hydride as a transition metal-free catalyst, offering a more sustainable approach to ammonia production. The novel catalyst demonstrates exceptional stability and higher activity than conventional ruthenium-loaded MgO catalysts.
Researchers have developed a new technology that can turn thermal radiation into electricity in a way that exceeds the physical limit of Planck's law. The breakthrough could revolutionize manufacturing industries by increasing power generation without high temperature heat sources or expensive materials.
A new photocatalytic chemical mechanical polishing (PCMP) slurry has been developed for Single Crystal Diamond (SCD) polishing, resulting in exceptionally smooth surfaces with minimal damage. The Material Removal Rate (MRR) peaks at 1168 nm·h−1, emphasizing the efficiency and effectiveness of this advanced polishing technique.
Researchers at Lancaster University have successfully demonstrated negative refraction using atomic arrays, eliminating the need for metamaterials. This achievement paves the way for novel technologies based on negative refraction, including perfect lenses and cloaking devices.
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory's four PECASE recipients made groundbreaking contributions to next-generation energy storage and solid fuel combustion, expanding the nation's energy density portable energy storage capabilities and optimizing propulsion systems.
Weizmann researchers create new method to analyze dendrites in lithium-ion batteries, finding optimal composition for safe energy storage. The study reveals 'golden ratio' for electrolyte balance, extending battery life and reducing fire hazard.
Researchers at Chung-Ang University have developed a novel hydrovoltaic device that can produce up to a few tens of microwatts and responds quickly to evaporation-driven changes in water flow, making it suitable for fire detection. The device also exhibits excellent stability over extended periods.
The university aims to improve operational efficiency, manage emissions, and build an inventory of methane emissions through three research projects. The efforts will also support workforce development and improve air quality in local communities.
The Laboratory for Laser Energetics at the University of Rochester has launched an IFE-STAR ecosystem to develop a clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy source. The initiative aims to accelerate fusion science and technology by building a national network of coordination and collaboration.
Researchers at the University of Michigan will develop shock absorbers, noise-mitigating curtains, and hardware-in-loop platforms to improve testing and durability. The projects aim to make offshore renewable energy more reliable and better neighbor to marine life.
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered a new class of conductors made from niobium phosphide that can conduct electricity better than copper in films as thin as a few atoms. This breakthrough could lead to more powerful and efficient electronics, reducing energy consumption and heat loss.
New research from Colorado State University finds that wildfire smoke has a modest impact on long-term solar power generation activity in the US. The study, published in Nature Communications, shows that power generated from photovoltaics remained relatively stable even in extreme fire seasons, with losses averaging around 5%.
A POSTECH research team developed a groundbreaking strategy to enhance LLO material durability, extending battery lifespan by up to 84.3% after 700 cycles. The breakthrough addresses capacity fading and voltage decay issues.
Researchers have developed a new sodium-ion battery material that improves performance by 15% and increases energy density to 458 Wh/kg. The material, Na x V2(PO4)3, allows for stable operation and continuous voltage change, making it a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
Researchers at MIT have created a new magnetic state in an antiferromagnetic material using terahertz laser light, enabling controlled switching and potentially leading to more efficient memory chips. The technique provides a powerful tool for manipulating magnetism and advancing information processing technology.
Researchers from Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) conducted a comprehensive material flow analysis of wood in Switzerland to shed light on its availability and usage. The study found that recycling rate for wood is around 8% compared to 70% for paper, highlighting the need for sustainable use.
Researchers have designed a thermochromic smart window that can regulate temperature, reducing energy consumption by 10-50 MJ/m2. The device offers high visible transmissivity and broadband infrared modulation, enabling all-season energy savings.
New research maps 35 years of river changes on a global scale, revealing 44% of downstream rivers saw decreases in water flow, while 17% of upstream rivers saw increases. This shift has significant implications for flooding, ecosystem disruption, and freshwater supplies.
A UCF researcher is developing a thermochemical energy storage system to reserve solar energy for future use and contribute to the global transition to clean energy. The system uses chemical reactions to absorb or release heat, making it an advantageous way to store energy at high temperatures.
Researchers at Pusan National University developed a hybrid model to predict metal wear in magnesium alloys, enabling safer, lighter designs. The model combines machine learning and physics to improve fatigue life prediction, offering greater predictive reliability for enhanced safety and longevity.
Scientists at MIT developed a fully integrated photonic processor that can perform all key computations of a deep neural network optically on the chip. The device completed machine-learning classification tasks in under half a nanosecond while achieving over 92% accuracy, similar to traditional hardware.
A new microwave-assisted synthesis route has improved the performance of a coordination polymer photocatalyst, achieving a record-breaking value for CO2-to-formate conversion with a nearly ten-fold increase in apparent quantum yield. The improvements are attributed to well-crystallized material and surface area increases.
Argonne will support two projects in Ukraine under the DOS NEXT initiative, focusing on clean hydrogen power and rebuilding the steel industry. The project aims to provide energy security and resiliency benefits for clean steel production in post-war Ukraine.
A UCF researcher is working with PACCAR to create a hydrogen-based combustion engine for heavy-duty vehicles, aiming to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. The project aims to develop a cleaner alternative to diesel fuel, which is currently the dominant choice for commercial vehicles.
A new polymer-based anion exchange membrane has been developed to improve the performance and durability of water electrolysis for green hydrogen production. The membrane demonstrates high hydroxide ion conductivity and can withstand extreme alkaline conditions, making it a valuable component in sustainable hydrogen production.
A new study suggests that smart robots can predict waves in real-time, enabling them to work stably in turbulent seas. This technology could reduce the cost of generating renewable energy by up to 50%, making it more competitive with fossil fuels.
A proof-of-concept study has demonstrated that off-the-shelf thermoelectric generators can convert CO2 into useful fuels and chemicals. The temperature differences encountered in various environments, from geothermal installations to the Martian surface, could power this conversion.
Binghamton University researchers have created artificial plants that can capture 90% of carbon dioxide from indoor air, reducing levels and generating oxygen. The plants use photosynthesis to drive the process, with an additional power generation capability of around 140 microwatts.
Combining visible light with electrochemistry improves CO2 conversion rates and selectivity, enabling the production of valuable products such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The study's findings have significant implications for catalysis research and industrial applications.
Researchers are studying the rift to access naturally occurring hydrogen, which could yield vast amounts of clean energy. The data is promising, and scientists believe it's possible to store and access trapped hydrogen in the rift.
Researchers have confirmed that fractures can form in superhot, superdeep rock, making it more permeable and potentially increasing its economic value. This breakthrough could lead to the development of cleaner, more efficient geothermal energy sources.
The system removes salt from water at a pace that closely follows changes in solar energy, maximizing the utility of solar power. It produces large quantities of clean water despite variations in sunlight throughout the day, making it an attractive solution for communities with limited access to seawater and grid power.
Researchers used aerial drone technology and boat-based surveys to map complex tidal flows around the world's most powerful tidal turbine, O2. The study provides new insights into optimal turbine placement and site-specific assessments to address uncertainties surrounding interactions with marine habitats and environments.
A new, low-cost cathode material developed by Georgia Tech's Hailong Chen could transform the electric vehicle (EV) market and large-scale energy storage systems. The iron chloride (FeCl3) cathode costs a mere 1-2% of typical cathode materials and can store the same amount of electricity.
A new study identifies multiple technologies to cost-effectively decarbonize the energy system, prioritizing their adoption and transition. The findings suggest a range of options to achieve near-cost-optimal futures, emphasizing research and development investments.
A UC Santa Barbara researcher aims to reduce desalination's energy consumption by two times using renewable energy sources like solar or waste heat. The project's goals include improving the thermal distillation process and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, addressing global water scarcity and climate change concerns.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a method to understand and improve light-harvesting molecules for solar energy applications. By combining AI with automated chemical synthesis and experimental validation, they were able to produce molecules four times more stable than traditional ones.
Researchers have developed catalysts that achieve high ammonia Faradaic efficiency and yield rate, transforming nitrate into valuable ammonia. The study's findings provide insights into structural changes on spinel cobalt oxides, enabling more efficient and sustainable industrial processes.
Engineers at MIT have developed a physics-based model that accurately represents airflow around rotors under extreme conditions. This new theory has the potential to improve rotor blade designs and optimize wind farm layouts for maximum power output and safety.
Researchers have developed a new method to predict protein movements by teaching AI about energetic frustration. This improves the accuracy of tools like AlphaFold2 in predicting alternative structures and functional movements. The study has significant implications for drug design, enzyme engineering, and disease mechanisms.
Scientists at Tohoku University create a novel technology to harness ambient low-power RF signals, enabling battery-free operation for electronic devices and sensors. The developed compact spin-rectifier technology converts faint ambient RF signals to DC power.
Researchers at Chung-Ang University have discovered an additive that enhances the efficiency of perovskite solar cells, resulting in a record-breaking 12.22% efficiency. The additive, 4-phenylthiosemicarbazide, improves stability and reduces defects, paving the way for more accessible and long-lasting solar panels.
A research team at Iowa State University is studying how to efficiently turn harvested grass into lucrative renewable natural gas, creating wins for farmers, businesses, municipalities, and society. The analysis finds that renewable natural gas is the most economically practical focus, with a lower carbon footprint compared to traditio...
Researchers create fast and sustainable method to produce hydrogen gas using aluminum, saltwater, and coffee grounds. They find that adding caffeine speeds up the reaction, producing hydrogen in just five minutes.
Researchers developed a crystalline solid that can adsorb and release ammonia, making it easy to recover. The material's high density and ease of desorption make it a promising solution for efficient hydrogen storage.
A team of Lehigh University researchers led by Professor Muhannad Suleiman is working to develop floating offshore wind platforms that can harness both wind and wave energy. The goal is to create more efficient and resilient structures that can withstand extreme weather conditions.
Researchers developed a one-dimensional model to predict soil temperatures around energy piles in Southeast Asia. They found that temperature distribution remained stable despite changes in soil thermal conductivity, indicating GSHP systems can be designed flexibly.
Researchers found raw material demand for electric vehicles will nearly double by 2050 if current trends continue. Implementing circular economy strategies such as ride-sharing, recycling, and solid-state batteries can halve resource demand or maintain it at 2015 levels.
Researchers have developed a novel perovskite-based anode material with mixed hole–proton conduction, achieving high efficiency at low and medium temperatures. The breakthrough could pave the way for important technological advancements in energy technologies.
A recent study found that a hybrid variety of cactus pear produced eight times more biomass than the poorest performing variety, making it an attractive water-efficient source of biofuel. The research built on earlier findings and identified high-production varieties suitable for producing biomass under semi-arid conditions.
A new computer vision technique developed by MIT engineers significantly speeds up the characterization of newly synthesized electronic materials. The technique automatically analyzes images of printed semiconducting samples and quickly estimates two key electronic properties: band gap and stability.
Researchers at Lancaster University and Radboud University Nijmegen have discovered a novel pathway to modulate and amplify spin waves at the nanoscale, paving the way for dissipation-free quantum information technologies. The study's findings could lead to the development of fast and energy-efficient computing devices.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new thermophotovoltaic cell that can recover significantly more energy from heat batteries, increasing efficiency to 44%. The device uses air bridges to trap photons with the right energies, allowing for the recycling of useless photons and improving overall performance.
Researchers found that longer sprint interval training protocols, such as SIE20, outperform shorter protocols like SIE10 in increasing peripheral oxidative metabolism. This study's findings suggest that less-than-15-minute exercise regimens can provide significant health benefits.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have engineered a thermal trap to deliver heat at high temperatures needed for industrial processes, overcoming the challenge of fossil fuels. The device, which uses solar radiation, absorbs sunlight and converts it into heat, minimizing radiative heat losses and increasing efficiency.
Researchers at Linköping University have developed a battery based on zinc and lignin that can be used over 8000 times, retaining its charge for approximately one week. The battery is stable and easily recyclable, making it a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries.