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What will a CO2-neutral Switzerland cost us?

A study published in Frontiers in Energy Research calculates the costs of a CO2-neutral Switzerland, finding that three different energy systems would require significant investments and increased energy costs. The most efficient option is electrifying the entire energy supply, but this comes with the challenge of storing enough renewa...

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalFrontiers in Energy Research·TypeCase study·DateFeb 17, 2022

Load up the hydrogen but hold the carbon

A Kyoto University-led team has created a novel hydrogen plant design that harnesses fully renewable resources to produce clean hydrogen with minimal associated CO2 emissions. The SABI-Hydrogen system uses solar heating and biomass gasification to produce hydrogen, resulting in an emission rate of only 1.04kg CO2/kg hydrogen produced.

SourceKyoto University·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 14, 2022

Hydrogen produced from offshore wind in China can help Japan reach its greenhouse gas emissions goals

A team of researchers explored the possibility of producing hydrogen from offshore wind in China and delivering it to Japan at a cost competitive with the country's future projections. The study found that Chinese-produced hydrogen could supply Japan's net-zero transition needs by 2030, even under a high-cost scenario.

Two is better than one: Single-atom dimer electrocatalyst for green hydrogen production

Researchers developed a nickel-cobalt metal dimer on nitrogen-doped carbon that can catalyze electrolysis under both acidic and basic conditions. The new system exhibits comparable overvoltage to commercial Pt-based catalysts and shows significant activity enhancements compared to individual single-atom catalysts.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2021

Lithium metal batteries with diluted high concentration electrolytes to power the future

Scientists have demonstrated that diluting high concentration electrolytes can improve the cycling abilities of lithium metal batteries over a wide range of temperatures. The study found that TTE dilution significantly improved Li+ ion transport and reduced dendritic Li plating, leading to better cycling stability.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateOct 29, 2021

Mining waste could be used as an ingredient for cheaper hydrogen fuel production

Researchers have discovered a way to use mining waste as part of a potential cheaper catalyst for hydrogen fuel production. The new catalyst triggers water splitting reactions using aluminosilicate minerals found in mining waste, which could lead to lower production costs and increased efficiency.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Energy and Sustainability Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2021

Improved water splitting method: A green energy innovation by Pusan National University

Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a novel electrocatalyst that can effectively produce hydrogen and oxygen from water at low cost. The catalyst, composed of transition metal phosphates, achieves high surface area and fast charge transfer, making it suitable for commercial on-site production of hydrogen.

SourcePusan National University·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

Rice expert: Using carbon is key to decarbonizing economy

Pasquali proposes splitting hydrocarbons to produce clean hydrogen energy and solid carbon materials, which could replace materials with large carbon footprints. This transition would generate robust growth in manufacturing jobs and improve production efficiency.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 5, 2021

Breathing new life into fuel cells

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered a new method to improve oxygen reduction in fuel cells using iron-based single-atom catalysts. This breakthrough could unlock a level of efficiency never before realized, enabling large-scale deployment of fuel cells and their nearly limitless potential applications.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJul 28, 2021

Novel hydrogen fuel purification membrane paves the way for greener future

Researchers develop a novel membrane that efficiently purifies hydrogen fuel from a mixture of gases, offering a low-cost and environment-friendly solution. The membrane, made of polycarbosilane, exhibits high hydrophobicity and selective hydrogen permeation, paving the way for widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel in energy needs.

SourceNagoya Institute of Technology·JournalSeparation and Purification Technology·DateMar 8, 2021

Solar-powered hydrogen fuels a step closer

Researchers at the University of Bath have successfully waterproofed perovskite solar cells using a graphite coating, enabling the direct generation of clean hydrogen fuels from sunlight. This breakthrough could lead to more affordable and sustainable solar energy solutions.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 2019

Making hydrogen fuel from humid air

A team of researchers has created a photocatalyst that can generate hydrogen from water vapor using sunlight, producing the fuel without electrolytes or external power sources. The novel paint-like material can be applied to any surface, including building facades, and enables hydrogen production almost anywhere.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 14, 2017

Water and sunlight the formula for sustainable fuel

A team of researchers at Australian National University has successfully replicated a crucial step in photosynthesis, paving the way for biological systems powered by sunlight to manufacture hydrogen as a fuel. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of a zero-carbon replacement for petroleum products and transform the economy.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Bioenergetics·DateAug 20, 2014

Jellyfish inspires latest ocean-powered robot

Researchers from Virginia Tech have created a robotic jellyfish named Robojelly that mimics the natural movements of a real jellyfish. The robot is powered by chemical reactions taking place on its surface, fueled by hydrogen and able to regenerate fuel from its surroundings.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalSmart Materials and Structures·DateMar 20, 2012

Building a better hydrogen trap

Scientists create a new class of materials called covalent organic frameworks (COFs), which can store hydrogen more efficiently. By slowing down the synthesis process, researchers can predict the internal structure and properties of COFs, allowing for tailored applications.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateNov 17, 2005

Scientists find new way to store hydrogen fuel

Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a new method to store hydrogen fuel, using icy materials that require less stringent temperature and pressure conditions. The discovery could help explain how hydrogen is incorporated in planetary bodies and potentially power cars.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2004

New auto device cuts pollution

A new auto device called plasmatron cuts pollution drastically in all kinds of vehicles, reducing nitrogen oxide emissions by 90%. The device is fully compatible with present engine technology and could offer many benefits envisioned for alternative vehicles sooner and at lower cost.