Articles tagged with Solar Energy
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A recent KAUST study used satellite data to investigate the effects of managed vegetation on surface temperature in arid regions. The results showed that vegetation can reduce daytime temperatures by up to 4 degrees Celsius compared to bare soil, providing an extra cooling effect on hotter days.
A survey of social media posts suggests that people are more positive about nature-based efforts to protect carbon-storing ecosystems than human technological solutions. The study found that tree-planting solutions, such as afforestation, received the most approval, while geoengineering was associated with negative sentiments.
Researchers estimate that 5% of Europe's freestanding single-family homes could become economically self-sufficient in 2050. While some regions have high potential for self-sufficiency, becoming fully off-grid is not the most economic choice due to higher costs.
A team of researchers at MIT has discovered a process where light can directly cause evaporation without heat, exceeding the thermal limit. This phenomenon could explain natural phenomena like fog and clouds, and enable new approaches to desalination.
A new database containing thousands of solar mirror samples offers valuable insights into degradation trends over decades. The Solar Mirror Materials Database (SMMD) provides natural and accelerated exposure data for accelerating test development, design optimization, and manufacturing guidance.
The Beckman Institute's DROPLETS project uses microdroplets to catalyze electrochemical reactions, producing clean hydrogen and sequestering carbon dioxide. The project aims to lay out a foundation for a sustainable clean energy future.
Researchers at Osaka University use a robotic system to automate key experimental processes, accelerating the search for new materials. They evaluate 576 thin-film semiconductor samples using photoabsorption spectroscopy, optical microscopy, and time-resolved microwave conductivity analyses.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel 3D printing methodology to manufacture porous ceramic structures for efficient solar radiation transport, resulting in twice as much fuel production as uniform structures. The technology has the potential to improve sustainable aviation fuels' economic viability.
Researchers have developed a new synthesis method that controls the temperature and duration of the crystallization process to produce 2D halide perovskite layers with ideal thickness and purity. This breakthrough improves the stability and reduces the cost of solar cells, making them a viable option for emerging technologies.
A six-year study of a satellite found that low-cost solar panels can withstand harsh space conditions and generate power, opening the door to large-scale solar farms in orbit. The technology has been developed by researchers at the Universities of Surrey and Swansea.
The CityU innovation has dramatically enhanced the thermal robustness of perovskite solar cells, retaining over 90% of efficiency even under high temperatures. This breakthrough could significantly broaden the utilisation of these cells and contribute substantially to combating the global climate crisis.
A new study predicts that solar power will dominate the global energy mix by the middle of this century due to rapid innovation in solar technology. However, four barriers, including stable power grids and political resistance, could hamper this transition, highlighting the need for policies to overcome these hurdles.
The MIT team designed a train-like system of reactors that harnesses the sun's heat to produce clean hydrogen fuel with up to 40% efficiency. This could drive down costs and make solar thermochemical hydrogen (STCH) a scalable option for decarbonizing transportation.
Researchers have identified a massive solar storm 14,300 years ago in ancient tree rings, which could be catastrophic for modern technological society. The study warns of the importance of understanding such storms to protect global communications and energy infrastructure.
Researchers have successfully mimicked plant power through artificial photosynthesis, producing methane from carbon dioxide and sunlight. The breakthrough could pave the way toward replacing nonrenewable fossil fuels with sustainable energy sources.
Scientists have developed perovskite photovoltaic cells with significantly improved optoelectronic properties using nanoimprinting method. The structure reduces optical losses and enables cheaper production on a large scale.
Researchers have discovered a way to make solar hydrogen production economically viable by co-producing high-value chemicals like methylsuccinic acid. By coupling the photoelectrochemical (PEC) process with hydrogenation, the cost of hydrogen drops significantly, making it competitive with fossil gas.
Researchers have developed a new semiconducting material called multielement ink that can be processed at low temperatures, paving the way for more sustainable semiconductor industry. The breakthrough enables faster and lower-energy production of semiconductors, which could significantly reduce carbon emissions.
A new solar-powered desalination system can produce drinking water at a lower cost and rate than traditional tap water. The system, developed by MIT engineers and their Chinese collaborators, uses natural sunlight to evaporate seawater, leaving salt behind, and has a higher production rate and rejection rate than previous designs.
A new strategy optimizes optical and electrical characteristics of thin c-Si solar cells, improving conversion efficiency by 28% compared to industrial thick counterparts. The proposed design uses a layer transfer method and metal nanofilms for enhanced light absorption and surface passivation.
Researchers have created MilliMobile, a tiny, self-driving robot powered only by surrounding light or radio waves. Equipped with sensors and tiny computing chips, it can move indefinitely on harvested power, enabling new abilities for swarms of robots in areas where other sensors struggle to generate nuanced data.
Researchers at Technical University of Munich have developed a new class of organic dyes that can facilitate faster transport of solar energy within materials. These 'turbocharger' dyes show great promise for improving the efficiency of organic solar cells and other innovative energy applications.
A new study analyzes challenges in sustainably meeting different hydrogen demand scenarios on a country-by-country basis. The research finds that less than half of projected 2050 demand for hydrogen fuel could be produced locally using wind or solar power due to land and water scarcity.
Researchers have developed a hybrid silicon photocatalyst that efficiently produces hydrogen and high-value compounds using solar power. The non-toxic catalyst achieves an impressive rate of 14.2 mmol gcat−1 h−1, significantly higher than conventional silicon photocatalysts.
A new catalyst designed by researchers at City University Hong Kong and tested by Imperial College London could boost renewable energy storage. The catalyst uses single atoms of platinum to produce an efficient but cost-effective platform for water splitting, paving the way for cheaper hydrogen production.
Researchers have demonstrated photochemical upconversion in a solid state, enabling potential innovations in renewable energy and water purification. The breakthrough could also enable targeted laser treatments for tumors and medical applications.
Researchers at West Virginia University have developed a technology that can capture carbon dioxide from the air of buildings and use it to produce methanol, a common chemical with numerous applications. The process is expected to increase the sustainable supply of methanol while removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed copper-doped tungstic acid nanocrystals that can harness all-solar energy, including infrared light. The nanocrystals exhibit enhanced photothermal and photo-assisted water evaporation characteristics, making them suitable for various applications.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a molecularly engineered hydrogel that can create clean water from hot air, using solar energy. The device produces up to 7 kilograms of water per kilogram of gel materials, with potential applications for drought-stricken areas and countries lacking access to clean water.
Researchers from the University of South Australia have designed a self-sustaining solar-driven system that evaporates seawater to recycle it into freshwater, growing crops without human involvement. The vertical floating sea farm has several advantages over other designs, including low energy consumption and high food production.
Researchers have devised an efficient method of recovering high-purity silicon from expired solar panels, which can help meet the increasing global demand for electric vehicles. The new extraction method using phosphoric acid achieved a recovery rate of 98.9% and purity of 99.2%, comparable to existing methods.
Researchers have created a highly efficient and stable photoelectrode for water splitting using organic semiconductors. The new design overcomes the limitations of traditional inorganic semiconductor-based photoelectrodes, resulting in enhanced hydrogen production efficiency.
Tandem solar cells combining silicon and perovskite technologies achieve higher efficiencies while strengthening stability. The connection protects the frail perovskite solar cell from voltage-induced breakdown.
Researchers at Chinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters have developed flexible solar cells with efficiencies comparable to conventional solar cells. They achieved significant power conversion efficiency gains by optimizing the material composition and guest component location in ternary organic solar cells.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have discovered a new strategy to stabilize the α-phase of α-FAPbI3, a promising solar cell material. By introducing pseudo-halide ions like thiocyanate into its structure, the team has successfully stabilized the α-phase, reducing its transition temperature and increasing its energy band gap.
By controlling the arrangement of multiple layers within crystals, researchers can tune the materials' optoelectronic properties and emit light of specific energies. This technique has significant implications for applications such as LEDs, solar cells, and lasers.
The study provides a condensed overview of recent advances and challenges in atmospheric and pressurized PVSRs, highlighting potential for improving performance through geometrical parameter optimization and spectrally selective absorption. Standardized evaluation methods remain essential to unlock the full potential of PVSRs.
A new study suggests that solar-powered irrigation systems could increase yields and profits for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, addressing the region's high yield gap and food insecurity. The innovative system, developed by an international team of researchers, estimates a potential economic benefit of over USD 5 billion pe...
A recent publication in Science reports on improvements in silicon-perovskite tandem cells, achieving a record-breaking 32.5% efficiency. The development of these high-efficiency solar cells was led by Lithuanian researchers from Kaunas University of Technology.
A new MIT study reveals that soft technology features, such as permitting practices and supply chain management, contribute less than 15% to total cost declines in solar energy systems. Improving these processes could accelerate cost savings in the clean energy transition.
A new study from the University of Colorado at Boulder has developed an economical approach for producing green hydrogen, a precursor to liquid fuels. The method uses heat generated by solar rays to split molecules of water and carbon dioxide into hydrogen and carbon monoxide, which can be converted into fuels like gasoline and diesel.
Researchers have developed a highly efficient organometal halide perovskite photoanode that suppresses internal and external losses associated with photoelectrochemical water splitting, enhancing reaction kinetics. The new design achieves an unprecedented applied bias photon-to-current conversion efficiency of 12.79%.
Researchers found that six bat species exhibited lower activity levels at solar farms compared to control sites, highlighting the need for mitigation strategies. The study emphasizes the importance of considering ecological impacts in planning legislation and policy.
Researchers develop nanofilms that mimic the nanostructures of butterfly wings, creating vibrant colors without absorbing light. These films can be used on buildings, vehicles, and equipment to reduce energy consumption and preserve color properties, with potential applications in energy sustainability and carbon neutrality.
A joint research team from City University of Hong Kong and collaborators developed a stable artificial photocatalytic system that mimics natural chloroplasts to convert carbon dioxide into methane, a valuable fuel, very efficiently using light. The new system achieved a highly efficient solar-to-fuel efficiency rate of 15%, surpassing...
Researchers at the University of Córdoba have designed a solar battery that can absorb light and store energy using a new material composed of 2D carbon nitride. This device combines optical simulations and photoelectrochemical experiments to achieve high performance, with potential applications in various fields.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new robot called RoboMapper that can conduct experiments more efficiently and sustainably to develop new semiconductor materials. The robot automates the process of testing multiple samples simultaneously, reducing time and energy consumption by nearly 10 times.
The Fengyun-4A satellite in collaboration with a machine learning model generated a detailed PV resource map for China, providing new insights into the country's solar energy potential. This advancement sets a new standard for solar resource mapping, empowering decision-makers to make informed choices for a sustainable future.
Researchers have demonstrated a method to power water remediation using renewable energy sources, including solar power. Through electrochemical separation and redox reactions, they successfully removed arsenate from wastewater.
Rice University engineers have created a device that converts sunlight into hydrogen with unprecedented efficiency, opening up new possibilities for clean energy and sustainable fuel production. The innovative technology uses halide perovskite semiconductors and electrocatalysts in a single, durable device.
Researchers discovered a close relationship between nuclear and electron dynamics, challenging the Born-Oppenheimer approximation. This breakthrough could lead to new ways to control and exploit molecular properties for solar energy conversion, quantum information science, and more.
Researchers developed a technique to enhance the stability of perovskite solar cells by using fluorinated aniliniums, avoiding progressive ligand intercalation. This approach achieved a certified quasi-steady-state power-conversion efficiency of 24.09% for inverted-structure PSCs.
Researchers investigated the diffusion lengths of charge carriers in metal oxides and found that they are poorly understood. The study analyzed ten metal oxide compounds and found that their mobilities were very low compared to conventional semiconductors. However, heat treatment improved mobility in some materials.
The UK Research and Innovation has awarded £53 million in funding to six research centers to boost knowledge, create innovative green technologies, and reduce energy demand. The focus is on developing game-changing ideas to improve domestic, industrial, and transport energy systems.
A team of researchers has designed an all-season thermal cloak that can cool electric vehicles by 8°C on hot days and warm them by 6.8°C at night without any external energy input. The cloak works through radiative cooling, using an effect called photon recycling to counteract temperature fluctuations during winter months.
Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have achieved a record-breaking efficiency of 32.5% for their tandem solar cells, combining perovskite and silicon technology. The breakthrough was made possible by improved perovskite compounds and surface modification techniques.
Researchers at NUS have created a new type of solar cell with improved stability and efficiency, paving the way for cheaper and more durable energy solutions. The cells achieve a world record efficiency of 24.35%, making them suitable for large-scale commercialization.
Researchers at KIT have developed highly efficient photoreactor panels that can be inserted into inexpensive modules for mass production of hydrogen or fuels. The technology could make the use of fossil energy carriers superfluous and provide a climate-neutral alternative, with costs estimated to be around $22 per square meter.
Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have developed a new approach to understanding photovoltaic device performance under varying temperatures. Their findings suggest that thermoradiative and thermophotonic cells can efficiently convert sunlight into electricity even at high temperatures.
Researchers from UT Austin created a new composite material that efficiently converts low energy light to higher energy, with applications in bioimaging, solar panels, and night vision goggles. The breakthrough could reduce the size of solar panels by 30% and enable systems for autonomous vehicles and fog detection.