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Breakthrough in solar thermoelectric generation: organic radical photothermal cocrystals lead the way

Researchers have developed a new material, coronene-Br2 NDA cocrystal, which converts solar heat into electricity with an exceptional photothermal conversion efficiency of 67.2% under 808 nm irradiation. The material is integrated into a thermoelectric generator to achieve high-performance solar-thermoelectric energy harvesting.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2025

Modeling the system for hybrid renewable energy using highly efficient converters and generator

The paper proposes a novel method for modeling hybrid renewable energy systems using high-efficiency converters and generators. The research results show that the front-end converter is suitable for isolating sources from loads and enhancing DC bus voltage, with simple control algorithms and reduced switching losses.

SourceCES Transactions on Electrical Machines and Systems·JournalCES Transactions on Electrical Machines and Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 5, 2024

The silk thread that can turn clothes into charging stations

A research group at Chalmers University of Technology has developed a silk thread coated with a conductive plastic material that can generate electricity from temperature differences. The thread shows promising properties for turning textiles into electricity generators, which could be used to monitor health or charge mobile phones.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2024

Revolutionizing thermoelectric technology: Hourglass-shaped materials achieve a 360% efficiency boost

Researchers at POSTECH have developed an innovative approach to enhance the efficiency of thermoelectric materials by altering their geometry to resemble an hourglass shape. This breakthrough could lead to widespread applications in thermoelectric power generation, converting waste heat into electricity.

Powering the future: A game-changer for loT devices through advanced energy harvesting

A breakthrough energy management unit (EMU) boosts the power efficiency of electrostatic generators for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The innovation addresses impedance mismatch, enabling efficient environmental energy harvesting in IoT devices. This advancement enables self-powered IoT devices with unprecedented efficiency.

WVU lab’s game-changing high-performance semiconductor material could help slash heat emissions

A team led by Xueyan Song at West Virginia University has created an oxide ceramic material that solves a longstanding efficiency problem plaguing thermoelectric generators. The breakthrough achieved record-high performance, opening up new research directions to further increase performance and enabling large-scale waste heat recovery.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateMar 14, 2023

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers develop a novel thermoelectric generator inspired from zebra skin

Researchers at GIST developed a novel thermoelectric generator inspired by zebra skin, creating a high in-plane temperature gradient for generating electricity. The design uses a pattern resembling black-and-white zebra stripes to increase its applicability while reducing environmental impact.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

Without guidance, Inflation Reduction Act tax credit may do more harm than good

The article discusses how the Inflation Reduction Act's hydrogen production tax credit could backfire by increasing carbon pollution without proper implementation. To mitigate this, researchers suggest enforcing additional guidelines for clean energy procurement alongside the tax credit.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 20, 2022

Making sense of coercivity in magnetic materials with machine learning

Researchers developed a new approach to analyze coercivity in soft magnetic materials using machine learning and data science. The method condenses relevant information from microscopic images into a two-dimensional feature space, visualizing the energy landscape of magnetization reversal. This study showcases how materials informatics...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2022

Generating electricity from tacky tape

A team of researchers created a simple and inexpensive triboelectric nanogenerator using store-bought double-sided tape, plastic film, and aluminum metal. The device was able to produce higher power densities than previous versions, making it suitable for powering everyday devices such as LEDs and laser diodes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateNov 21, 2022

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology scientists improve the power output of triboelectric nanogenerators with carbon particles

Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology improve triboelectric nanogenerators by using mesoporous carbon spheres to enhance charge transport and surface charge densities. The device achieves a 1300-fold higher output current, enabling potential sustainable energy harvesting.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalSmall Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2022

Solar cell keeps working long after sun sets

Researchers developed a photovoltaic cell that harnesses energy from temperature differences between the cell and surrounding air, generating 50 milliwatts per square meter at night. The device avoids need for batteries and can be incorporated into existing solar cells, making it suitable for remote locations with limited resources.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 5, 2022

Nearly all fine particulate air pollution sources disproportionately affect people of color in the US

A new study found that nearly all fine particulate air pollution sources affect people of color more than whites, with industry and vehicle emissions being major contributors. The disparities persist across income levels and geographic regions, suggesting systemic issues behind the findings.

Smithsonian scientists triple number of known electric eel species

Researchers at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History have discovered three distinct species of electric eels in the Amazon basin, showcasing their remarkable diversity and adaptability. The newly identified species can produce up to 860 Volts of electricity, significantly more than previously known species.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 10, 2019

Russian researchers developed high-pressure natural gas operating turbine-generator

Scientists from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University developed a turbo expander electric generator operating on high-pressure natural gas. The device converts part of the emitted energy into electrical power, generating sustainable electricity without additional fuel.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalThe International Journal of Environmental and Science Education·DateFeb 3, 2017

A jolt from the blue: Rays provide power for an electric generator

Researchers from RIKEN Quantitative Biology Center create a new type of electricity generator based on the electric organs of torpedoes, achieving peak voltages and currents comparable to conventional systems. The breakthrough could lead to a future high-efficiency power generator that uses ATP directly.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 31, 2016