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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

Turning vegetable oil industry waste into power: innovative electrode modification improves bio-electrochemical treatment of wastewater

Researchers have developed a novel and cost-effective anode catalyst that can improve and stabilize power generation performance of MFCs treating vegetable oil industry wastewater. The study investigates modification of electrodes to increase bacterial adhesion and efficient electron transfer.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology·DateMar 13, 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

HKU Mechanical Engineering team unlocks the key to new generation of safe energy-efficient Lithium battery

A HKU Mechanical Engineering team has developed a new generation of lithium-ion batteries that are safer, more powerful and have a longer lifespan. The innovative design uses single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes that can conduct electricity faster than traditional liquid electrolytes.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

New research computes first step toward predicting lifespan of electric space propulsion systems

New research computes first step toward predicting lifespan of electric space propulsion systems by developing a model that bridges scales between molecular dynamics simulations and experiments. The model resolves limitations and uncertainties in experimental data, gaining insight into critical phenomenon and surface morphology over time.

Tailoring 'hollow' hydrogen molecule generation with two-color, bicircularly polarized laser pulses

A team of researchers has developed an experimental method to manipulate the Rydberg state excitation in hydrogen molecules using bicircular two-color laser pulses. By controlling the photon effect and field effect, they were able to generate Rydberg states while varying the extent to which each effect contributed to the process.

Inflation Reduction Act offers significant benefits for public health

The Inflation Reduction Act offers significant benefits for public health through its tax credits and financial incentives. The law aims to reduce the adverse health effects of climate change by targeting greenhouse gases, conventional air pollutants, and carcinogenic chemical contaminants. By providing a more politically feasible appr...

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 21, 2022

Elucidating the mechanism of high proton conduction to develop clean energy materials

Scientists discover a new mechanism of high proton conduction in hexagonal perovskite-related oxides, utilizing oxygen-deficient layers and water uptake to produce superior proton conductors. These materials can be used for renewable energy production and storage devices, promising a more efficient transition to clean power.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2022

An integrated, net-negative system captures carbon and produces ethylene

Researchers at UIC have created an integrated system that captures carbon dioxide from flue gas and converts it to high-purity ethylene, achieving net-negative carbon emissions. The system's modular design allows for easy scaling up and down, making it a potential breakthrough in sustainable ethylene production.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022

Pusan National University researchers introduce an energy-efficient method to enhance thermal conductivity of polymer composites

Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a new, energy-efficient process to control the orientation of filler particles in thermally conductive polymer composites. This allows for improved heat dissipation in electronics and batteries, reducing energy costs and extending device lifespan.

SourcePusan National University·JournalPolymer Testing·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 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

Recent progress in synthesis and surface modification of nickel-rich layered oxide cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Researchers from South China University of Technology have developed novel surface modification techniques for nickel-rich layered oxide cathode materials, improving their electrochemical performance. The techniques allow for high-performance nickel-rich cathode materials to be synthesized, enabling in-depth mechanisms to be captured a...

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateOct 31, 2022

Real-time space observations can now keep watch over ‘super emitter’ power plants

Scientists have successfully tracked CO2 emissions from the Bełchatów power plant in Poland using existing satellites. The study demonstrates that tracking-at-the-source is already possible for 'super-emitters' like this facility, and its success is an important achievement. The results indicate that the EU's planned CO2M mission will ...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Remote Sensing·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 28, 2022

Sleep mode makes Energy Internet more energy efficient

Nagoya University scientists developed a controller with a sleep mode to procure energy only when needed, reducing the need for storage batteries and capacitors. This innovative solution enables efficient energy saving and promotes the practical application of power packet type energy Internet.

SourceNagoya University·JournalInternational Journal of Robust and Nonlinear Control·DateOct 7, 2022

Lake sediments show decades of coal ash contamination

A study by Duke University and Appalachian State University reveals that coal ash pollution has been more persistent and widespread than previously known, with large quantities deposited in lake sediments. The contaminants can leach into the aquatic food chain, posing chronic risks to ecosystems.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 3, 2022

Watching the fate of molecular nitrogen with X-rays, when an electron has been kicked out

Researchers at the Max Born Institute have used novel ultrashort soft X-ray spectroscopy to study the fate of molecular nitrogen when an electron is kicked out. They found that the B state has a similar degree of excitation as the X state, contradicting previous models. Instead, a coherent interplay between light fields enables lasing ...

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2022

Rooftop solar cells can be a boon for water conservation too

A study by Duke University researchers found that rooftop solar cells can save a significant amount of water, with households saving an average of 16,200 gallons per year. Converting to solar in homes reduces the use of grid electricity and therefore also the volume of water used.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2022

New photodetector design inspired by plant photosynthesis

The new photodetector design combines long-range transport of optical energy with long-range conversion to electrical current, mimicking the photosynthetic complexes found in plants. The device can gather light from areas of about 0.01 mm² and achieve conversion of light to electrical current over exceptionally long distances of 0.1 nm.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateSep 1, 2022

Climate extremes: The energy required for adaptation calls for stronger mitigation efforts

A new study finds that adapting to climate change will require more energy than previously estimated, leading to higher energy investments and costs. Ambitious mitigation policies can cut the increase in energy system costs induced by adaptation, resulting in net gains.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 25, 2022