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Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers design durable organic semiconductor photocathodes with metal foil encapsulation

Researchers from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology design a novel approach to create durable organic semiconductor photocathodes, enabling high-efficiency conversion of solar energy to hydrogen. The developed photocathodes demonstrate remarkable stability and can produce hydrogen under actual sunlight.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2022

Greener crypto mining possible with industry incentives

A new study by Cornell University researchers suggests that green policy incentives for carbon capture and renewable energy can help reduce the environmental impact of cryptocurrency mining. States with lower electricity prices and a higher share of renewable energy in their grids are best suited for this approach.

SourceCornell University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateSep 19, 2022

Eco-friendly credentials not benefiting hotels financially, study says

Researchers at Washington State University found that eco-friendly hotel certifications do not lead to financial benefits for hotels. However, displaying comparable pricing information and informing consumers about green certification can boost future sales. The study suggests that the tourism industry needs sustainable practices to re...

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·DateSep 12, 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

Propane - a solution for more sustainable air conditioning

A new study suggests that using propane as a refrigerant in air conditioners could significantly reduce the global temperature increase from space cooling, with a potential decrease of up to 0.09°C by the end of the century. This is due to propane's low global warming potential score of less than 1.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 16, 2022

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology scientists realize large-area organic solar cells that are low-cost, flexible, and efficient

GIST scientists create a new method to produce OSCs using zinc oxide that overcomes scalability issues without compromising PCE. The new technology uses sputtered ZnO and a ZnO nanoparticle layer obtained through blade coating, resulting in high conversion efficiencies.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2022

New magnesium superionic conductor towards lithium-free solid-state batteries

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science create a metal–organic framework-based magnesium ion conductor showing superionic conductivity at room temperature, overcoming the limitations of magnesium ion-based energy devices. The novel Mg2+ electrolyte exhibits a high conductivity of 10−3 S cm−1, making it suitable for battery applica...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

New technology can help combat climate crisis

Scientists have developed a novel technology that uses bacteria grown on a synthetic semiconductor device to convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into acetate and oxygen. This process produces high-value fuels and chemicals powered by renewable energy, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the global energy crisis.

SourceNorthumbria University·JournalNature Catalysis·DateAug 3, 2022

Novel multi-proton carrier complex as efficient proton conductor at high temperatures

A team of researchers from Tokyo University of Science has developed a novel multi-proton carrier complex that shows efficient proton conductivity even at high temperatures. The resulting starburst-type metal complex acts as a proton transmitter, making it 6 times more potent than individual imidazole molecules.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Geological activity can rapidly change deep microbial communities

Researchers at Stanford University found that deep subsurface microbial communities can change in a matter of days, driven by geological activity rather than environmental pressures. The study provides new insights into the complex dynamics of these underground ecosystems and opens up possibilities for mapping the deep subsurface.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 14, 2022

Environmental impact of perovskite-on-silicon solar PV modules lower than silicon alone

A recent study found that perovskite-on-silicon solar PV modules have 6-18% less environmental impact than traditional silicon modules over their 25-year lifetime. The tandem technology's higher power conversion efficiency compensates for its additional material and production costs.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalSustainable Energy & Fuels·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

Radiation for responsible recycling: A distributed, microwave-based method to recycle batteries

A new distributed recycling system using microwave irradiation recovers 97% of manganese oxide and zinc from spent alkaline batteries, outperforming conventional methods. The system's potential to reduce annual energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in Japan is estimated at 26,500 GJ and 1.54 Gg-CO2 eq, respectively.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalResources Environment and Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2022

Reduction of global inequalities in energy use necessary to stop climate change

A new study by ICTA-UAB reveals that existing climate mitigation scenarios perpetuate energy use inequalities between the Global North and South. To stop climate change, the Global North must reduce its energy consumption to sustainable levels while allowing for sufficient growth in energy use in the rest of the world.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 7, 2022

New photocatalytic membrane that can be cleaned using light energy

A new nanosheet-laminated photocatalytic membrane has been successfully developed by Kobe University researchers, demonstrating excellent water permeance and photocatalytic activity. The membrane's photocatalytic properties make it easier to clean, reducing fouling and increasing its potential for tackling global environmental issues.

SourceKobe University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 4, 2022

Pioneering recycling turns mixed waste into premium plastics with no climate impact

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a thermochemical recycling method that produces gas containing carbon atoms from mixed waste, which can be used to create new plastic products. The process eliminates the need for fossil raw materials and achieves negative emissions.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 30, 2022

Assessing the environmental impact of nuclear power generation

A study by Ritsumeikan University researchers analyzed the life cycle assessment of nuclear power generation, revealing varying TMR coefficients across different mining methods and fuel cycles. The results show that nuclear power generates similar natural resources as renewable energy, significantly less than thermal power.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 20, 2022

Energy harvesting to power the Internet of Things

A new study uses finite element simulation to optimize energy harvesting from vibrating micromagnets for wireless sensor networks in the Internet of Things. The research aims to provide a sustainable micro-energy source for the ubiquitous sensors, reducing the need for battery replacements or recharging.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Special Topics·DateJun 13, 2022

A novel path for sustainable photon upconversion with non-precious metals

Researchers from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have achieved a breakthrough in using chromium compounds for efficient green-to-blue photon upconversion. This process can expand the use of low-energy sunlight in solar cells and photochemical reactions, reducing environmental impacts associated with rare metal extraction.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 3, 2022

Time-reversal asymmetry surpasses conversion efficiency limit for solar cells

Researchers have developed a single-cell PV design integrated with nonreciprocal optical components to provide 100-percent reuse of emitted radiation, breaking the Shockley–Queisser limit. This breakthrough enables a quasimonochromatic radiation converter to reach the theoretically maximum Carnot efficiency.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateJun 1, 2022

Multi-spin flips and a pathway to efficient ising machines

A team of researchers from Waseda University developed a novel solution to efficiently solve complex optimization problems using Ising machines. Their hybrid algorithm reduces residual energy and reaches more optimal results in shorter time, increasing the machine's applicability across industries and sustainability practices.

SourceWaseda University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Computers·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 31, 2022

New tech aims to drive down costs of hydrogen fuel

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new technique for extracting hydrogen gas from liquid carriers, making it faster, less expensive and more energy efficient. The new method uses sunlight and a reusable photocatalyst to release hydrogen molecules, reducing the need for rhodium and lowering production costs.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalChemSusChem·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

NYU Abu Dhabi researchers demonstrate organic crystals can serve as energy converters for emerging technologies

Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have discovered that organic crystals can efficiently convert energy, meeting the needs of advanced technologies such as soft robotics and artificial muscles. The material's ability to expand and contract repeatedly without deterioration makes it suitable for applications in electronics.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 20, 2022

Cutting air pollution emissions would save 50,000 US lives, $600 billion each year

A new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers suggests that eliminating air pollution emissions from energy-related activities in the United States would prevent over 50,000 premature deaths each year. The study also found that this action could provide more than $600 billion in benefits annually from avoided illness and d...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalGeoHealth·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 16, 2022