Articles tagged with Sustainable Energy
The study found that trace solvent additives enhance ordering and crystallization of polymer microstructure, increasing power conversion and photocurrent density by up to 3 times. This improvement helps form a network that efficiently transports photogenerated charges, increasing local photocurrents.
A joint project by Paderborn, Rostock, and Mainz universities aims to develop new iron compounds that can convert sunlight into chemically usable energy. The researchers hope to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a more sustainable future.
A new online tool tracks e-bike purchase incentive programs in the US and Canada, providing a point of reference for future policy development. The tracker reveals that most programs set incentive levels fairly arbitrarily, with little thought given to their potential impact on specific groups or income brackets.
The NUS research team achieved a power conversion efficiency of 23.6% in their perovskite/organic tandem solar cells, approaching that of conventional silicon solar cells. This breakthrough paves the way for flexible, light-weight, and low-cost photovoltaic cells suitable for various applications.
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.
The FUN-BioCROP model predicts effects of plant choice and agricultural management on soil carbon storage, slowing climate change. By using bioenergy from plants, less carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere, resulting in a more sustainable energy source.
The collaboration seeks to co-develop an efficient CO2 electrolyzer that can produce ethylene, a widely used chemical building block. Yushan Yan at UD will focus on making polymer membrane materials chemical resistant and strong for long-term durability.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a retrofitted commercial refrigeration container to keep COVID-19 vaccines at ultra-low temperatures during transport. They've also identified and improved the usability of data to accelerate innovation in the bioeconomy, and investigated piezoelectric materials for radiation-...
Researchers have created nanoparticles that can store hydrogen, reducing the need for pressurized tanks and cooling. The discovery could enable climate-friendly fuels and production methods for airplanes, ships, and steel.
Researchers at MIT developed a selective separation process using sulfidation to target rare metals like cobalt in lithium-ion batteries. The approach reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional liquid-based separation methods.
Researchers developed a material that automatically responds to changing temperatures, switching between heating and cooling. The glass can regulate both solar transmission and radiative cooling, reducing energy consumption up to 9.5% or ~330,000 kWh per year.
Researchers create new route for producing PCTA monomer using plant-based acrylate and acetaldehyde, achieving overall yield of 61%. The method also produces UNOXOL diol in high yield, reducing carbon footprint.
A new study reveals that disabled households in the European Union consume 10% less energy than other households while being 5% more likely to experience energy poverty. The research highlights the need for greater consideration of disabled people's needs in planning for sustainable energy policies.
The University of Central Florida researchers have developed an alcohol-based power source for cars and other technology that uses less fuel and produces fewer emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels. The ethanol fuel cell has achieved a maximum power density and operation time of over 5,900 hours, making it a promising alternat...
Scientists from OIST and University of Cambridge discovered distinct types of defects in state-of-the-art perovskite thin films, which may hinder solar cell efficiency. The most detrimental defects were grain boundaries and polytypes, while lead iodide defects had a benign impact on performance.
Researchers at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid have designed a system that uses hydrothermal biomass carbonisation and solar power to extract more energy from biomass. The system reduces the need for drying pre-treatment, making it more sustainable and efficient.
The state of Georgia could dramatically reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by using onsite electric power, creating new jobs and a healthier public. CHP systems can be 85-90% efficient, reducing peak demand on the grid and providing ultra-high system efficiencies, cleaner air, and more affordable energy.
A new floating robotic film can hoover oil spills at sea or remove contaminants from drinking water, using a pulsing motion inspired by water striders. The film is powered by light and fueled by water, making it sustainable and reusable.
A comprehensive review of similarity theory in PEMFC research reveals its potential to accelerate progress. The study highlights the benefits of using dimensionless analysis to compare results and reduce testing efforts. However, challenges remain in developing integrated performance criteria.
Researchers at West Virginia University have developed a wood boiler system that improves bird health and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by drying litter and creating dry heat. The system has the potential to replace propane heating systems in poultry farms, benefiting both animal welfare and the environment.
The Wallenberg Initiative Material Science for Sustainability aims to create new, vital knowledge and expertise in functional materials. The programme will focus on advancing the limits of knowledge in materials science to promote sustainable technologies and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The £17M Innovation Centre for Applied Sustainable Technologies (iCAST) aims to translate sustainable chemical technology research into commercial products. The centre will deliver 10 joint industry projects a year, tackling critical challenges in clean growth and addressing the UK's climate emergency.
A study at the University of Plymouth found that retrofitting an existing building with a green wall reduced heat loss by 31.4%. The study suggests that living walls can provide significant energy savings and help reduce carbon emissions in existing buildings.
A comprehensive assessment of polyurethane in the US reveals complexities that affect its recovery and recycling. The study highlights opportunities to enhance circularity and increase bio-based content of polyurethanes.
Researchers at Linköping University have developed a concept for large-scale energy storage that is safe, cheap and sustainable. The technology uses wood-based electrodes and a new type of water-based electrolyte, achieving a world record for energy storage with organic electrodes in water-based electrolytes.
A new study demonstrates the importance of supply-side enhancements to increase clean fuel consumption in sub-Saharan Africa. Supply-side interventions such as shortening distances to retail points and improving access to multi-burner stoves are found to be crucial for accelerating growth of the clean cooking market.
Researchers developed a new membrane-based separation technology using MOF nanoparticles, which consumes up to 90% less energy than traditional methods. The technology overcomes interfacial adhesion problems by fabricating compatible MOF fillers, improving membrane performance.
A new process has been identified to accelerate the use of low-cost materials, transforming the energy sector with potential to replace silicone-based solar panels. The dynamic dimeric copper complexes offer a novel combination of fast charge transport and efficient redox mechanisms.
Researchers at University of Illinois have developed an electrochemical process to recover valuable metals from spent lithium-ion battery electrodes. The method produces high-purity coatings of cobalt and nickel with approximate purities of 96.4% and 94.1%, respectively.
A team of Korean researchers has successfully extracted high-quality magnesium sulphate, without calcium impurities, from seawater desalination brine using a novel ethanol-based process. The process achieved up to 67% magnesium recovery efficiency and has potential applications in the pharmaceutical and food industry.
Scientists at NTU Singapore develop a new electrochromic window material that can block up to 70% of infrared radiation while allowing 90% of visible light to pass through. The material is designed to be energy-efficient and durable, with improved performance compared to existing technologies.
Researchers found that a battery's chemistry can affect its environmental impact, with cobalt being a common material that requires more energy to mine and has negative effects on the environment. Replacing cobalt with nickel can alleviate concerns, but there are tradeoffs involved. The study suggests that reusing batteries before recy...
Scientists have successfully stored energy in bean plant roots using conjugated oligomers, creating a new biohybrid system for sustainable energy storage. The research demonstrates that the roots of intact plants can function as networks of conductors, storing up to 100 times more energy than previous experiments.
A team of researchers at Shinshu University has successfully observed proton transfer between the titania surface and a dye molecule during UV light irradiation. The study used time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy to measure the formation of basic hydroxyl groups on the titania surface, which accepts protons from the dye.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a way to train microbes to produce a readily usable biofuel from CO2, solar panel-generated electricity and light. The resulting n-butanol is an authentically carbon-neutral fuel alternative that can be used in blends with diesel or gasoline.
Researchers at California State Polytechnic University use catalytic pyrolysis to upcycle plastic waste into a valuable fuel source. The process converts primary organic waste into a sustainable fuel or other valuable chemicals.
Researchers found that combining resource diversification, excess generation, building efficiency, and demand flexibility can reduce or eliminate long-duration energy storage in some regions. This approach enables the achievability of a fully renewable system with technology building blocks accessible today.
The new Atlantic Marine Energy Center, led by UNH, will focus on wave and tidal energy conversion, as well as ocean sensing and aquaculture. The center aims to advance marine renewable energy technologies through research, education, and outreach.
A recent study found that C4 bioenergy grass species outperform C3 species in assimilating carbon during fluctuating light conditions. This discovery could lead to increased productivity and reduced dependence on fossil fuels through targeted plant breeding programs.
New research suggests tidal stream power can provide 11% of the UK's current annual electricity demand, with potential environmental impact comparable to climate change. To achieve this, around 11.5 GW of tidal stream turbine capacity is required, with major grid infrastructure needed for development.
Researchers develop a more accurate mathematical model to predict solar cell output power, considering degradation and external factors. The new model will aid policymakers in making informed decisions on solar power installations.
Scientists at Cornell University have developed a method to optimize turbine spacing in offshore wind farms, reducing wake effects and increasing power production. The research aims to support the rapid expansion of offshore wind energy in the US and Europe, with potential to generate over 7,000 terawatt hours per year.
The study finds that universal access to clean cooking services might not be achieved by 2050, despite progress on other SDGs. Low-income households in sub-Saharan Africa and developing Asia are most at risk of not being able to afford clean cooking.
Researchers found four main drivers of CO2 reduction: subsidised renewable investment, regulation-driven coal closure, rising carbon prices, and energy efficiency measures. Building renewable sources and setting a stronger carbon price were key contributors to the UK's success in reducing emissions.
Researchers at NTU Singapore develop a method to encase algae protein in liquid droplets, tripling artificial photosynthesis efficiency and generating more energy. The technology has the potential to make solar cells more efficient and pave the way for sustainable energy production.
Deploying honeybees on solar parks in the UK could raise crop yields and financial returns, with soft fruits and oilseed benefiting the most. The study found that prioritizing these crops within a 1.5km honeybee foraging radius around solar parks could boost values by £80 million annually.
Researchers at Korea Maritime and Ocean University have created a state-of-the-art catalyst for urea-based fuel cells using inexpensive nickel chalcogenides, outperforming precious metal-based catalysts. This breakthrough could lead to the widespread adoption of clean energy technologies in remote areas and beyond.
Climate change-driven reductions in precipitation and river discharge will diminish the Amazon's hydropower capacity, according to a new study. As a result, alternative energy sources like solar and wind are expected to become more important.
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology developed an ultrasound-assisted extraction method for valuable metals from electric car batteries, reducing extraction time by 50% and increasing metal ion recovery. The new process uses gentler acids and eliminates the need for harsh chemicals.
Dr. Mohammad Al Hashmi's research focuses on reducing energy consumption in residential buildings in hot and arid climates using renewable energy systems such as solar and wind power. His framework combines building interventions and clean energy approaches to minimize environmental impact.
Researchers developed a real-time measurement technique to detect algae health issues, detecting threats 37-76 hours earlier than traditional methods. This could save hundreds of millions of dollars in algae biomass losses and protect the world's most promising sustainable product source.
New research from Cornell University suggests that accelerating wind-energy technology deployment can achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, with potential to reduce global warming atmospheric average temperatures of 0.3 to 0.8 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. The study confirms that advancing wind energy...
A team of researchers has demonstrated how a detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) can mitigate against negative environmental impacts in metal mining explorations. The new approach helps identify potential 'hot-spots' before extraction operations begin, allowing geologists to select targets with lower environmental impacts.
A simple cooling system utilizing passive solar energy and a specially designed salt can effectively cool food and living spaces without electricity. The system's two-step process involves dissolving salts in water to absorb energy, which is then regenerated using solar energy to evaporate the water.
Researchers synthesized a new conjugated polymer using two chemical reactions, showing it outperforms traditional methods in organic and perovskite solar cells. The Stille reaction pathway yielded superior results with efficiencies of up to 15.1% in photovoltaic devices.
Researchers at Monash University have developed a new type of battery that can store more energy than traditional lithium-ion batteries. By adding sugar to the positive electrode, they were able to stabilize the battery and increase its lifespan by up to 1000 cycles.
The RIT workshop series on sustainable computing aims to create computers with environmental consciousness from raw materials to recycling. Keynote speakers will discuss trends in computing and its environmental footprint.
Researchers have developed an AI-powered tool, Roofpedia, to track sustainable roof adoption worldwide. The tool uses satellite images to gauge cities' green and solar roof penetration, with Singapore ranked third in solar roof coverage.
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.
The study assesses how much energy is needed to provide the global poor with a decent life and found that this can be reconciled with efforts to meet climate targets. The researchers identified gaps in decent living standards (DLS) by region and estimated the amount of energy required to fill them.