Articles tagged with Sustainable Energy
A new device uses small amounts of light to process information, offering significant energy improvements over conventional optical switches. This technology could enable quantum communications, providing a promising alternative for data security against rising cyberattacks.
Scientists have developed a method to transform chicken fat into carbon-based electrodes for supercapacitors, which store energy and power LED lights. The new technology has shown good capacitance, durability, high energy, and power density, highlighting the potential of using food waste as a carbon source in green energy.
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a new catalyst that reduces the amount of iridium required for hydrogen production, achieving 82% efficiency and sustaining production for over 4 months. The breakthrough could revolutionize ecologically friendly hydrogen production and pave the way for a carbon-neutral energy economy.
Researchers from Utrecht University introduce a vision for a completely fossil-free refinery, which would convert CO2, plastic, and biomass waste into useful raw materials. The refinery would require massive amounts of renewable energy and significant investments, but could potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly.
Scientists used advanced computing tools to engineer Pseudomonas putida for isoprenol production, achieving the highest reported yield. The research paves the way for a sustainable bioproduction process for jet fuel by optimizing isoprenol production in P. putida.
A recent study found that Mozambique's Maniamba Basin has a high total organic carbon content, indicating its potential for generating hydrocarbons. The research identified mixed kerogen types, primarily of terrestrial origin, suggesting the basin's rocks were once lush with vegetation typical of Gondwana ecosystem.
Decarbonizing China's Southern Power Grid could lead to ecological and sociological trade-offs, including reducing cropland in favor of solar and wind power, impacting river basins like the Salween and Mekong. Building dams for hydropower production would also negatively affect ecosystems and fisheries.
A research team at Waseda University has discovered a family of poly(thiourea)s (PTUs) with exceptional optical properties, including transparency over 92% and a refractive index of 1.81. The polymers can be easily degraded into simpler molecules, making them suitable for sustainable optoelectronic applications.
Researchers at RIKEN have improved the stability of a green hydrogen production process by using a custom-made catalyst, increasing its lifetime by almost 4,000 times. The breakthrough uses earth-abundant materials, making it more sustainable and potentially cost-effective for widespread industrial use.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed low-cost light-harvesting semiconductors that power devices for converting water into clean hydrogen fuel using sunlight. By growing copper oxide crystals in a specific orientation, they improved performance by an order of magnitude and increased stability.
Researchers developed a semipermeable membrane that harnesses osmotic energy from salt gradients, achieving higher power density and stable performance underwater. The design expands the range of ecological materials for RED membranes, making them more feasible for real-world use.
Researchers developed Au-BiFeO3 nanocrystals with improved photocatalytic activity, achieving 98% methylene blue degradation efficiency. The nanoparticles' unique localized surface plasmon resonance and electron transfer mechanisms enhance their recyclability and stability.
Researchers have discovered a greener way to produce ammonia, essential for fertilizers, by developing a new catalyst that works stably at relatively low temperatures. This breakthrough reduces the amount of energy needed to synthesize ammonia, making it an attractive alternative to fossil fuels.
A new study reveals that Global North countries' outsourcing of energy-intensive industrial processes to the Global South leads to greater carbon emissions and environmental damage. The researchers urge both regions to work together to address this issue, promoting energy equity and sustainability.
Researchers from Lehigh University have developed a material that promises over 190% quantum efficiency in solar cells, exceeding the theoretical limit for silicon-based materials. The material's 'intermediate band states' enable efficient absorption of sunlight and production of charge carriers.
Researchers demonstrate how a simple mirror design can amplify radiative cooling processes for buildings. The mirror structure effectively guides thermal radiation towards the most transmissive portion of the atmosphere, increasing cooling power.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a genetic learning algorithm to identify optimal pitch profiles for VAWT blades, increasing turbine efficiency by 200% and reducing vibrations by 77%. This innovation addresses the engineering problem of air flow control and has the potential to bring efficient VAWT technology to maturity.
A new study reveals a strong correlation between universities' sustainability performance and local innovation, while showing little connection to community environmental sustainability. The research suggests universities contribute to economic development, but struggle to drive broader sustainable transformations.
Researchers found that old and young waters behave differently, with deep groundwater sustaining the hydrological system. Only 20-40% of surface water is contemporary, making it sensitive to climate change and mining activities.
A new study found that AI systems produce much less CO2e per page of text generated compared to human writers and illustrators. DALL-E2 emits approximately 2,500 times less CO2e than a human artist for illustration tasks. The authors suggest collaboration between AI and human efforts for the most beneficial outcome.
The study emphasizes the urgent need for a just and sustainable future, highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental degradation, climate change, and socio-economic inequality. The authors advocate for a global cultural shift that prioritizes kinship with nature and communal well-being to avoid devastating consequences.
A recent study from the University of Florida found that companies ignoring climate risks tend to face market penalties, whereas those proactively managing risks fare better. The research analyzed textual data from nearly 5,000 US public companies and discovered a costly divide between proactive and non-proactive firms.
A new study by North Carolina State University found that smart utility meters can improve energy efficiency in manufacturing, but only if managers actively use the technology. The research used event system theory to understand the impact of proactive changes on business outcomes.
A team of researchers from Kyushu University has developed a novel iridium-based compound that can efficiently store electrons from hydrogen in a solid state. The stored electrons can be extracted and used to catalyze useful chemical reactions, such as cyclopropanation, with significant advantages over conventional techniques.
The MIT-designed 'architected' reef could dissipate more than 95% of incoming wave energy using a fraction of the material needed, reducing erosion and flooding. The cylindrical structure's unique design leverages turbulence to efficiently break waves, making it a potential solution for coastal protection in various water conditions.
A new study by Cornell University researchers suggests that combining cryptocurrency mining with green hydrogen technology can significantly boost renewable energy production. The approach, known as the 'dynamic duo,' has the potential to accelerate wind and solar capacity growth across the US.
A Simon Fraser University professor has led a team in developing a comprehensive roadmap for next-generation printable sensor technologies. These technologies could enable everyday objects and environments to acquire sensing capabilities, paving the way for advancements in sustainability and quality of life.
Researchers discover that methane sulphonic acid (MSA) hydrolysis can produce higher yields of xylose and activated carbon from hemp seed hulls compared to traditional methods. The use of MSA also leads to the formation of high surface area activated carbon with improved delignification properties.
The US Department of Energy's Billion-Ton Report suggests that the country could produce over 1 billion tons of plant-based biomass per year for renewable fuels while meeting projected demands for food, feed, fiber, conventional forest products, and exports. This would triple the current bioeconomy capacity, enabling the production of ...
A recent PNAS study finds that wind turbine visibility reduces home values by up to 8%, but this effect decreases with distance and age of turbines. The study's findings provide valuable insights for sustainable energy development and community-friendly projects.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a method to break down lignin into small molecules similar to oxygenated hydrocarbons. This process could lead to the creation of renewable chemicals that replace traditional petroleum-based products.
A recent study found that wind turbines have a limited impact on US property values, dropping by up to 8% when built less than 2 kilometers away. However, this effect diminishes over time as people become more accustomed to the presence of turbines.
A pioneering approach produces high-performance polyamides from sugar cores derived from agricultural waste, with impressive atom efficiency and recyclability
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology created a novel catalyst that enhances the efficiency of reactions using contaminated municipal sewage to produce hydrogen. The catalyst, called nickel-iron-oxalate (O-NFF), successfully lowers the voltage required for hydrogen generation and promotes the urea oxidation reaction.
Researchers developed a new cathode material composed of sulfur and iodine, increasing electrical conductivity by 11 orders of magnitude and possessing a low melting point. The new material can be easily re-melted to repair damaged interfaces, addressing cumulative damage during repeated charging and discharging.
Rice University researchers have developed a transformative approach to harnessing the catalytic power of aluminum nanoparticles by annealing them in various gas atmospheres at high temperatures. This allows for modifying the structure of the oxide layer, making the nanoparticles versatile tools for different applications.
Researchers at the University of Córdoba discovered a mutually beneficial relationship between an algae and three bacteria that produces hydrogen and biomass while cleaning wastewater. The combination, composed of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii alga and Microbacterium forte sp. nov., Bacilluscereus, and Stenotrophomonas goyi sp. nov., yield...
The Zero-Energy Switchable Radiative Cooler (ZESRC) is a temperature-responsive solution that balances building temperatures sustainably. Field experiments demonstrate its effectiveness across seasons, reducing energy consumption by 14.3% compared to other devices.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that EU countries have made progress towards achieving the 2030 sustainable energy goal, but some countries still have a long way to go. Malta made the greatest progress, while Bulgaria is furthest from meeting its targets.
Researchers at UNIST have developed a scalable and efficient photoelectrode module for green hydrogen production, overcoming challenges of efficiency, stability, and scalability. The team's innovative approach achieved unprecedented efficiency, durability, and scalability in producing green hydrogen using solar energy.
Nontraditional energy-assisted mechanical machining uses vibration, laser, electricity, etc. to improve machinability and reduce process forces in processing difficult-to-cut materials and components. The technology provides a feasible way to enhance material removal rate and surface quality.
Researchers warn that AI tools used in radiology contribute to greenhouse gas emissions through energy consumption and data storage. To minimize these impacts, experts recommend sharing resources, selecting sustainable hardware, and using data compression techniques.
A global survey of 200+ major cultural organizations reveals significant room for improvement in social and environmental sustainability. However, top performers like the National Galleries of Scotland and Sydney Opera House showcase successful integration of sustainability into strategy and operations.
Researchers at Aston University will explore gel electrolyte materials to improve lithium-ion batteries' safety and environmental sustainability. The project aims to replace harmful components with renewable ionogels, addressing the need for scalable methods of storing electrical energy.
Researchers have identified two essential ferredoxins that play a key role in determining the performance of iron nitrogenase. The discovery opens up new possibilities for elucidating and maximizing nitrogenase's potential, which could lead to sustainable enzymatic production of ammonia and carbon compounds.
Researchers at UNIST have introduced non-solvating electrolytes to significantly improve the performance and lifespan of organic electrode-based batteries. The study achieved remarkable improvements in capacity retention and rate performance, with over 91% capacity retention after 1000 cycles.
The researchers have developed a Na-ion battery containing organic materials that can charge quickly, store a large amount of energy, and last longer. They also improved the cathode material using design principles from previous studies, resulting in high-energy density and fast charging capabilities.
The Swiss Cat+ project uses a combination of artificial intelligence and automated laboratory infrastructure to find new and better metal catalysts for producing methanol from CO2. The team successfully developed around 150 catalyst compositions in under six weeks, saving time and improving conversion rates.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a new photosensitizer that doubles the yield of fumaric acid from CO2, creating biodegradable plastics with reduced carbon dioxide emissions. The innovation reuses waste resources to produce fumaric acid, a key component of sustainable packaging materials.
A new research proposes a hemispherical shell shape to optimize organic photovoltaic cells, achieving a 66% increase in light absorption and improved angular coverage. The study presents advanced computational analysis, revealing the remarkable capabilities of this innovative design.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have discovered a new solid material that rapidly conducts lithium ions, replacing liquid electrolytes in current battery technology. The discovery provides a platform for optimising chemistry to enhance material properties.
Researchers at University of Limerick in Ireland have discovered a way to efficiently convert low-grade heat into electricity using lignin-derived membranes. The breakthrough technology has significant potential for developing sustainable heat-to-electricity applications, reducing waste heat's environmental impact.
Jian Shi, a UH researcher, has developed a carbon-driven framework called "ZERO-Accelerator" to expedite the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. The framework integrates novel mechanisms and algorithms into current power grid operational practices to achieve a 24/7 zero-carbon power grid.
Researchers develop electrochemical method to release hydrogen stored in hydrogen boride sheets, achieving high Faradaic efficiency. The process is expected to contribute to the development of safe and lightweight hydrogen carriers with low energy consumption.
JET's final deuterium-tritium experiments demonstrated high fusion power consistently produced for 5 seconds, setting a world-record of 69 megajoules using 0.2 milligrams of fuel. The facility has reliably created fusion plasmas with the same fuel mixture as commercial fusion energy powerplants.
Researchers at Imperial College London created a novel molecular toolkit to enhance compound production in yeast communities. The toolkit allowed them to split the resveratrol production pathway, resulting in enhanced production and more stable partnerships between yeast strains.
A study from Chalmers University of Technology found that the production and use of ammonia as a marine fuel can lead to eutrophication, acidification, and emissions of potent greenhouse gases. Researchers warn that the pursuit of low-carbon fuels may create new environmental challenges.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a new technique to study the breakdown of cellulose by enzymes, revealing that hydrogen bonds in the complex molecule act as obstacles. The approach uses infrared light and operando spectroscopy to provide real-time snapshots of the sample, overcoming past limitations.
A study by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona finds that big oil companies are relentless in expanding their extractive operations, deploying new technologies and seeking favorable locations. This leads to significant social and environmental costs, with local communities fighting against extraction activities.
New research reveals that governments and businesses rely on unsustainable amounts of future CO2 removal, posing risks to food security, human rights, and natural ecosystems. The study calls for policymakers to set separate targets for emission reductions and removals, prioritizing restoring natural ecosystems.