Articles tagged with Sustainable Energy
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.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
Researchers at Delft University of Technology have developed pioneering advancements in the purification of isopropanol and acetone from waste gases through engineered bacteria. The novel process shows high-purity yields with recoveries over 99.2%, marking a significant step forward in sustainable industrial fermentation.
West Virginia University engineer Yuhe Tian is developing powerful artificial intelligence tools that can reimagine the sustainability of chemical manufacturing. She aims to harness quantum intelligence to innovate environmentally friendly chemical plant designs.
Researchers have developed a novel optical neural network architecture that achieves nonlinear optical computation by precisely controlling ultrashort pulse propagation in multimode fibers. This approach streamlines the need for energy-intensive digital processes, achieving comparable accuracy with significantly reduced parameters.
A study of 38 Ontario municipalities found that almost all publish their sustainability goals but under half formally report on progress. Researchers from the University of Waterloo aim to help Canadian municipalities monitor and measure their climate mitigation efforts through a new partnership.
Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have achieved a breakthrough in RFD, increasing the salt removal rate by approximately 20% while lowering its energy demand. The system can store affordable renewable energy and produce potable drinking water, promising a sustainable solution to the global water crisis.
Researchers at Linköping University have developed a new, sustainable way to create conductive inks for use in organic electronics. The new process uses benign solvents like water and has been shown to improve material properties and device performance.
Researchers create supramolecular ink, a game-changing technology for OLED display manufacturing, enabling more affordable and environmentally sustainable products. The material can also be used in wearable devices, luminescent art, and 3D printing.
A new study finds that many US cities will struggle to meet their renewable energy targets by 2050, with gas remaining the primary source of energy. Renewable energy generation needs to triple to meet a 45% share of energy production, but instead is often used to supplement growing energy demands.
Artificial leaf-shaped generators, called 'power plants', capture kinetic energy from wind and convert it into electricity. They also collect energy from falling raindrops, producing high voltage but short-lived power output.
Researchers at Chung-Ang University have developed a low-cost catalyst for green hydrogen production through proton exchange membrane water electrolysis. The new catalyst, SA Zn-RuO2, has improved stability and reactivity compared to commercial RuO2, with reduced energy consumption and increased durability.
Researchers used AI to optimize a carbon capture system at a coal-fired power station, capturing 16.7% more CO2 and using 36.3% less energy from the grid. The system can adapt to changing weather conditions, reducing energy consumption while increasing carbon capture efficiency.
Researchers at Lancaster University found that tidal range schemes can protect estuaries and coastal areas from sea level rise by harnessing high tides and maintaining low tide levels. These barrages can provide jobs, reliable power, and reduced costs while conserving habitats.
Researchers at KAUST Solar Center have developed a roadmap for commercializing perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells, which combine efficient light absorption and long-term stability. The technology has the potential to meet Saudi Arabia's solar targets and exceed $10 billion in market value within a decade.
Researchers at NREL found a correlation between electric vehicle ownership and the adoption of solar panels, with EV owners more likely to invest in photovoltaics. The study suggests that the two technologies have complementary nature, playing a pivotal role in energy systems resiliency.
The report highlights key applications and pathways to commercialization for emerging PV technologies, including new materials and device concepts. It also discusses strategies to exceed current limits in solar PV energy conversion and challenges facing efforts to scale up globally.
A £2.6 million center, led by the University of Leicester, will provide doctoral-level training in mineral resources to tackle challenges of sustainable energy generation and use. The Training and Research Group for Energy Transition Mineral Resources (TARGET) aims to develop secure and sustainable supply of critical mineral resources.
Researchers from City University of Hong Kong developed a novel strategy to engineer stable and efficient ultrathin nanosheet catalysts using Turing structures. This approach effectively resolves the instability problem associated with low-dimensional materials in catalytic systems, enabling efficient and long-lasting hydrogen production.
A new study by GIST researchers provides efficient hydrogen storage solutions using clathrate hydrates, overcoming limitations such as limited gas storage capacities and slow formation rates. The study offers crucial insights for developing clathrate hydrate-based technologies for carbon dioxide separation and hydrogen storage.
Researchers at Tohoku University have engineered a novel device combining piezoelectric composites with carbon fibers, transforming kinetic energy into electricity for efficient motion sensing. The new device has been tested to withstand over 1000 stretches and surpasses other materials in terms of energy output density.
Researchers have developed a solid electrolyte that allows for efficient hydride ion conduction at room temperature, enabling the creation of safer, more efficient hydrogen-based batteries and fuel cells. This breakthrough provides material design guidelines for the development of next-generation energy storage solutions.
A new study found that fossil fuel companies rarely respond to online discussions about extreme weather, but instead engage with sustainability initiatives and corporate efforts. Climate misinformation can fuel denialism and delay action, emphasizing the need for understanding how it's designed and spread.
Researchers engineered bacteria to produce zeaxanthin and PDC simultaneously from underutilized plant fiber, offering a promising solution for sustainable biofuels. The discovery could lead to lower greenhouse gas emissions and improved economics in the production process.
Researchers at the University of Sussex have discovered transformative nanomaterials with potential for clean energy production and building materials on Mars. Using sustainable production methods, they turned a waste product into nanobelts that could provide clean energy and sustainable electronics.
Researchers at the University of Seville have developed a bioinspired PEM fuel cell design that improves the distribution of liquid water inside these batteries. This approach has the potential to significantly enhance the efficiency and durability of PEM fuel cells, leading to more efficient and sustainable energy systems.
The 15th annual horizon scan highlights 15 key conservation issues, including declining invertebrate populations and altering marine ecosystems. The study emphasizes the need for continued innovation in sustainable energy technologies to address climate change.
EtaVolt's innovative technology rejuvenates old solar cells with intense sunlight, restoring performance and protecting against light and heat damage. This game-changing solution extends the operational lifespan of solar panels, reducing energy loss and e-waste.
A tiny bacterium, Vibrio natriegens, has been genetically engineered to increase its ability to extract rare earth elements through biosorption, a sustainable method. This breakthrough could improve the efficiency of processing and bring rare earth element mining back to domestic productivity.
Recent advancements in biotechnology have led to the development of artificial biological systems that can utilize CO2 as a feedstock, producing valuable chemicals and fuels. These systems, including autotrophic organisms, tandem enzymatic systems, and chemo-bio hybrid systems, offer promising solutions for sustainable energy production.
A new method has been developed to produce green hydrogen more efficiently and cheaply, using ruthenium particles and a solar-powered electrolytic system. The technology could reduce the costs of green hydrogen production on an industrial scale.
Scientists at Linköping University have created stable and environmentally friendly organic solar cells by incorporating untreated kraft lignin into the electron transport layer. This innovation improves the overall efficiency and reliability of organic solar cells, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
The global EV battery industry is projected to exceed 600 MtCO2eq in emissions by 2050, mainly due to energy-intensive mining and refining processes. Shifting to less CO2-intensive battery chemistries like LFP could reduce emissions by 20%.
A research team led by Michele Galizia aims to create polymer membranes that can efficiently separate gases, reducing energy consumption. The project has the potential to apply in various fields such as fossil fuels, healthcare, and the airline industry.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have discovered a new strategy to enhance the conductivity and stability of perovskite-type proton conductors, overcoming the 'Norby gap' issue. Donor doping into materials with disordered intrinsic oxygen vacancies enables high proton conduction at intermediate and low temperatures.
A team of researchers has made a significant leap forward in molecular chemistry by modifying azaarenes, unique molecular puzzle pieces crucial to many everyday products. Using photoenzymatic systems, they have discovered novel chemical reactions that were previously thought to be out of reach.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science developed nanostructured hard carbon electrodes using inorganic zinc-based compounds, which deliver unprecedented performance and significantly increase the capacity of sodium- and potassium-ion batteries. The new electrodes improve energy density by 1.6 times compared to existing technologies.
Researchers have developed a new self-assembling nanosheet that can create functional and sustainable nanomaterials for various applications. The material is recyclable and can extend the shelf life of consumer products, enabling a sustainable manufacturing approach.
Rapid adoption of zero-emission vehicles is essential alongside a clean electric grid transition. Managing travel demand growth reduces the need for clean electricity supply. The study explores changes in technology, behavior, and policies to envision sustainable transportation systems.
The Beckman Institute's new Electrolab robot automates electrochemical experiments and data analysis, reducing manual effort and time for researchers. The instrument can explore alternative power sources and analyze chemical reactions to combat climate change.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology have developed organic solar cells with record efficiencies and discovered a link between molecular structure and outdoor stability. The study found that fluorine-bearing functional end groups and long hydrocarbon side-chains enhance outdoor stability, protecting the cells...
Researchers from SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Stanford University propose the Cool Copper Collider, a next-generation accelerator that could probe elementary particle physics at higher energy scales. The proposal aims to reduce energy consumption by up to 50% through improved design and materials.