A new study from the University of Illinois finds that converting food waste into energy and bioproducts can be profitable in Illinois. The study analyzes supply chain logistics and technological and economic factors to determine the feasibility of this solution.
Research by Politecnico di Milano finds offshore wind farms significantly reduce climate change impacts, with a 92% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. The study also highlights the importance of life cycle analysis for assessing environmental sustainability of renewable energy technologies.
A team of researchers from SUTD and A*STAR has developed a quick and energy-efficient technique to produce 2D mica nanosheets, which have shown an 87% higher CO2 adsorption capacity than bulk mica. The nanosheets' high specific surface area and porosity enable effective carbon capture.
Researchers at Flinders University and Zhejiang Sci-Tech University have developed a novel aluminium radical battery that uses water-based electrolytes, delivering stable voltage output and high capacity. The design has potential to replace hazardous materials in traditional batteries and provide a sustainable energy storage system.
A study by Radboud University researchers highlights the challenges of energy subsidy reforms in Iran, where price increases of up to six times led to profit losses for energy-intensive companies. They advise European policymakers to be honest about the costs and reform the market step-by-step to avoid shocking price dynamics.
A recent study by Kyoto University has raised concerns about the authenticity of Big Oil's net-zero emissions claims. The research team found that oil majors are not making sufficient progress in phasing out fossil fuels and transitioning to clean energy, despite their pledges to achieve net-zero by 2050.
Researchers at Shibaura Institute of Technology have developed a faster way to synthesize CoSn(OH)6, a powerful catalyst required for high-energy lithium–air batteries. The new method uses solution plasma-based synthesis and achieves highly crystalline CSO crystals with improved catalytic properties.
A recent study published in Joule found that the financial losses from a renewable energy transition are concentrated among the wealthiest individuals. In high-income countries, two-thirds of the losses would affect the top 10% of wealth holders, with half affecting the top 1%. In contrast, lower-income individuals would face minimal l...
Researchers at NUS have created a new type of solar cell with improved stability and efficiency, paving the way for cheaper and more durable energy solutions. The cells achieve a world record efficiency of 24.35%, making them suitable for large-scale commercialization.
Researchers developed a pilot study to address the issue of thermal discomfort in social housing projects. They proposed replacing conventional windows with fully openable tilting windows, monolithic expanded polystyrene walls, and green-tinted tempered glass, which can reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a solar-powered reactor that captures CO2 from industrial processes or directly from the air and converts it into sustainable fuels. The technology also uses plastic waste, converting it into glycolic acid and other valuable chemical products.
Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have developed a new approach to understanding photovoltaic device performance under varying temperatures. Their findings suggest that thermoradiative and thermophotonic cells can efficiently convert sunlight into electricity even at high temperatures.
A team of researchers from China and the UK has developed new ways to optimise the production of solar fuels by creating novel photocatalysts. These photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide with boron nitride, can absorb more wavelengths of light and produce more hydrogen compared to traditional methods.
Researchers develop artificial photosynthesis devices to convert sunlight into oxygen, potentially supplementing space travel with sustainable energy. These devices mimic plants' natural process, recycling carbon dioxide and producing oxygen using only sunlight.
A new study finds that electricity market design plays a crucial role in trade-offs between more affordable energy and lower carbon emissions. Researchers discovered that participating in day-ahead markets reduces carbon emissions, while real-time markets reduce costs.
Researchers at HKU have designed a self-assembling artificial spherical chromatophore nanomicelle system that mimics the photosynthetic apparatus of bacteria, achieving high stability and efficiency in solar energy conversion. This breakthrough could lead to sustainable solutions for carbon-neutral fuels and renewable energy.
A national study in Canada found that snowmaking requires 17,000 homes' worth of annual energy and 43.4 million cubic meters of water to produce 42 million cubic meters of machine-made snow. Collaboration between ski operators, policymakers, and environmental organizations is needed to develop sustainable practices.
Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have discovered a new proton conductor, Ba2LuAlO5, which shows high proton conductivity even without modifications. The material's unique structure and water absorption properties make it ideal for protonic ceramic fuel cells, promising a bright future for sustainable energy generation.
Researchers from GIST have developed a hydrotropic-supporting electrolyte to enhance the solubility of organic redox molecules in aqueous systems. This improvement enables the creation of high-energy-density electrochemical capacitors with potential applications in redox flow batteries.
FES2023 brings together leading researchers and industry experts to share groundbreaking research on AI-based energy solutions, smart grids, and renewable energy systems. The conference covers key themes including planning and operation of energy systems, electricity markets, and demand response.
Researchers have discovered that certain soapstone and granite samples from Tanzania are well-suited for storing solar heat, featuring high energy densities and stability. These rocks show promise as a sustainable energy storage material for concentrated solar power generation and solar drying technology.
A new study reveals that rooftop solar arrays can meet the entire electricity demand of up to 35% of US manufacturers, currently accounting for only 2.2% of the grid mix. The research investigates the feasibility of on-site solar panel installations across different regions and manufacturing sectors in the US.
A recent study identified orthophosphate as a contaminant in some antiscalants that promotes bacterial growth, while HEDP-based antiscalants showed no biofouling effect. The research aims to develop simple low-tech tests for desalination plants to reduce energy consumption and extend membrane lifespan.
New research suggests that households could break even on their solar panel investments by 2027, thanks to a steady decline in cost outlay and return on investment. The study also predicts that solar electricity will become a more competitive energy source, making it 40-50% cheaper by 2035.
Researchers have engineered bacteria to combine natural enzymatic reactions with the carbene transfer reaction, producing new-to-nature carbon products that can be used in biochemicals and advanced biofuels. This breakthrough could reduce industrial emissions by providing sustainable alternatives to chemical manufacturing processes.
Researchers at Drexel University developed a machine learning model to predict Philadelphia's future energy use based on zoning decisions and building characteristics. The model uses two machine learning programs to tease out patterns from massive datasets and make projections about future energy consumption.
Researchers are working to develop battery cells that can be easily recycled, reducing the environmental impact of electric cars. The goal is to unlock the full potential of electric vehicles by reusing valuable materials in batteries.
Researchers capture elusive missing step in photosynthesis using SLAC's X-ray laser, revealing an intermediate reaction step that sheds light on how nature optimizes photosynthesis. The data provide a blueprint for optimizing clean energy sources and avoiding side products.
Researchers developed GAME-Net, a graph neural network that rapidly evaluates adsorption energy for large molecules like plastics and biomass. The model achieves accuracy comparable to density functional theory (DFT) while utilizing simple molecular representations.
The project aims to collect core samples and temperature data down to 15,000 feet to test the potential of geothermal energy in the region. Data will also be gathered on underground carbon storage in the Appalachian basin, a scientific first in the state.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that only 6% of countries provide for all citizens in an ecologically sustainable way. The study measured the ecological and social impact of water and carbon use, finding that while 67% operate safely and sustainably in water use, only 9% do in carbon sequestration. The US is among the majori...
A new paper proposes solidifying air as a medium to reduce energy consumption and costs in transporting hydrogen by sea. The process, called Solid Air Hydrogen Liquefaction (SAHL), has the potential to lower energy consumption for liquefying hydrogen by 25-50%.
Researchers have developed a novel support material called BaAl2O4-xHy that enhances the catalytic activity of cobalt nanoparticles, allowing for record-breaking ammonia production at low temperatures. The catalyst demonstrates improved activation energy and high reusability.
A new type of floatable photocatalytic platform composed of hydrogel nanocomposites efficiently proceeds hydrogen evolution reaction. The platform exhibits clear advantages over conventional systems, including efficient solar energy conversion and easy gas diffusion.
Lutz Grossman aims to create a protein-rich food source using hydrogenotrophic bacteria, which require no agricultural inputs. His goal is to produce a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources, addressing global food security concerns.
A new study uses social media data to understand global air conditioning adoption patterns. It finds that middle-aged, educated males and parents of small children tend to express higher online interest in AC. This research aims to improve climate change adaptation measures by identifying sociodemographic groups at risk.
Researchers have developed a new type of organic battery that uses redox-organic electrode materials (OEMs) synthesized from natural materials. The battery features high capacity, scalability, and recyclability, making it a promising sustainable alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2023
Scientists at the National University of Singapore have developed a new method for synthesizing organosilanes using eosin Y, a low-cost and readily available dye molecule. This enables stepwise customised functionalisation of multihydrosilanes to access fully substituted silicon compounds.
Researchers discovered a hydrogel material that maintains its ability to absorb moisture despite rising temperatures, contradicting intuition. The material, polyethylene glycol (PEG), doubles its water absorption between 25-50 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for passive cooling and water harvesting applications.
Researchers developed a new thermoelectric generator that can generate electricity using heat from the sun and radiative element, providing reliable power source for outdoor sensors and wearable electronics. The device works continuously during day or night and in cloudy conditions, addressing constraints of traditional power sources.
Newcastle University researchers have developed environmentally-friendly photovoltaic cells that harness ambient light to power IoT devices. The cells achieve an unprecedented power conversion efficiency of 38% and are non-toxic, setting a new standard for sustainable energy sources.
A new theory, dubbed the Pancosmorio theory, emphasizes the importance of maintaining an Earth-like ecosystem for human survival in deep space. The key factors include gravity, which induces a pressure gradient in the body, and oxygen, which is generated by plants on Earth.
Research highlights gaps in knowledge about the relationship between gender and energy, limiting policymakers' actions and exacerbating inequality. Women's access to finance, education, and household bargaining power can increase adoption of efficient cooking technologies and cleaner fuels.
The latest issue of PLOS Biology features a special collection on biology-based solutions to reduce plastic pollution, carbon dioxide emissions, and produce food or energy more sustainably. Insect enzymes may degrade plastic waste, while photosynthetic algae can capture CO2 produced by industrial applications.
Researchers at NUS developed a new synthesis strategy for highly efficient inorganic membranes, offering maximum energy efficiency and customization. These freestanding membranes have the potential to transform industries beyond filtration and separation, including energy conversion, catalysis, and sensing.
Researchers have developed a practical method to generate green hydrogen using natural enzymes, which contain only earth-abundant elements. The new approach enables the efficient production of green hydrogen from sunlight, making it a promising solution for decarbonizing transportation and industries.
Researchers at CABBI designed a new wastewater treatment process that simultaneously treats water and recovers biogas, reducing capital costs and energy usage. The process efficiently converts organic contaminants to biogas, achieving simultaneous energy recovery and wastewater treatment.
A comprehensive roadmap for converting waste energy into clean power has been proposed by global experts. The guide outlines strategies for future research to harness the potential of energy harvesting materials, enabling seamless integration into everyday objects and environments.
Researchers developed a chemical scissor to split and stitch nanoscopic layers of two-dimensional materials, opening pathways to sustainable energy technologies. This new process allows for structurally splitting, editing, and reconstituting layered materials with exceptional properties.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a propeller design optimisation method that paves the way for quiet, efficient electric aviation. The new design can reduce noise emissions by up to 5-8 dBA, comparable to going from a normal conversation voice to a quiet room.
A European consortium has achieved a world-record solar-to-fuel efficiency of over 10% in converting CO2 and H2O into sustainable fuels using sunlight. The innovative cell produces hydrogen continuously (24/7) without the use of critical raw materials.
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.
Scientists have developed a conductive polymer coating called HOS-PFM that can significantly enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. The coating ensures battery stability and high charge/discharge rates while extending battery life by up to 15 years.
Researchers at Columbia University have developed a new 'camera' that can see atomic structures in real-time, revealing the dynamic disorder of materials. This breakthrough enables better understanding of thermoelectric devices and waste heat conversion, leading to more efficient sustainable energy applications.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a new type of solar roof that can harness energy from sunlight without blocking light for plants. The innovative design uses semi-transparent organic solar cells with a layer of L-glutathione, which extends the cells' lifetime and improves efficiency.
A novel deep learning-based forecasting model predicts uncertain parameters related to renewable energy sources, their energy demand, and market prices. The model demonstrates improved prediction accuracy and efficiency compared to existing methods.
Researchers analyzed 183 million buildings in 6,000 African cities and found that a city's shape affects its energy demand. Double the population means triple the energy costs due to increased commuting distances and pollution.
Researchers synthesized global data from nearly 600 studies on biochar to analyze its potential as a climate-smart agricultural practice. Biochar acts like a sponge, improving soil's capacity to hold water and nutrients, making it more resilient to droughts and sustaining crop yields.
Researcher Jie Cai aims to understand the interplay between financial and environmental goals in shaping energy use behaviors. He will develop a statistical behavioral model to analyze user interactions with smart thermostats and identify correlations with socio-demographic variables.
A new study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign demonstrates an approach for integrated capture and conversion of nitrate-contaminated waters into valuable ammonia using a single electrochemical cell. The device shows significant enhancements in energy efficiency, nitrate removal, and ammonium production rate compared to ...