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Mechanical energy could help turn biomass into fuels and valuable chemicals

Piezocatalysis, a process that converts mechanical energy into chemical driving forces, can break down biomass's complex lignocellulosic structure under mild conditions. The review highlights the potential of piezocatalysis to drive cleaner biomass conversion, with promising applications in fuels, resins, and biodegradable polymers.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalSustainable Carbon Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 23, 2026

Department of Energy awards University of Houston-led team $2.88M to use AI to strengthen America’s critical mineral supply chain

Researchers aim to develop new magnets that reduce American reliance on supply-vulnerable foreign sources by finding alternatives to critical minerals. The UH-led team will use AI to design and manufacture next-generation permanent magnets, with the goal of surpassing industry-standard materials like neodymium iron boron.

Pusan National University researchers show how Korea’s emission trading reforms would impact its power sector

A study by Pusan National University researchers found that Korea's emission trading reforms could reduce fossil fuel usage by increasing carbon pricing, while uniform benchmarking and auctioning ratio changes would affect power generation companies differently. The reforms aim to maximize their impact with complementary measures.

SourcePusan National University·JournalEnergy Policy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 17, 2026

Quantum material opens new path for studying unusual electronic behavior

Researchers have developed a novel quantum material that can naturally enable the study of non-Hermitian dynamics, a phenomenon where systems exhibit unusual behaviors. The material, a magnetic topological insulator, allows for the creation of electronic networks with direction-dependent connections, enabling the accumulation of states...

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2026

Lanzhou Jiaotong University researchers develop sustainable wastewater-powered electricity generator system

Lanzhou Jiaotong University researchers developed a droplet-based energy harvesting technology that converts secondary wastewater effluents into electricity. The system achieved high output performance and successfully powered LED lights, demonstrating its practical energy harvesting capability.

SourceEditorial Office of Journal of Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Environmental Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2026

Quantum metallurgy: Electron crystals deform and melt

Electron crystals, similar to atomic structures of crystals, can accumulate defects as they melt. Controlling the degree of melting may enable devices with neuromorphic computing and superconductors. The researchers found that electron crystals in metals can deform and melt, similar to physical solids, and their structure could be prec...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalMatter·DateMay 7, 2026

How electric vehicles could back up our power system

A new study suggests that electric vehicles can serve as a vast network of mobile batteries, storing excess energy and feeding it back into the grid when demand surges. This approach could ease grid strain, cut emissions, and create revenue, but only if paired with timely grid upgrades.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 2, 2026

N-type SnSe polycrystalline thermoelectric material: High performance enabled by liquid phase sintering

Researchers have optimized the thermoelectric performance of SnSe using liquid phase sintering, introducing excess metallic tin to fill intrinsic vacancies and reduce electron trapping. This process results in a lattice thermal conductivity as low as 0.21 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹ at 793 K, achieving an exceptional ZT value of approximately 1.9.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateJan 6, 2026

System with thermal management for synergistic water production, electricity generation and crop irrigation

Researchers have unveiled an integrated Water/Electricity-Cogeneration–Cultivation (WEC) platform that couples solar-driven desalination with salinity-gradient power generation and zero-pollution crop irrigation. The work demonstrates a practical blueprint for advancing the water–energy–food nexus toward carbon-neutral sustainability.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2025

Study reveals randomly aligned defects key to thermal properties

A QUT research team discovered that randomly aligned edge dislocations are responsible for the low thermal conductivity of certain materials. This finding provides a new design principle for creating materials with tailored thermal properties, which could improve efficiency in thermoelectric generators and thermal insulation.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2025

Concentration‑controlled doping turns a p‑type polymer into its n‑type counterpart

A South Korean research team has discovered a molecular-level mechanism to switch the charge polarity of organic polymer semiconductors by adjusting the concentration of a single dopant. This enables polymers to exhibit both p-type and n-type characteristics, eliminating the need for separate materials or complex device architectures.

The Universitat Jaume I is completing a research project to improve the integration of renewable energies with batteries into the power grid

The project aims to improve integration of renewable energies and batteries in the power grid using advanced control strategies. The researchers have developed predictive models and deep reinforcement learning techniques to optimize participation of grid-connected storage systems.

SourceUniversitat Jaume I·JournalMathematics and Computers in Simulation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 28, 2025

A new way to produce ammonia more efficiently

A new way to produce ammonia more efficiently has been discovered by boosting its production using low-temperature plasma. This method could create ammonia in smaller facilities closer to where it is needed, making it safer and easier to transport, and potentially leading to a transformative change in energy storage and transportation.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateSep 16, 2025

From wave energy to electricity: Functional design and performance analysis of triboelectric nanogenerators

Researchers have developed triboelectric nanogenerators that can harness wave energy with high efficiency and stability. These devices use advanced designs such as multilayer stacks and magnetic-levitation frames to push volumetric power density beyond 600 W m–3, creating full-spectrum harvesters that deliver 117% power-conversion effi...

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 27, 2025

Study: Most US homes can save money and affordably weather blackouts with solar plus storage

A new Stanford University study finds that most US households (60%) can reduce their electricity costs by 15% and weather local or regional blackouts with solar-battery systems. The systems would meet about half of the household's electricity needs on average, allowing them to save money or see no rise in costs.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Energy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 1, 2025

In US, saving money is top reason to embrace solar power

A new study found that financial benefits, such as saving on utility payments and avoiding electricity rate hikes, are a key driver of US adults' willingness to consider installing rooftop or subscribing to community solar power. The study also revealed that most participants didn't understand what community solar is and had not looked...

SourceOhio State University·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·TypeSurvey·DateApr 22, 2025

Study documents impacts of large-scale entry of rooftop solar panels on competition

A dynamic framework to measure market power in wholesale electricity markets has been developed by researchers, accounting for start-up costs and other unit-level operating constraints. The study found that rooftop solar penetration increases led to sizable boosts in fossil fuel plant profitability, as competition softened at sunset.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateMar 25, 2025

Household electricity three times more expensive than upcoming ‘eco-friendly’ aviation e-fuels, study reveals

A new study published in Climate Policy highlights the significant cost disparity between household electricity and e-fuel for long-distance mobility. The research shows that the wealthiest 1% of EU citizens are responsible for 66% of air travel, while the majority emit less than 0.1 ton of CO2 equivalent emissions per year.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalClimate Policy·DateMar 23, 2025

New sensor could help prevent lithium-ion battery fires and explosions

Researchers have developed a new sensor to detect hazardous gas leaks in lithium-ion batteries, which could prevent catastrophic failures and enhance the reliability of battery-powered technologies. The sensor detects trace amounts of ethylene carbonate vapour, targeting potential battery failures before they escalate into disasters.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2025

Breakthrough bioprocess turns CO2 and electricity into high-protein food

Researchers have developed a novel bioprocess that transforms carbon dioxide and electricity into single-cell protein, surpassing traditional sources like fish and soybean meal. The process produces a nutrient-rich food source with essential amino acids, offering a promising solution to global food security and climate challenges.

SourceEurasia Academic Publishing Group·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2025

SFU study urges Canada to build solar power mega-projects

A new report from Simon Fraser University recommends building mass utility-scale solar mega-projects to diversify Canada's energy mix and reduce reliance on hydroelectric power. The study suggests that prioritizing rapid deployment of utility-scale projects in optimal sunlight locations can have a transformative effect on the electrici...

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalSolar Compass·DateDec 11, 2024

Earning money while making the power grid more stable – energy consumers have a key role in supporting grid flexibility

A new method for efficiently utilizing energy users' flexibility in distribution and transmission networks has been introduced. Consumers can provide flexibility services, benefiting both the system operators and themselves financially. The dissertation highlights the need for improvements and investments to deploy these methods globally.

Impact of climate change on water resources will increase price tag to decarbonize the grid

A new study warns that climate change's impact on water resources will significantly increase the cost of achieving zero-emission grids by 2050. The required investments in generation and transmission infrastructure are expected to be massive, with up to 139 gigawatts of power capacity needed in the Western United States.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 25, 2024