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Ba2LuAlO5: A new proton conductor for next-generation fuel cells

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.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalCommunications Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2023

Study points out errors in illustrations of one of the most famous scientific experiments

A study by researcher Breno Arsioli Moura investigated the depictions of Benjamin Franklin's famous kite experiment in illustrations published in the 19th century. The study found several inaccuracies, including the incorrect location where the experiment was performed and the method used to harness electricity from the clouds.

Emissions reductions of Chinese EVs

A study found that Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) create up to 53% less emissions over their full life cycle than internal combustion engine vehicles by 2030. Increased operating efficiency and a cleaner electricity mix are key drivers of these reductions.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMay 16, 2023

Rooftop solar panels could power one third of US manufacturing sector

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.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Infrastructure and Sustainability·DateMay 11, 2023

The inequalities of low-carbon electricity

A UNIGE team analyzed the socio-economic impacts of 248 electricity transition scenarios on 296 European regions, finding that southern and south-eastern regions may be more vulnerable to negative effects. The benefits of a low-carbon electricity sector tend to concentrate in richer northern Europe.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateMay 1, 2023

Levies on Renewable Energy Profits could serve as a barrier to achieving Net Zero Targets in the UK

The UK government's introduction of a 45% levy on renewable energy profits may undermine investor confidence and deter low-carbon generators from developing in the country. This could potentially hinder the UK's ability to meet its 2050 emission targets, according to Dr Catherine Caine from the University of Exeter Law School.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEnvironmental Law Review·DateApr 5, 2023

Revolutionary battery technology to boost EV range 10-fold or more

Researchers have developed a functional polymeric binder for stable, high-capacity anode material that can increase the current EV range at least 10-fold. The new polymer utilizes hydrogen bonding and Coulombic forces to control volumetric expansion, resulting in a thick high-capacity electrode and maximum energy density.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 28, 2023

Protecting bats with better wind turbine control

Researchers develop site-specific mitigation strategy for wind turbines, significantly reducing bat fatalities. The approach uses wind speed, temperature, and rainfall data to adapt curtailment strategies, resulting in a 86% reduction in bat deaths.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalMammalia·TypeCase study·DateFeb 14, 2023

Research into the chemistry of environmentally friendly power generation at the ELTE Eötvös Loránd University

The researchers investigated the ignition of methane-air mixtures using a detailed reaction kinetics model. They identified five domains with different sets of chemical reactions leading to methane ignition. This knowledge can help increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact in heating and power generation.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalProceedings of the Combustion Institute·DateDec 16, 2022

A healthy wind

A new MIT study suggests that prioritizing polluting power plants in times of wind energy generation could quadruple the health benefits associated with wind power, resulting in $8.4 billion in nationwide health benefits. However, this approach would not address existing disparities in air pollution exposure among low-income and minori...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 2, 2022

Unveiling the mechanism of the metal-to-insulator transition in ruthenium phosphide suggests a new way of looking at solids

Researchers at Nagoya University have uncovered the mechanism behind ruthenium phosphide's transition from metal to insulator, revealing a unique crystal structure and molecular bonding. This discovery could lead to the development of faster responding sensors and smart windows that change light transmittance depending on temperature.

SourceNagoya University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 29, 2022

Generating electricity from tacky tape

A team of researchers created a simple and inexpensive triboelectric nanogenerator using store-bought double-sided tape, plastic film, and aluminum metal. The device was able to produce higher power densities than previous versions, making it suitable for powering everyday devices such as LEDs and laser diodes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateNov 21, 2022

Ben-Gurion University scientist invited by NASA to present plan to power lunar colony solely through solar energy without energy storage

A Ben-Gurion University scientist has presented a plan to power a lunar colony solely through solar energy without energy storage. The concept, which exploits the unique conditions of the Moon's polar axis and low-mass transmission lines, could offer a more affordable solution than traditional nuclear reactors.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalRenewable Energy·DateOct 31, 2022

Sleep mode makes Energy Internet more energy efficient

Nagoya University scientists developed a controller with a sleep mode to procure energy only when needed, reducing the need for storage batteries and capacitors. This innovative solution enables efficient energy saving and promotes the practical application of power packet type energy Internet.

SourceNagoya University·JournalInternational Journal of Robust and Nonlinear Control·DateOct 7, 2022

Greener crypto mining possible with industry incentives

A new study by Cornell University researchers suggests that green policy incentives for carbon capture and renewable energy can help reduce the environmental impact of cryptocurrency mining. States with lower electricity prices and a higher share of renewable energy in their grids are best suited for this approach.

SourceCornell University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateSep 19, 2022

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers pave the way for large-scale, efficient organic solar cells with water treatment

Researchers from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology developed a method to control active layer morphology in organic solar cells using water treatment. This approach led to more uniform thin films and higher power conversion efficiencies compared to non-treated samples. The study paves the way for large-scale, efficient organi...

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

Elemental research: Scientists apply boron to tungsten components in fusion facilities

Researchers at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have successfully applied boron powder to tungsten components in tokamaks, improving plasma confinement and reducing the risk of edge-localized modes. The innovative approach uses a PPPL-developed powder dropper to deposit boron coatings while minimizing disruptions to the magnetic field.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalNuclear Fusion·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2022

Climate extremes: The energy required for adaptation calls for stronger mitigation efforts

A new study finds that adapting to climate change will require more energy than previously estimated, leading to higher energy investments and costs. Ambitious mitigation policies can cut the increase in energy system costs induced by adaptation, resulting in net gains.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 25, 2022

Comparison of electric scooter, bicycle injuries

A study of nearly 3,200 individuals found that electric scooter riders were more likely to be young and intoxicated when injured. Implementing stricter helmet and alcohol policies, improving infrastructure, and awareness campaigns may help reduce injuries among electric scooter users.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 15, 2022

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology scientists improve the power output of triboelectric nanogenerators with carbon particles

Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology improve triboelectric nanogenerators by using mesoporous carbon spheres to enhance charge transport and surface charge densities. The device achieves a 1300-fold higher output current, enabling potential sustainable energy harvesting.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalSmall Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2022

New study by researchers from Pusan National University explores the prevalence of heatwaves in East Asia

A new study by Pusan National University researchers finds that dry heatwaves mainly occur in northwestern East Asia, while moist heatwaves prevail over southern East Asia. The study predicts more frequent dry heatwaves and longer-lasting moist heatwaves under climate change scenarios.

SourcePusan National University·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 25, 2022

Novel multi-proton carrier complex as efficient proton conductor at high temperatures

A team of researchers from Tokyo University of Science has developed a novel multi-proton carrier complex that shows efficient proton conductivity even at high temperatures. The resulting starburst-type metal complex acts as a proton transmitter, making it 6 times more potent than individual imidazole molecules.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Reduction of global inequalities in energy use necessary to stop climate change

A new study by ICTA-UAB reveals that existing climate mitigation scenarios perpetuate energy use inequalities between the Global North and South. To stop climate change, the Global North must reduce its energy consumption to sustainable levels while allowing for sufficient growth in energy use in the rest of the world.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 7, 2022