Articles tagged with Energy
A team of environmental chemists developed a new catalyst made from discarded coffee grounds that efficiently removes hydrogen sulfide, a highly toxic industrial gas, while producing elemental sulfur. The material was produced through a two-step process and demonstrated outstanding performance during laboratory testing.
The new device improves the energy efficiency of refrigeration circuits, reduces energy consumption, and increases control capacity. It is compact, robust, silent, and has no moving parts, making maintenance low.
Researchers developed a nickel-enriched biochar from marine microalgae that can detect hydrogen peroxide at low concentrations, with fast response times. The sensor's stability and sensitivity are improved by the uniform distribution of catalytic sites.
Dr. Paul Ohodnicki joins as permanent director, succeeding Heng Ban; to expand energy research and education capabilities across multiple disciplines.
The US Department of Energy has launched a national research program on liquid metals for fusion, with Princeton University at the forefront. The program aims to develop liquid metal technology that can protect components from intense heat and improve fusion system performance.
Southwest Research Institute's Metering Research Facility has received ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, confirming compliance with international testing and calibration standards. The facility offers highly specialized calibration services to energy sector clients using its recirculating natural gas flow lab.
Researchers used computer simulations to study the behavior of exhaust particles in tokamaks. They found that the toroidal rotation of plasma plays a key role in determining where particles land in the machine's exhaust system. This discovery could help engineers design divertors better equipped to handle intense heat.
Researchers have developed a new method for cleaning oil spills using massive fire whirls, which can burn through crude oil nearly twice as fast as in-situ fire pools. The results show that fire whirls produce 40% less soot and consume up to 95% of the fuel, leaving fewer harmful particles behind.
Researchers from FAPESP-supported center create novel molecular architecture to efficiently degrade emerging water contaminants. The material demonstrates removal efficiencies greater than 95% and potential for sustainable solar-powered applications.
Researchers found that Parkinson's patients experience weight loss due to selective fat depletion, not muscle loss, driven by impaired carbohydrate-based energy production. This metabolic shift highlights a disorder of both the brain and body, driving disease progression.
The study reveals that redefining the concept of electrode-electrolyte interphase layers can improve battery stability and performance. Researchers found that careful control of interphase properties through materials choice, electrolyte formulation, and binder selection can significantly extend battery life.
A new ceramic material overcomes long-standing limits in proton conductivity, achieving record-high performance at intermediate temperatures. The innovative donor co-doping strategy combines increased proton concentration and mobility with chemical stability under various environments.
Compressed CO2 Energy Storage (CCES) integrates seamlessly with carbon capture, utilization and storage to create multi-functional carbon management hubs. The technology offers distinct advantages, including high energy storage density and near-ambient critical temperature, making it less geographically constrained.
Researchers have developed high-density 1D ionic wire arrays that achieve simultaneous high selectivity and conductivity in ion-exchange membranes. The optimized membrane delivers ultrahigh power density of 40.5 W m-2 under a 500-fold salinity gradient.
Wachs was recognized for his work on mixed oxide catalysts that guide the rational design of solid catalysts for air pollution remediation, sustainable energy, fuels, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. His election to the NAE honors his contributions to chemical engineering and the modern field of operando molecular spectroscopy.
Researchers at Stanford University developed a new method to quantify energy costs in non-equilibrium processes using machine learning and extremely small nanocrystals called quantum dots. This technique can determine the ultimate speed limits for devices or how efficient they can be.
Researchers have created a process to produce clean hydrogen from freshwater and seawater using liquid metals powered by sunlight. The method avoids many obstacles in current hydrogen production methods, including the need for purified water and high costs. The team is working to improve efficiency for commercialization.
The American Physical Society's Global Physics Summit will feature over 10,000 individual presentations on new research in astrophysics and particle physics. Attendees can book discounted hotel rates near the Colorado Convention Center until February 12 to receive a discount.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a compact, humidity-tolerant sensor that detects hydrogen gas in humid environments. The sensor uses platinum nanoparticles to measure the concentration of hydrogen by analyzing the thickness of a water film on its surface.
Researchers at Chiba University developed oxygen-functionalized graphene membranes that selectively separate carbon dioxide from methane while maintaining high permeability. The study demonstrates the potential of graphene-based filtration systems for next-generation gas purification, enabling cheaper and cleaner energy production.
The journal ENGINEERING Energy begins publishing high-quality energy science and engineering research. The new title marks a strategic step to better reflect the journal's growing research community.
Scientists discover a new method to engineer crystalline materials with exceptionally low thermal conductivity by alloying YbN into AlN. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize industries such as semiconductor packaging and chemical reactors.
A research team at Chiba University has overcome the efficiency trade-off to create organic multifunctional devices that can both light up and power themselves. By precisely controlling exciton binding energy, they achieved low voltage loss and full-color operation across the visible spectrum.
The new platform, led by PPPL, aims to speed up simulations needed to advance fusion energy research. STELLAR-AI will integrate CPUs, GPUs, and QPUs to tackle the challenges of private fusion companies, enabling faster design and optimization of stellarator devices.
Researchers at Jeonbuk National University have developed a new dual-chemical looping process that improves the efficiency of ammonia synthesis by 8.4% and reduces global warming potential by up to 15.85 kg CO2-equivalent per kilogram of ammonia produced.
The study demonstrates large NIR modulation using low-cost sodium electrolytes, comparable to lithium-based systems, with efficient heat-shielding performance. This breakthrough offers a practical solution for thermal regulation in diverse climate conditions.
Researchers have developed triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) that can harness energy from vibrations, micrometeoroid impacts, and other sources to power spacecraft systems. TENGs also serve as self-powered sensors for real-time health monitoring and collision detection.
A study by Seoul National University of Science & Technology found that expanding hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty trucks could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 8.74 million tons. Public willingness to pay for this transition amounts to KRW 572.4 billion, far exceeding the prevailing carbon credit price.
MBene, a boron-based material, offers scalable CVD growth, ambient-stability coatings, and in-line spectroscopic QA to move from benchtop breakthroughs to gigafactory reality. AI acceleration predicts stable MAB phases within seconds, slashing trial-and-error by 90%.
Researchers have discovered a new solid-state hydrogen carrier called layered hydrogen silicane (L-HSi) that can release hydrogen under ambient temperature and pressure. L-HSi exhibits high gravimetric hydrogen capacity and is stable, making it a promising alternative to conventional hydrogen storage systems.
Researchers have developed a new alloy system that enables room-temperature magnetic refrigeration with high-performance cooling, reducing the need for rare earth materials. The MnNiSi system surpasses previous records for magnetocaloric HEAs by 360%, offering a scalable framework for sustainable technology.
Researchers highlight advancements in fluidized bed design, oxygen carrier materials, and performance of chemical looping systems. They emphasize the importance of controlling fluidization regime and developing physical standards for oxygen carriers.
The American Physical Society's Global Physics Summit will convene over 14,000 physicists worldwide for groundbreaking research presentations. The event will feature both in-person and online experiences, including scientific sessions, exhibits, and networking events.
MIT Energy Initiative researchers developed the largest combined dataset on global ammonia supply chains, examining economic and environmental impact of different scenarios. The study found that a full transition to clean ammonia production could cut greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 71% for a 23.2% cost increase.
Researchers from Hanbat National University develop switchable thermochromic transparent woods for smart windows, blocking UV radiation and reducing thermal conductivity. The material enables energy-autonomous light regulation and protects skin without sacrificing visible light.
A new plant-based hydrogel has been developed to tackle the problem of metallic zinc growing needle-like dendrites that short-circuit cells within a few hundred cycles. The cellulose-nanofiber dual network boosts ion flow and mechanical strength, delivering a cheap and biodegradable electrolyte.
Researchers developed a novel theory that enables precise control of heat conduction in materials with asymmetric microstructures. This innovation has potential applications in energy harvesting and protecting heat-sensitive electronics.
Astronomers have discovered that black holes don't just consume matter — they manage it. Researchers found that black hole binary systems switch between powerful jets and energetic winds—never producing both simultaneously—and both types of outflows carry away comparable amounts of mass and energy.
Physicists at Trinity College Dublin propose a new means of capturing useful energy from light sources like sunlight, lamps, and LEDs. Theoretical analysis may lead to the development of optical devices that can channel light energy into a concentrated beam.
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.
Scientists develop corrosion-resistant alumina-forming ferritic alloys that exhibit outstanding mechanical properties and oxidation resistance, potentially transforming energy systems and nuclear reactors. These materials offer economic feasibility while maintaining high reliability and could accelerate adoption in practical applications.
The CHSN01 jacket material has achieved an average yield strength of 1560 MPa at 4.2 K, setting a new benchmark in cryogenic steel properties. This breakthrough demonstrates exceptional mechanical properties, non-magnetic nature, and high-strength performance under extreme conditions.
Researchers have discovered a linear relationship between reactivity and the reciprocal of uranium concentration in thermal-spectrum molten salt reactors. This finding has significant implications for criticality calculations, fuel loading prediction, and reactivity measurement.
HALIMA, a hybrid array for lifetime measurement of neutron-rich nuclei at IMP, enables precise sub-nanosecond measurements using the four-fold FF/β-Ge-LaBr <sub>3 </sub>(Ce)-LaBr <sub>3 </sub>(Ce) coincidence technique. The system reduces Compton continuums and enhances selectivity via fission fragments implantation.
Researchers have developed a new additive, 2-FBSA, to address interfacial challenges in lithium metal batteries. The additive regulates both electrode interfaces effectively, accelerating Li+ transport kinetics and improving battery cycling stability. This results in prolonged battery lifetime and outstanding capacity retention.
A study published in eLife reveals how kangaroos increase their hopping speeds without incurring an associated energetic cost. By adjusting their posture, kangaroos reduce tendon stress and energy storage, allowing them to maintain the same amount of net work at the ankle, regardless of speed.
The article introduces the concept of an Energy and Environment Nexus as a web linking energy services, human well-being and environmental health. It proposes four imperatives of energy: power intensity, energy density, cost and scale to determine practical and sustainable energy systems.
Researchers developed three process designs that capture higher value hydrocarbons during LNG regasification using seawater, with one configuration delivering strong economic performance. The study also highlights environmental advantages by reducing carbon dioxide emissions and improving overall efficiency.
Researchers at Jeonbuk National University have developed a new interface engineering strategy for back-contact solar cells, which can improve efficiency and stability. The team created a bilayer tin oxide electron transport layer that enhances interfacial contact and reduces recombination losses.
A new policy brief outlines key policy actions to reduce energy insecurity, a growing threat to public health, particularly among vulnerable populations. The report recommends strengthening energy assistance, redesigning utility rates, and creating a more resilient energy system.
Scientists established a definitive charge-driven mechanism underlying the non-thermal catalytic enhancement observed in DC-applied DRM, focusing on Pd/CeO2 as a model catalyst. The study reveals a cooperative mechanism between trapped electrons and strain-induced holes as the microscopic origin of non-thermal catalysis under DC applic...
A new study explores the use of zinc oxide nanocrystals in the defluorination process of perfluoroalkyl substances. The research finds that ligand-capped ZnO NCs can efficiently break down PFOS, a persistent contaminant, with high defluorination rates and reusability demonstrated.
Eight SwRI hydrogen projects funded by ENERGYWERX will evaluate new technology and existing infrastructure for a hydrogen-powered future. The projects, conducted at SwRI's Metering Research Facility, aim to improve energy infrastructure and support the use of clean-burning fuel.
Researchers have developed ultra-flexible self-healing micro-fibre textiles engineered with dual-built-in gradients that reflect and absorb radiation, providing efficient radiative cooling for various scenarios. These gradient-textiles offer a sustainable route to beat the heat anywhere under the Sun.
Researchers created a metric to quantify lattice flexibility and studied how it impacts proton transport. They ranked the importance of seven features, including hydrogen bond length and oxygen sublattice flexibility, finding that these are critical for efficient proton conduction.
The study reveals that torque maximization arises from both direct collisions and pressure imbalances in gas-liquid interface waves. This phenomenon is significant for energy savings and optimal design in complex industrial equipment, such as power transmission devices, cooling systems, and chemical agitators.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have designed a new material called Mesoporous Optically Clear Heat Insulator (MOCHI) that can improve energy efficiency in buildings. The material, which is almost completely transparent, traps air through tiny pores to block heat exchange.
MIT researchers developed a new fabrication method to stack multiple functional components on top of one existing circuit, reducing energy wasted during computation. The new approach enables the production of more energy-efficient electronics, boosting computation speed and reducing electricity consumption.
Researchers developed three advanced strategies to create ordered membrane electrode assemblies for high-efficiency anion exchange membrane water electrolysis. The first strategy uses nanoimprinting, while the second employs integrated membrane electrodes. The third strategy leverages 3D interlocked interfaces, achieving exceptional pe...
Researchers have developed silver-based atomic switches that create stable electrical connections between individual molecules and electrodes, enabling the scalable integration of molecular components. This breakthrough paves the way for ultra-compact and energy-efficient circuits built from single molecules.