Articles tagged with Energy
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.
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.
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 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.
A new damage-driven lifetime design methodology has been introduced to predict the lifespan of mechanical equipment used in clean-energy systems. The research offers more consistent lifetime predictions than conventional models and provides a framework for designing reliable and climate-conscious infrastructure.
A study by MIT researchers examines two policy approaches to expanding the US electricity grid: one focusing on regions with more renewable energy sources and another creating more interconnections across the country. The study found that a geographically unbalanced grid buildout would be less expensive, while reducing carbon emissions...
Researchers at Max Planck Institute present efficient and low-CO2 process to extract copper, nickel, and cobalt from deep-sea ore nodules. The method generates significantly less waste and deforestation compared to traditional land-based mining.
The upgraded facility enables efficient testing of equipment moving heavy oils, addressing the growing need for advanced gas separation technologies. SwRI's expanded High-Viscosity Flow Loop offers a more comprehensive solution, allowing for cost-effective and efficient testing of pumps in extremely viscous conditions.
The team created a specialized two-dimensional thin film dielectric designed to replace traditional heat-generating components in integrated circuit chips. This breakthrough aims to reduce the significant energy cost and heat produced by high-performance computing necessary for AI.
The SUN-DT project aims to drive the digital transition of tower concentrated solar power (CSP) plants in Europe. By leveraging AI-based calibration, predictive maintenance, and real-time optimization, the initiative seeks to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs for these facilities.
Researchers at Nagoya Institute of Technology have developed a novel BaTiO3-based catalyst that boosts the catalytic performance of oxidative coupling of methane. The team demonstrated surface modification of BaTiO3 using Ca, leading to the formation of characteristic TiO-like structural motifs, which facilitate the generation of react...
Researchers discovered that ferroelectric fluids can harness a previously overlooked transverse electrostatic force to rise over 80 mm without magnets or high voltages. This breakthrough enables the creation of lightweight, magnet-free motors with low-voltage operation.
A new study suggests delaying renewable energy expansion may reduce global motivation to cut carbon emissions. The research finds that once global warming passes a critical threshold, the social cost of carbon suddenly falls, weakening the economic incentive to reduce emissions.
Boris Karanov and Frank Rhein receive funding to develop new algorithms for optical communication systems and reduce CO2 emissions from cryptocurrency mining. Their research aims to improve the performance of optical networks and mitigate the environmental impact of blockchain technology.
Researchers have developed sustainable carbon materials that can remove harmful pollutants from water with high selectivity and reusability. These materials also show promise in energy storage, sensing, and catalysis applications.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new method to electrically power insulating nanoparticles using molecular antennas. This breakthrough creates a new class of ultra-pure near-infrared LEDs with applications in biomedical imaging, optical communications, and sensing. The devices can be turned on with low operat...
Researchers developed a fully coupled optical, electrical and thermal-fluid model for a parabolic-trough CPV-T collector with spectral-splitting liquid filters. The design achieved high-performance solar thermal energy generation, reaching maximum thermal efficiency of 45% and electrical efficiency of 15%.
Researchers identified key dopants to improve structural stability and ion transport in Na2FeSiO4, a promising cathode material for sodium-ion batteries. The study's findings provide a roadmap for developing high-performance, low-cost sodium-ion batteries that can compete with lithium-ion technology.
According to a new study, humans travel for approximately 1.3 hours per day, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status. This constant travel time is influenced by psychological desires and practical limitations, resulting in a convergent range of travel times across different modes of transport.
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.
Scientists have achieved control over the atomic structure of perovskites, creating a finely tuned energy sandwich that could transform how solar cells, LEDs, and lasers are made. The new method enables precise control over the thickness of films and interaction between layers, paving the way for scalable and high-performance devices.
The study applies causal machine learning to estimate context-specific effects of wind and solar generation on UK day-ahead and intraday electricity prices. The analysis reveals non-linear price effects that vary with renewable penetration levels.
The upgraded facility enables testing of hydrogen-natural gas blends, exploring effects on pipeline systems and flow measurement technologies. SwRI aims to demonstrate the process needed to upgrade natural gas infrastructure to accommodate hydrogen, supporting efforts to decarbonize industries.
A new study by MIT researchers and their collaborators at national laboratories quantifies I-129 release under three different scenarios: direct disposal in deep underground repositories, dilution and release, and filters to capture I-129. France's practice of reprocessing releases 90% of I-129 into the biosphere, while U.S. approach l...
Researchers screened top-performing COFs for helium purification from natural gas and identified the best candidates for adsorption and membrane-based separations. Machine learning analysis revealed key descriptors governing helium purification performance, offering broader insights for future studies.
The FAU College of Engineering and Computer Science has established the 'Ubicquia Innovation Center for Intelligent Infrastructure' to develop transformative technologies. The center will empower students and faculty to create AI-First solutions for a smarter, more connected world.
Researchers develop distribution-type membrane reactors for efficient carbon dioxide methanation. The study demonstrates the advantages of this approach in controlling reaction rates and temperature profiles. High thermal conductivity membranes produce more methane with selectivity, and their use can accelerate a carbon-neutral society.
Researchers developed a novel tree-like nitrogen-doped carbon support structure that boosts efficiency and lifespan of low-platinum fuel cells. The T-NC support maintains platinum dispersion at high loadings and shows exceptional corrosion resistance, making it compatible with various catalysts.
The study proposes a novel concept for grid-forming control that reduces system dynamics and interactions, enhancing safety. The proposed strategy transforms the power system into a static system with reduced frequency and synchronization dynamics.
Advanced electron microscopy technique uncovers phase shifts in lithium battery cathodes, revealing spinel- and rocksalt-type structures that contribute to degradation. The study guides the design of longer-lasting batteries with higher energy densities.
Researchers develop highly tunable spatial heterostructure within pure titanium using mechanical milling and laser powder bed fusion, achieving strength-plasticity synergy and overcoming the strength-plasticity trade-off bottleneck. The resulting harmonic heterostructure endows pure Ti implants with excellent wear resistance.
Researchers found that heat transfer values increase dramatically at distances less than ten nanometres, exceeding theoretical predictions by a factor of one hundred. This phenomenon challenges current understanding of heat transfer in the nanometre range.
Physicists have analyzed how neutrinos change 'flavor' as they travel through the cosmos, gaining insights into their masses and evolution. The study's findings hint at possible Charge-Parity violation in neutrinos and their antimatter counterparts, with researchers seeking more data to answer fundamental questions about the universe.
A new study by researchers from ETH Zurich, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Research Institute for Sustainability found that European citizens prefer solar power and decentralized energy systems over lower costs. The study suggests that incorporating social data into energy modeling can lead to more realistic and socially acceptab...
Electron behavior in solid materials has been puzzling scientists, but a new study reveals that energy alone is not enough for them to escape. The discovery of doorway states explains why different materials exhibit unique behaviors despite similar electron energy levels.
Dr. Bueno, a lead engineer at SwRI's Computational Mechanics Section, has been recognized for his work on supersonic and hypersonic aerodynamics, turbulence, and renewable energy. He developed patented heat storage systems and advanced optical diagnostic imaging tools to study high-speed flows.
Engineered Radiative Cooling Systems (ERCSs) offer a zero-energy solution for thermal regulation. Advanced materials and structures dissipate heat into space, enabling scalable energy-efficient cooling strategies.
Researchers have devised a battery powered by vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and glucose, generating an electrochemical flow from the energy stored in the sugar. The system offers a promising pathway toward safer and more affordable residential energy storage using non-toxic components.
A novel AI optimization model called GAN-Solar has been developed to address the technical bottleneck of accurate short-term solar forecasting. The model achieves significant improvements on key metrics compared to existing advanced models, producing high-definition forecasts that capture crucial details.
Researchers measured methane and ethane concentrations in Osaka using mobile measurements and found a discrepancy between observed emissions and official estimates. Several areas of elevated methane concentrations were detected, attributed to various overlooked contributors such as industrial plants, restaurants, and biological sources.
Thousands of scientists will gather to present new research on fluids at the 78th American Physical Society meeting. The conference features a scientific program with thousands of presentations on various fluid dynamics topics.
Dr. Chris Thomas recognized for technical excellence and leadership in combustion technologies, including propulsion systems and battery safety. His research has led to significant contributions to the field of blast physics and lithium-ion battery safety.
Researchers at Yunnan University developed a strategy to improve the performance of printable mesoscopic perovskite solar cells by using liquid gallium nanodroplets as a heteroepitaxial template. The study achieved over 20% efficiency and exceptional stability, paving the way for scalable printing of high-performance solar cells.
A new open-source tool estimates lifetime costs of green-hydrogen production with 95% probability, providing decision-makers with confidence intervals for bankable projects. The tool accounts for uncertainty in material prices, BoP costs, recycling rates, labor rates, and energy tariffs.
A meta-analysis of 100 studies across psychology, sociology, economics, and engineering found that positive attitudes toward conserving electricity are key to saving energy. Individuals who think others expect them to conserve power and have pro-environmental habits tend to save more energy.
Researchers have developed a high-performance supercapacitor made from upcycled water bottles, demonstrating improved capacitance and reduced production costs compared to traditional glass fiber separators. The PET-derived supercapacitor is fully recyclable and poised for market-ready devices within the next five to 10 years.
A new journal, Energy & Environment Nexus, calls for a science-based approach to balancing economic growth, social well-being, and environmental protection. The journal introduces the concept of the 'Energy and Environment Nexus', emphasizing the interdependence of energy, society, and the environment.
The M-Cube associated research laboratory combines micron-level visualization tools with precise mineralogical and geochemical analyses to identify new avenues for optimizing the mining cycle. The collaboration aims to reduce the environmental impact of uranium mining sites and better understand the mobility of radioactive descendants.
A new study from the University of Vaasa examines how Finnish households are becoming more flexible with their energy consumption, driven by digitalisation and financial incentives. The research finds that material and monetary benefits are the most effective motivators for adopting flexible energy habits.
The Chevron Energy Graduate Fellowships support research advancing low-carbon technologies and reducing emissions, with the 2025-26 cohort addressing pressing energy challenges in fields like storage, carbon capture and resilient infrastructure.
Scientists at MIT developed a method to predict how plasma in a tokamak will behave during rampdown, achieving high accuracy with limited data. This new model could significantly improve the safety and reliability of future fusion power plants.
A study proposes concrete solutions to increase Africa's food production while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Analyzing Africa and China, the research highlights water management in rice paddies, modernizing logistics chains, and improving livestock feeding to curb emissions.
Researchers at NUS have developed a reusable, biodegradable ice material that can store methane in minutes, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional natural gas storage methods. The method uses amino acids to accelerate hydrate formation and release methane on demand.