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Researchers develop new faster charging hydrogen fuel cell

A new method to improve solid-state hydrogen fuel cell charging times has been developed by researchers from the University of Technology Sydney. The study used a semi-cylindrical coil heat exchanger, which significantly improved heat transfer performance and reduced charging time by 59%. This innovation has the potential to revolution...

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 12, 2022

Lithiophilic seeds and rigid arrays synergistic induced dendrite-free and stable Li anode towards long-life lithium-oxygen batteries

Researchers prepared lithiophilic aluminum oxide nanoparticles to enhance rigidity of carbon nanotube arrays, inhibiting dendrite growth and stabilizing the SEI film. The resulting battery exhibited enhanced redox kinetics and long cycle life.

Chemists create artificial protein that peers into Earth’s chemical past

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed an artificial protein that could provide new insights into chemical evolution on early Earth. The protein, inspired by a key enzyme in energy production, has been shown to build molecules one step at a time, shedding light on how organic chemistry matured on the planet.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2022

Tongji University and Beihang University Teamwork: New battery health evaluation indicator for quantitative evaluation of nonlinear aging—SoNA

A new battery health assessment indicator SoNA was proposed to evaluate nonlinear aging in lithium batteries. The research developed a multidimensional grading system combining traditional SoH with SoNA to comprehensively assess battery safety and nonlinearity.

Chung-Ang University researchers develop novel heterostructure catalyst for effective hydrogen generation from water splitting

Scientists at Chung-Ang University have created a new catalyst that can efficiently generate hydrogen from water without the need for expensive noble metals. The innovative heterostructured material boosts both the half-reactions, improving its overall performance and paving the way for large-scale industrial applications.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2022

Scientists synthesize material for fuel cells

Researchers at Ural Federal University have synthesized a proton conductor with high electrical conductivity, which could become the basis for solid oxide fuel cells. The new material is potentially cost-effective and exhibits higher electrical conductivity than other solid-state conductors.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateMay 30, 2022

New tech aims to drive down costs of hydrogen fuel

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new technique for extracting hydrogen gas from liquid carriers, making it faster, less expensive and more energy efficient. The new method uses sunlight and a reusable photocatalyst to release hydrogen molecules, reducing the need for rhodium and lowering production costs.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalChemSusChem·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

Graphene-wrapped zeolite membranes for fast hydrogen separation

Researchers have developed a new type of separation membrane that can separate hydrogen from methane at speeds 100 times faster than conventional membranes. The graphene-wrapped zeolite membrane achieves a high separation factor of 245, making it suitable for energy-saving separation technologies in various industries.

SourceShinshu University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2022

400 GW wind, solar power per year to meet 1.5 C Paris Agreement

To achieve the EU's climate neutrality goal by 2050 with a maximum temperature increase of 1.5 degrees Celsius, a massive rollout of solar and wind power is required, along with investments in Power-to-X technologies and carbon capture. The model suggests installing 400 GW of new solar and wind energy capacity every year from 2025-2035.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJoule·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 18, 2022

Lights, catalyst, reaction! Converting CO2 to formic acid using an alumina-supported, iron-based compound

Researchers from Tokyo Tech developed an alumina-supported iron-based catalyst that efficiently converts CO2 into formic acid with up to 90% selectivity. The new catalyst's excellent recyclability and low-cost nature make it a promising candidate for reducing atmospheric CO2 levels and providing energy via combustion.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2022

Green technology breakthrough: Hematite photocatalyst using sunlight energy simultaneously produces hydrogen and hydrogen peroxide

A breakthrough in green technology has successfully produced both hydrogen gas and hydrogen peroxide simultaneously from sunlight and water using a hematite photocatalyst. This innovation could lead to a solar water-splitting utilization system with greater added value, enabling the widespread adoption of carbon-neutral energy sources.

SourceKobe University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2022

Key to improved green tech efficiency found in simple acid treatment

Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory developed a simple acid treatment to improve the efficiency of protonic ceramic electrochemical cells (PCECs), overcoming long-standing challenges. The treatment increases the surface area between the electrode and electrolyte, allowing for more efficient flow of hydrogen atoms and improved cell...

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

Extract from a common kitchen spice could be key to greener, more efficient fuel cells

Researchers at Clemson University and SSSIHL discovered a novel way to combine curcumin and gold nanoparticles to create an electrode that efficiently converts ethanol into electricity. The discovery brings replacing hydrogen as a fuel cell feedstock one step closer, with potential applications in sensors and supercapacitors.

SourceClemson University·JournalNano Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2022

National Cheng Kung University researchers present new solution for wastewater remediation

Researchers have developed an eco-friendly and reusable solution for removing toxic synthetic dyes from wastewater using nanocomposite-based hydrogels. The new material, made from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and graphene oxide, demonstrates high adsorption capacities and retains its effectiveness even after multiple cycles of use.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateApr 14, 2022

Discovery: A strain of algae may accelerate the industrial transition from the use of polluting gray hydrogen to environmentally friendly green hydrogen

A new strain of algae has been identified that can produce green hydrogen gas via photosynthesis on an industrial scale. This breakthrough could accelerate the transition to environmentally friendly green hydrogen and reduce pollution. The researchers also plan to develop methods to increase production rates and reduce costs.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 10, 2022

A boost to sulfur metabolism

A recent study by ITQB NOVA scientists uncovered the crucial role of a small marker protein, DsrD, in increasing metabolic activity for sulfate respiration. The findings suggest that DsrD acts as an allosteric activator of the DsrAB dissimilatory sulfite reductase, enhancing energy efficiency in microbial metabolism.

What will a CO2-neutral Switzerland cost us?

A study published in Frontiers in Energy Research calculates the costs of a CO2-neutral Switzerland, finding that three different energy systems would require significant investments and increased energy costs. The most efficient option is electrifying the entire energy supply, but this comes with the challenge of storing enough renewa...

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalFrontiers in Energy Research·TypeCase study·DateFeb 17, 2022

Load up the hydrogen but hold the carbon

A Kyoto University-led team has created a novel hydrogen plant design that harnesses fully renewable resources to produce clean hydrogen with minimal associated CO2 emissions. The SABI-Hydrogen system uses solar heating and biomass gasification to produce hydrogen, resulting in an emission rate of only 1.04kg CO2/kg hydrogen produced.

SourceKyoto University·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 14, 2022

Hydrogen produced from offshore wind in China can help Japan reach its greenhouse gas emissions goals

A team of researchers explored the possibility of producing hydrogen from offshore wind in China and delivering it to Japan at a cost competitive with the country's future projections. The study found that Chinese-produced hydrogen could supply Japan's net-zero transition needs by 2030, even under a high-cost scenario.

Cheaper hydrogen production

Researchers have developed a novel electrode material based on cobalt and nickel that can efficiently produce hydrogen through water and urea electrolysis. The phosphorus-doped cobalt-nickel-sulfide nanoparticles demonstrate high activity and stability, reducing the overall voltage of the electrolysis cell.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2021

Improved water splitting method: A green energy innovation by Pusan National University

Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a novel electrocatalyst that can effectively produce hydrogen and oxygen from water at low cost. The catalyst, composed of transition metal phosphates, achieves high surface area and fast charge transfer, making it suitable for commercial on-site production of hydrogen.

SourcePusan National University·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

Heavily enriched: An energy-efficient way of enriching hydrogen isotopes in silicon

Researchers at Nagoya City University find a fourfold increase in surface deuterium atoms on nanocrystalline silicon, paving the way for sustainable deuterium enrichment protocols. The efficient exchange reaction could lead to more durable semiconductor technology and potentially purify tritium contaminated water.

SourceNagoya City University·JournalPhysical Review Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2021

Electrokinetic proton transport in triple conducting oxides as key descriptor for highly efficient protonic ceramic fuel cells

Researchers developed a new method to quantify proton kinetic properties of triple conducting oxides (TCOs), revealing two orders of magnitude higher proton tracer diffusion coefficient. This led to improved electrochemical performance for protonic ceramic fuel cells, with recorded values exceeding previous benchmarks.

Defect and interface engineering for e-NRR under ambient conditions

The review discusses defect and interface engineering for e-NRR electrocatalysts, emphasizing active sites and intrinsic mechanisms. It highlights the potential strategies to develop more advanced NRR electrocatalysts, promoting the creation of more efficient catalysts for electrochemical nitrogen reduction.

AI-aided search for single-atom-alloy catalysts yields more than 200 promising candidates

Researchers at Skoltech developed a new algorithm to identify over 200 previously unknown single-atom-alloy catalysts with improved stability and performance. The AI-powered approach uses machine learning models to extract key parameters from computational data, providing a recipe for finding the best SAACs for specific applications.