The year in clean energy: Wind, solar and batteries grow despite economic challenges

New this week

For rails

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techxplore.com

First self-charging supercapacitors developed: Storage device capable of storing solar energy efficiently

A joint research effort has developed a high-performance self-charging energy storage device capable of efficiently storing solar energy. The research team has dramatically improved the performance of existing supercapacitor devices by utilizing transition metal-based electrode materials and...
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UK, Germany electricity cleanest on record in 2024

Britain and Germany produced their cleanest electricity on record last year, with renewables reaching record highs, according to data released Thursday.
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techxplore.com

Emerging field of 'energy meteorology' sheds light on solar farms' desert impact

Rooftop solar panels are popular in many parts of the world, but power is generated much more cheaply and efficiently in utility-scale solar farms. Often, though, these large-scale solar farms are deployed in desert habitats, which contain native flora and fauna that are highly sensitive to...
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phys.org

From CO₂ to acetaldehyde: New copper catalyst offers green alternative to fossil-fuel-based processes

Acetaldehyde is a vital chemical used in making everything from perfumes to plastics. Today, its production largely relies on ethylene, a petrochemical. But increasing environmental concerns are pushing the chemical industry to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, so scientists have been...
phys.org phys.org
phys.org

From e-waste to gold: A pathway to CO₂ sustainability

A Cornell-led research team has developed a method for extracting gold from electronics waste, then using the recovered precious metal as a catalyst for converting carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas, to organic materials.
phys.org phys.org

Carbon
phys.org

Scientists reveal overlooked ocean processes crucial for carbon storage

A new study has unveiled the key mechanisms that preserve organic carbon in the ocean—a poorly understood but vital process that influences the Earth's climate, carbon cycles, and formation of fossil fuels.
phys.org phys.org
phys.org

Carbon in our bodies likely left galaxy and came back on cosmic 'conveyer belt'

Life on Earth could not exist without carbon. But carbon itself could not exist without stars. Nearly all elements except hydrogen and helium—including carbon, oxygen and iron—only exist because they were forged in stellar furnaces and later flung into the cosmos when their stars died. In an...
phys.org phys.org
phys.org

Is it possible to have an eco-friendly firework display?

Many of us will send off the old year and start 2025 with a bang. New Year's celebrations will vary in size from small back-garden firework displays to large-scale professional shows. Last year, London's main event released 12,000 fireworks—just one of many annual events held worldwide to...
phys.org phys.org

Really?
phys.org

Maryland sues maker of Gore-Tex over pollution from toxic 'forever chemicals'

Maryland is suing the company that produces the waterproof material Gore-Tex often used for raincoats and other outdoor gear, alleging its leaders kept using "forever chemicals" long after learning about serious health risks associated with them.
phys.org phys.org
phys.org

How 'sad' bananas could help tackle food waste

Bananas are a sociable fruit. They thrive in bunches, bound by a unifying stalk which joins them happily together in curvy yellow brightness.
phys.org phys.org
 
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CO2 from flue gases
phys.org

Electrochemical process recycles CO₂ from flue gases with just 2% concentration

Design and process control are the be-all and end-all when it comes to reducing CO2 from flue gases or the atmosphere. In order to protect the climate, the aim is to recover CO2 from combustion processes for valuable materials. This is challenging because there are other gases in flue gases...
phys.org phys.org
phys.org

Reaction pathways of carbon dioxide in supercritical water revealed

A research team has made significant discoveries regarding the complex reaction mechanisms of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in supercritical water. These findings are crucial for understanding the molecular mechanisms of CO₂ mineralization and sequestration in nature and engineering, as well as the deep...
phys.org phys.org
phys.org

New tool aids organizations in mapping carbon reduction strategies

A novel tool that can help organizations identify viable pathways to net zero emissions has been launched by Imperial College London.
phys.org phys.org

On windfarms
phys.org

Offshore wind farms could cause significant ecosystem, economic and human health risks

The materials used to protect wind turbines from corrosion leach into the surrounding water, which could pose risks to ecosystems, seafood safety and human health, new research from the University of Portsmouth has found.
phys.org phys.org
techxplore.com

Electricity from offshore wind is more promising than ever—except for the politics

A new study co-authored by a USC Price professor published in Energies finds that generating electricity with wind turbines off the coast of California is an even more attractive option than it was at the beginning of the decade. That was until the Trump Administration put a temporary halt this...
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US falling behind on wind power, think tank warns

The United States is falling behind the European Union in the rollout of wind power and risks being overtaken by China, a think tank said Thursday, days after Trump announced a crackdown on new wind projects.
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techxplore.com

How to choose the optimal location for wind turbines in the North Sea

Thousands of wind turbines will be added to the North Sea in the next decades. Environmental scientist Chen Li identified the most beneficial areas for their construction, focusing on material use, carbon footprint, and impact on the natural environment. His paper was published in Environmental...
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Green tech

Chemistry
techxplore.com

A self-assembled bilayer could enhance the thermal stability of perovskite solar cells

Over the past few years, photovoltaic (PV) technologies have become increasingly widespread, contributing to the ongoing quest to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While most solar cells on the market today are made of silicon, other materials are emerging as promising alternatives for developing...
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techxplore.com

Next-gen AI device utilizes ion-controlled spin wave interference in magnetic materials

A research team from NIMS and the Japan Fine Ceramics Center (JFCC) has developed a next-generation AI device—a hardware component for AI systems—that incorporates an iono-magnonic reservoir. This reservoir controls spin waves (collective excitations of electron spins in magnetic materials), ion...
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Tech
 
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Green aviation?
techxplore.com

Interactive tool helps find most efficient carbon-neutral aircraft for your flight

OK, we admit, we're a long way from a carbon-free grid—but when we have one, what's the most efficient way to use that energy to fly planes? This question is explored by an interactive tool built by a team of University of Michigan researchers.
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techxplore.com

New way to store hydrogen using lignin jet fuel discovered

An international team of scientists has discovered a way to store and release volatile hydrogen using lignin-based jet fuel that could open new pathways for sustainable energy production.
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techxplore.com

'Sustainable' aviation fuel and other myths about green airport expansion debunked

Environmentalists and locals have resisted a third runway at London's Heathrow, Europe's busiest airport, for more than two decades. Today, their efforts took a major setback.
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techxplore.com

Sky-high prices? Estimating the cost of climate-neutral aviation in the future

Aviation currently contributes to about 4% of the global warming that has been observed. As demand for flights is likely to continue to increase, researchers and governments are looking for solutions to make aviation climate-neutral by 2050 at the latest.
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techxplore.com

Team makes sustainable aviation fuel additive from recycled polystyrene

A new study overcomes a key challenge to switching commercial aircraft in the U.S. from their near-total reliance on fossil fuels to more sustainable aviation fuels. The study details a cost-effective method for producing ethylbenzene—an additive that improves the functional characteristics of...
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phys.org

Hybrid cascade process selectively converts CO₂ into methanol

In a hybrid cascade, climate-damaging CO2 is turned back into valuable methanol. An international research team has shown how this works.
phys.org phys.org

cargo sail ships

solar/wind
techxplore.com

Hydrogen annealing approach sets new efficiency record for kesterite solar cells

Photovoltaics (PVs), devices that can convert sunlight into electrical power, are becoming increasingly widespread and more people worldwide are now relying on them to generate electricity. Renewable energy engineers worldwide are working to identify materials and processes that could help to...
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phys.org

Floating solar can increase greenhouse gas emissions on small ponds, study finds

While floating solar—the emerging practice of putting solar panels on bodies of water—is promising in its efficiency and its potential to spare agricultural and conservation lands, a new experiment finds environmental trade-offs.
phys.org phys.org
techxplore.com

Shielding flexible solar modules from harsh environmental conditions: The critical role of barrier films

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) present a revolutionary leap in renewable energy technology with their high efficiency, lightweight, and flexible nature. But their commercial applications are often hindered by their sensitivity to environmental factors like heat and humidity.
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techxplore.com

11 years after a celebrated opening, massive solar plant faces a bleak future in the Mojave Desert

What was once the world's largest solar power plant of its type appears headed for closure just 11 years after opening, under pressure from cheaper green energy sources. Meanwhile, environmentalists continue to blame the Mojave Desert plant for killing thousands of birds and tortoises.
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techxplore.com

Explainable AI techniques can improve the trustworthiness of wind power forecasts

By applying techniques from explainable artificial intelligence, engineers can improve users' confidence in forecasts generated by artificial intelligence models. This approach was recently tested on wind power generation by a team that includes experts from EPFL.
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techxplore.com

China built out record amount of wind and solar power in 2024

China raced ahead building renewable energy last year, installing more wind and solar power than ever before and continuing to leave all other countries in the dust.
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CO2 eaters and green advances
phys.org

Smart carbon dioxide removal yields economic and environmental benefits

Last year, Earth exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming above preindustrial times, a threshold beyond which wildfires, droughts, floods, and other climate impacts are expected to escalate in frequency, intensity, and lethality. To cap global warming at 1.5 C and avert that scenario, the nearly...
phys.org phys.org
techxplore.com

Chemical looping turns environmental waste into fuel

Turning environmental waste into useful chemical resources could solve many of the inevitable challenges of our growing amounts of discarded plastics, paper and food waste, according to new research.
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phys.org

The secret life of catalysts: Scientists reveal unanticipated forms during nitrate reduction

Scientists have made an advancement in the field of electrocatalysis. Their latest research, published in the journal Nature Materials, sheds light on how catalysts can stay in unanticipated forms during the process of nitrate reduction.
phys.org phys.org
techxplore.com

Hybrid model predicts best tech for slashing industrial emissions in the chemical industry

Separating and purifying closely related mixtures of molecules can be some of the most energy-intensive processes in the chemical industry, and contributes to its globally significant carbon footprint. In many cases, traditional industrial separation protocols could be replaced using the latest...
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phys.org

Researchers achieve high-rate and stable ammonia electrosynthesis from nitrate

Ammonia (NH3) is traditionally produced through the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process which converts nitrogen (N2) and hydrogen (H2) into NH3 at high temperatures (400–500℃) and pressures (10–30 MPa). This process consumes 1%–2% of global energy and contributes about 1% of global CO2 emissions.
phys.org phys.org
phys.org

Trimetallic synergy and defects: A catalyst for climate action

A study appearing in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences introduces a trimetallic catalyst—including nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) nanoparticles supported on defective ceria (CeO2)—that achieves unprecedented performance in CO2 reduction.
phys.org phys.org
phys.org

Engineers develop algae-based adsorbents as new weapon against harmful blooms

As harmful algal blooms (HABs) continue to spread across the globe, urgent research is needed to address this growing threat. Studies in Italy, China, and the Atlantic basin have shown that many water bodies have high nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratios, making phosphorus a key factor that drives...
phys.org phys.org
phys.org

Green phosphonate chemistry: Review explores its potential

Phosphorus is a critical raw material that should be recycled more efficiently. There is also a need for more environmentally friendly production methods for organic phosphorus compounds.
phys.org phys.org
phys.org

New research leads to viable solution for polycotton textile waste recycling

In a paper published in Nature Communications, researchers at the Industrial Sustainable Chemistry group of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) present a solution to the challenging problem of recycling polycotton textile waste.
phys.org phys.org
phys.org

Fermented clothing? How the biofilm on kombucha can be turned into green textiles

If you've ever made kombucha, you will be familiar with the term SCOBY—a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. It's impossible to miss—it's the floating biofilm on top of your delicious drink.
phys.org phys.org

Cleaner chromium
phys.org

Organic material can convert toxic heavy metal to harmless form

Researchers from the University of Waterloo have discovered that a special form of charcoal is highly effective at absorbing toxic chromium and transforming it into its safer form.
phys.org phys.org
techxplore.com

New method for sustainable lithium extraction could reduce emissions by 75%

With an electric current and hydrogen peroxide, researchers at Penn State have developed a more efficient way to extract lithium, a key component in the batteries used in electric vehicles and portable electric devices, directly from ore found in the common mineral spodumene. The process could...
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electronics

clean water
 
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In the news
techxplore.com

Unique hybrid device generates electricity and stores thermal energy efficiently and sustainably

An international research team led by the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya—BarcelonaTech (UPC) has created a hybrid device that combines, for the first time ever, molecular solar thermal energy storage with silicon-based photovoltaic energy. It achieves a record energy storage efficiency of...
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techxplore.com

Batteries won't cut it—we need solar thermal technology to get us through the night

Australia's transition to renewables is gathering speed, but there's a looming problem with storage. We will need much more long-duration storage to get us through the night, once coal and fossil gas exit the system.
techxplore.com techxplore.com

geohacks
 
The latest
phys.org

Clean cooking fuels have great potential to reduce income inequality, researchers find

Imagine a world where access to clean energy not only powers homes but also lifts millions out of poverty and reduces inequality.
phys.org phys.org
phys.org

Tiny water-based reactors could help pharmaceutical industry avoid toxic solvents

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method for performing chemical reactions using water instead of toxic solvents. The scientists created microscopic reactors capable of driving light-powered chemical processes by designing metal complex surfactants (MeCSs) that self-assemble...
phys.org phys.org
techxplore.com

Next-gen solar cells now fully recyclable with water-based method

In a study published in Nature, researchers at Linköping University have developed a method to recycle all parts of a solar cell repeatedly without environmentally hazardous solvents. The recycled solar cell has the same efficiency as the original one. The solar cell is made of perovskite and...
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techxplore.com

Prototype turns car and helicopter exhaust into thermoelectric energy

Combustion engines, the engines in gas-powered cars, only use a quarter of the fuel's potential energy while the rest is lost as heat through exhaust.
techxplore.com techxplore.com

Oops
phys.org

Did cuts to shipping emissions spur more global warming?

Could a sudden drop in pollution from cargo vessels criss-crossing global shipping lanes be inadvertently making the world hotter?
phys.org phys.org
techxplore.com

Solar homes shine in summer, struggle in winter blackouts

As winter storms and summer heat waves increasingly stress the nation's power grids, Stevens researchers have developed a new way to identify the homes most vulnerable to blackouts—without even visiting them.
techxplore.com techxplore.com
phys.org

Nature-friendly solar farms create bird havens in agricultural areas

Birds across Eastern England's arable landscapes are thriving on solar farms managed with nature in mind.
phys.org phys.org
phys.org

Wind power development can affect entire raptor communities, not just individuals

Collisions with wind turbines are a documented threat to the lives of individual raptors. However, wind development also impacts the structure of nesting raptor communities, a discovery that could impact approaches to raptor conservation in the future.
phys.org phys.org

Good news
phys.org

New England's salt marshes store 10 million cars' worth of carbon—and add another 15,000 cars' worth every year

In the race to combat global climate change, much attention has been given to natural carbon sinks: those primarily terrestrial areas of the globe that absorb and sequester more carbon than they release. While scientists have long known that coastal salt marshes are just such a sink for "blue...
phys.org phys.org
 
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US federal government is attempting to rehire NNSA staff who were fired last Thursday:
www.bbc.com

US goverment seeks to rehire recently fired nuclear workers

It is having problems contacting people who were fired in Trump's blitz to shrink the federal workforce.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
The US government is trying to bring back nuclear safety employees it fired on Thursday, but is struggling to let them know they should return to work, NBC News has reported.

The National Nuclear Security Administration workers were among hundreds of employees in the energy department who received termination letters.

An email obtained by NBC said the letters for some NNSA employees "are being rescinded, but we do not have a good way to get in touch with those personnel".
Click to expand...
I remember a similar firing-rehiring incident when Musk took over Twitter.
<edit> Link to original NBC story:
www.nbcnews.com

Trump administration wants to un-fire nuclear safety workers but can’t figure out how to reach them

The workers, whose agency oversees the nation’s nuclear stockpile, had been fired on Thursday and lost access to their federal government email accounts.
www.nbcnews.com www.nbcnews.com
 
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Rick Perry all over again.

Remember Bobby Jindal and “something called volcano monitoring?”

There is a new lubricant powder called COK-47 that forms a tribofilm--so good for humid conditions of the Global South.

The big news this week is phys.org's article:

"Thermophotovoltaic device turns waste heat into electricity while defying a physical limit."

Some kind of way around Planck's Law.

Look for possible retractions soon.

More findings
phys.org

High-entropy MOF enables efficient deuterium separation for clean energy

A research team affiliated with UNIST has successfully developed a new porous material for the efficient separation of deuterium, a primary fuel for nuclear fusion. The team, jointly led by Professors Wonyoung Cho and Hyunchul Oh in the Department of Chemistry at UNIST, published the results in...
phys.org phys.org
techxplore.com

The promise of green iron, steel and ammonia is keeping the green hydrogen dream alive

Hydrogen was once sold as a universal climate fix—a clean, green wonder fuel for cars, homes, power grids and even global export. But reality has cooled that buzz.
techxplore.com techxplore.com
phys.org

Ultrasounds could help process edible flowers as food ingredients

Many of the flowers lining store shelves for Valentine's Day have been gifted at romantic dinners. But what happens to the flowers that went unsold?
phys.org phys.org
techxplore.com

Enhanced cathode materials could expand electric vehicle driving range

A research team has advanced cathode materials, a key component of electric vehicle batteries. Their findings could usher in a new chapter in the development of high-capacity high-safety lithium-ion battery materials. Their paper is published in the journal ACS Nano.
techxplore.com techxplore.com
phys.org

Mechanochemistry strikes again: Solvent-free method simplifies synthesis of organolithium molecules

Organolithium compounds, molecules containing a carbon–lithium bond, are excellent precursors for building new carbon–carbon and other carbon–heteroatom bonds. They are widely utilized in both academia and industry for their applications in polymer synthesis, pharmaceuticals, and general organic...
phys.org phys.org
techxplore.com

Perovskite solar cells: Thermal stresses are key to long-term stability

Perovskite solar cells are highly efficient and low cost in production. However, they still lack stability over the decades under real weather conditions. An international research collaboration led by Prof. Antonio Abate has now published a perspective on this topic in the journal Nature...
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phys.org

Catalyst system enhances CO₂ conversion efficiency for clean energy

As the severity of climate change and carbon emissions becomes a global concern, technologies to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into resources such as chemical fuels and compounds are urgently needed. Dr. Dahee Park's research team from the Nano Materials Research Division at the Korea Institute...
phys.org phys.org
techxplore.com

Enhanced geothermal systems promise wider access to clean energy

Historically, access to geothermal energy has hinged on real estate's famously three most important factors: location, location, and location. Because conventional geothermal power plants require hot, permeable rocks and plenty of underground fluid, use of the technology has been limited mostly...
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phys.org

Nickel superconductor works above -233°C threshold at normal pressure

A team of engineers and physicists at Southern University of Science and Technology, in China, has created a nickel-based material that behaves as a superconductor above the -233°C (40 K) threshold under ambient pressure. In their study published in Nature, the researchers synthesized thin films...
phys.org phys.org
phys.org

Novel carbon-based materials can remove hazardous 'forever chemicals' in water

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a diverse group of synthetic chemicals, are commonly used in numerous products such as semiconductors, fire-extinguishing foams, heat-resistant, and non-stick cookware. PFAS possess remarkable resistance to heat, oil, grease, and water that...
phys.org phys.org
phys.org

Chemists find greener path to making ethylene oxide, a key industrial chemical

Scientists have discovered a potentially greener way to produce a crucial industrial chemical used to make many everyday products, from plastics and textiles to antifreeze and disinfectants, according to a study published in Science and co-authored by Tulane University chemical engineer Matthew...
phys.org phys.org
phys.org

Discovery of high-spin manganese centers sheds light on photosynthesis

In a small manganese oxide cluster, teams from HZB and HU Berlin have discovered a particularly exciting compound: two high-spin manganese centers in two very different oxidation states. This complex is the simplest model of a catalyst that occurs as a slightly larger cluster in natural...
phys.org phys.org
techxplore.com

Sodium-ion batteries face greater safety hazards due to sodium clusters, study finds

A new study led by the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has identified significant safety risks in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), especially compared to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).
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phys.org

'Fog harvesting' could yield water for drinking and agriculture in the world's driest regions

With less annual rainfall than 1 mm per year, Chile's Atacama Desert is one of the driest places in the world. The main water source of cities in the region are underground rock layers that contain water-filled pore spaces which last recharged between 17,000 and 10,000 years ago.
phys.org phys.org
phys.org

Two distinct superconducting states found in Bernal bilayer graphene challenge current models

Superconductivity is a widely sought after material property, which entails an electrical resistance of zero below a specific critical temperature. So far, it has been observed in various materials, including recently in so-called multilayer graphene allotropes (i.e., materials that consist of...
phys.org phys.org
techxplore.com

Hydrophobic surface coating strategy addresses CO₂ electroreduction stability challenges

The conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable chemical products via the electrochemical CO2 conversion reaction could be highly advantageous. This conversion process could help to make good use of excess CO2 in the air collected by carbon capture solutions, thus potentially contributing...
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techxplore.com

High-performance sodium-ion cathode paves the way for lithium-ion battery alternative

For decades, scientists have sought ways to counter our dependence on lithium-ion batteries. These traditional, rechargeable batteries energize today's most ubiquitous consumer electronics—from laptops to cell phones to electric cars. But raw lithium is expensive and is often sourced through...
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phys.org

Mountain ranges could be hidden treasure troves of natural hydrogen, plate tectonic modeling finds

The successful development of sustainable georesources for the energy transition is a key challenge for humankind in the 21st century. Hydrogen gas (H2) has great potential to replace current fossil fuels while simultaneously eliminating the associated emission of CO2 and other pollutants.
phys.org phys.org
phys.org

Innovative strategy enhances energy storage in antiferroelectric materials

A collaborative study published in Nature reveals an innovative strategy to enhance energy storage in antiferroelectric materials.
phys.org phys.org
techxplore.com

Waste-based perovskite solar cell achieves 21.39% energy efficiency

A team of materials scientists and solar engineers at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, working with a colleague from Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, has developed a perovskite solar cell using a biomass-based polymer. In their paper published in the journal Advanced Functional...
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techxplore.com

New process gets common rocks to trap carbon rapidly and cheaply

Stanford University chemists have developed a practical, low-cost way to permanently remove atmospheric carbon dioxide, the main driver of global warming and climate change.
techxplore.com techxplore.com
techxplore.com

Reducing carbon emissions from residential heating: A pathway forward

In the race to reduce climate-warming carbon emissions, the buildings sector is falling behind. While carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the U.S. electric power sector dropped by 34% between 2005 and 2021, emissions in the building sector declined by only 18% in that same time period. Moreover...
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techxplore.com

Leaf vein-inspired photothermal actuator balances speed, strength and stability

A recent breakthrough in photothermal actuator design has been achieved by a research team from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, led by Prof. Tian Xingyou and Prof. Zhang Xian. The team developed a novel superstructure liquid metal/low expansion...
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phys.org

Electronic fine-tuning unlocks superior hydrogen catalysis performance

As the world moves toward sustainable energy, hydrogen will likely play an invaluable role as a clean and versatile fuel. Yet, adoption of hydrogen technologies hinges on overcoming key challenges in electrocatalysis, where costly and scarce platinum-group metals have long been the industry...
phys.org phys.org
 
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Something I saw today that surprised me:
"Water movement on surfaces makes more electric charge than expected."

Might this go both ways?

"Novel technique manipulates water waves to precisely control floating objects."

"Scientists discover smart way to generate energy with plastic beads."

See below
 
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The maintenance costs of any device that works with moving parts end up eating into the profitability of the invention. And now that ideological subsidies are going to be eliminated, we should only consider solar energy conversion systems and long-term storage systems with minimal losses. In my opinion, the future lies in deciphering the mysteries of photosynthesis (which has several quantum levels that scientists have not yet been able to access) and finding a way to give it industrial application to produce food and energy at a minimum price.

That is going to bother many people who live on scarcity, ecological protests, hunger and wars, but it only needs to work once in the laboratory, and no one will be able to stop it.
 
Green aviation fuel and more

Oddities
https://phys.org/news/2025-03-peatlands-carbon-capture-potential-temperatures.html

In the news

hackaday.com

Solar Power, Logically

We’ve all seen the ads. Some offer “free” solar panels. Others promise nearly free energy if you just purchase a solar — well, solar system doesn’t sound right —…
hackaday.com hackaday.com
hackaday.com

From The Ashes: Coal Ash May Offer Rich Source Of Rare Earth Elements

For most of history, the world got along fine without the rare earth elements. We knew they existed, we knew they weren’t really all that rare, and we really didn’t have much use for th…
hackaday.com hackaday.com

Atomics

phys.org

Analysis identifies optimal microbes for sustainable chemical production

In silico analysis of five industrial microorganisms identifies optimal strains and metabolic engineering strategies for producing 235 valuable chemicals.
phys.org phys.org
 
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On shipping

An interesting find

sensors for the nuclear industry

other green news
phys.org

First atomic-level video of catalytic reaction reveals hidden pathways

A Northwestern University-led international team of scientists has, for the first time, directly observed catalysis in-action at the atomic level.
phys.org phys.org

off limits?
 
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Green energy's latest

phys.org

Rain barrel basics: Conserving water but not mosquito habitats

As people look to reduce their water use for environmental and ecological reasons, rain barrels have gained popularity for catching rainwater that can be stored and used for irrigation. These green infrastructure tools can conserve hundreds of gallons of water per year and reduce stormwater...
phys.org phys.org
techxplore.com

Using liquid air for grid-scale energy storage

As the world moves to reduce carbon emissions, solar and wind power will play an increasing role in electricity grids. But those renewable sources only generate electricity when it's sunny or windy. So to ensure a reliable power grid—one that can deliver electricity 24/7—it's crucial to have a...
techxplore.com techxplore.com
phys.org

Unappreciated Rhabdophane is the forgotten host of rich rare-earth elements

Prodigious siblings can be annoying. All too often, they steal the spotlight and cast behind them an infuriating shadow of achievement and high expectation. The same is true in mineralogy, where some minerals have long existed in the shadow of their illustrious kin.
phys.org phys.org
techxplore.com

New technology suppresses temperature rise during hydrogen charging, enabling safer, more efficient refueling

The world's first technology to fundamentally prevent temperature rise during high-pressure hydrogen charging has been developed. This innovation significantly shortens refueling time and reduces the cost of establishing and operating hydrogen refueling infrastructure.
techxplore.com techxplore.com
techxplore.com

Protective film on perovskite solar cells offers 1,000-hour durability in extreme heat and humidity

A new perovskite solar cell (PSC) demonstrates remarkable resilience even in high heat conditions, thanks to an innovative protective film. The research team suggests that these findings represent a significant step toward commercialization by addressing thermal stability issues.
techxplore.com techxplore.com
techxplore.com

Ultralight, flexible solar cells set new efficiency record at 23.64%

The Korea Institute of Energy Research has successfully developed ultra-lightweight flexible perovskite/CIGS tandem solar cells and achieved a power conversion efficiency of 23.64%, which is the world's highest efficiency of the flexible perovskite/CIGS tandem solar cells reported to date. The...
techxplore.com techxplore.com
phys.org

New AI tool set to speed quest for advanced superconductors

Using artificial intelligence shortens the time to identify complex quantum phases in materials from months to minutes, finds a new study published in Newton. The breakthrough could significantly speed up research into quantum materials, particularly low-dimensional superconductors.
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phys.org

Flexible ammonia sensor detects gas with ultra-sensitivity and low cost

A research team has successfully developed the world's first ammonia (NH3) gas sensor based on a copper bromide (CuBr) film that can be fabricated through a simple solution process at low temperatures. The findings are published online in Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical.
phys.org phys.org
techxplore.com

Novel membrane design mimics protein channels for efficient energy harvesting

A research team from the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, along with collaborators, has introduced a novel membrane design that mimics biological protein channels to enhance proton transport for efficient energy harvesting. The study...
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techxplore.com

Sunlight and seawater lead to low-cost green hydrogen and clean water

A Cornell-led collaboration has hit the trifecta of sustainability technology: The group developed a low-cost method to produce carbon-free "green" hydrogen via solar-powered electrolysis of seawater. A happy byproduct of the process? Potable water.
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phys.org

Cell membrane biology inspires design of new saltwater filters

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute, King's College London and the University of Fribourg have developed polymer water channels, similar to commonly used plastics, that can draw salt out of water, inspired by the body's own water filtering system.
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phys.org

Scandium-doped TiO₂ boosts photocatalytic water splitting efficiency

Photocatalytic water splitting is a clean energy technology that uses sunlight to split water into oxygen and hydrogen in order to produce green hydrogen—a clean fuel—without relying on fossil fuels. The process is driven by a photocatalyst.
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phys.org

Pt nano-catalyst with graphene pockets enhances fuel cell durability and efficiency

The manufacturing and deployment of hybrid and electric vehicles is on the rise, contributing to ongoing efforts to decarbonize the transport industry. While cars and smaller vehicles can be powered using lithium batteries, electrifying heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks and large buses, has so...
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phys.org

First atomic-level video of catalytic reaction reveals hidden pathways

A Northwestern University-led international team of scientists has, for the first time, directly observed catalysis in-action at the atomic level.
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phys.org

Platinum-based alloy catalyst can enhance methanol fuel cell efficiency and durability

Replacing traditional fossil fuels with clean, renewable energy sources is expected to solve environmental issues and alleviate the energy crisis. As a novel energy conversion device, fuel cells are capable of efficiently transforming chemical energy into electrical energy.
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phys.org

Tracking photogenerated charge transfer in electrolytes

Photocatalysis involves three fundamental steps: light absorption, charge separation and transfer, and chemical reactions. These reactions occur at the solid-liquid interface where the complex charged environment influences reaction kinetics. Most research has focused on the charge transfer...
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phys.org

Bimetallene catalyst enables energy-efficient biomass conversion

The sustainable production of fuels and value-added chemicals from biomass is a cornerstone of the future bioeconomy. 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a platform molecule derived from lignocellulosic biomass, holds immense promise for replacing petroleum-derived building blocks. Its selective...
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phys.org

Metal-free alternative: Rethinking coupling methods for more sustainable organic synthesis

Coupling reactions are among the most transformative tools in organic chemistry, enabling the formation of crucial chemical bonds in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and advanced materials. Since their introduction, they have been one of the backbones of modern organic synthesis. However, these...
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phys.org

3D Raman imaging reveals CO₂ reduction inside living cells

Researchers from National Taiwan University and collaborators have developed a novel way to observe and monitor carbon dioxide (CO2) conversion into carbon monoxide (CO) inside living cells, using an advanced optical method called surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS).
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phys.org

Light-activated catalyst enables chiral synthesis with higher yields and less waste

Chemists and chemical engineers at California Institute of Technology, working with a pair of colleagues from the University of Pittsburgh, have developed a new light-activated catalyst that can be used for photoinduced deracemization of tertiary and secondary alkyl halides. In their paper...
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phys.org

Amorphization alters nanocatalyst properties: Research shows the impact of structural disorder

A research team studied how iridium and palladium nanoparticles can change the properties of catalysts with minor degradation and transition to an amorphous state. The team includes Skoltech and Khakassian State University researchers led by Skoltech Professor Alexander Kvashnin, a Doctor of...
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phys.org

Atomic-scale mechanism of water-induced perovskite degradation revealed

A research team has successfully observed and identified the water-induced degradation mechanism of perovskite, which is a next-generation optoelectronic material, in real time at the atomic scale. Published in Matter, this study presents key strategies for enhancing the stability of perovskite...
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phys.org

Study unveils contributions to superconductivity in the vortex lattice structure of 2H-NbSe₂

Superconductivity is a quantum property of materials entailing an electrical resistance of zero at very low temperatures. In some materials, multiple electronic bands are known to contribute to the emergence of superconductivity, leading to multiple superconducting energy gaps. This phenomenon...
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phys.org

Molecular-level technique reveals a single catalytic grain do work in real time

A new way to watch catalytic reactions happen at the molecular level in real time could lead to better fundamental understanding and planning of the important reactions used in countless manufacturing processes every day.
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phys.org

Scientists make water-repellent replacement for toxic 'forever chemicals'

A team of international scientists has invented a substitute for synthetic chemicals, called PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances), which are widely used in everyday products despite being hazardous to health and the environment.
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phys.org

Turning pollution into fuel with record-breaking carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide conversion rates

What if we could transform harmful pollution into a helpful energy source? As we strive towards carbon neutrality, researching energy innovations that reduce pollution is crucial.
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phys.org

Computer simulations suggest CO₂ can be stored underground indefinitely

We have to stop emitting carbon dioxide (CO2) if we want to save the climate—there is no doubt about that. But that alone will not be enough. In addition, it will also be necessary to capture CO2 that is already present in the atmosphere, and store it permanently, for example, by pumping it deep...
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phys.org

CO₂ removal and storage: Which options are feasible and desirable?

As climate change increases, so does the pressure on humanity to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere—possibly with the help of the oceans. But which of the proposed marine CO2 removal and storage options should be used?
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techxplore.com

UK government urged to tackle inequality in 'low-carbon tech' like solar panels and electric cars

The UK government needs to go beyond offering subsidies for low-carbon technologies (LCTs) like electric cars and solar panels for energy and heating, if it is to meet its net-zero targets by 2050, a new report from the University of Sheffield, published in the journal Energy Economics, suggests.
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Natural oil seeps
phys.org

Natural oil seeps: Dissolved organic matter may persist in deep sea for thousands of years

What is the role of dissolved organic matter in the deep sea? In a study relating to this question, researchers from the Universities of Bremen and Oldenburg have investigated the composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in detail. Their samples were obtained during an expedition to the...
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Green energy today
hackaday.com

How Supercritical CO2 Working Fluid Can Increase Power Plant Efficiency

Using steam to produce electricity or perform work via steam turbines has been a thing for a very long time. Today it is still exceedingly common to use steam in this manner, with said steam genera…
hackaday.com hackaday.com

Chemistry
 
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