Headline: A rethink of the building blocks for solar panels could help mass production

■ Release Date: 2022.6.27

■ Published by: University of Surrey

■ Keywords: perovskite, solar, battery panel

■ Abstract:

An original approach to mass-producing low-cost solar cell foundation blocks could lead to the wide adoption of solar panels made from perovskite ink -- a 'miracle material' -- according to new research.

Headline: New approach reduces EV battery testing time by 75%

■ Release Date: 2022.6.27

■ Published by: University of Michigan

■ Keywords: battery, electric vehicle

■ Abstract:

Testing the longevity of new electric vehicle battery designs could be four times faster with a streamlined approach, researchers have shown.

Headline: Thin-film photovoltaic technology combines efficiency and versatility

■ Release Date: 2022.6.27

■ Published by: Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)

■ Keywords: solar, battery

■ Abstract:

Stacking solar cells increases their efficiency. Researchers have now produced perovskite/CIS tandem solar cells with an efficiency of nearly 25 percent -- the highest value achieved thus far with this technology. Moreover, this combination of materials is light and versatile, making it possible to envision the use of these tandem solar cells in vehicles, portable equipment, and devices that can be folded or rolled up.

Headline: Strategies beyond recycling to bolster circular economy for solar and battery technologies

■ Release Date: 2022.6.28

■ Published by: DOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory

■ Keywords: solar, lithium-ion battery

■ Abstract:

In a new comprehensive literature review, researchers have discovered that alternatives to recycling may have untapped potential to build an effective circular economy for solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery technologies. These alternative strategies, such as reducing the use of virgin materials in manufacturing, reusing for new applications, and extending product life spans, may provide new paths to building sustainable product life cycles.

Headline: New single-mode semiconductor laser delivers power with scalability

■ Release Date: 2022.6.29

■ Published by: University of California - Berkeley

■ Keywords: semiconductor, indium gallium arsenide, lasers

■ Abstract:

Engineers have created a new type of semiconductor laser that accomplishes an elusive goal in the field of optics: the ability to maintain a single mode of emitted light while maintaining the ability to scale up in size and power. It is an achievement that means size does not have to come at the expense of coherence, enabling lasers to be more powerful and to cover longer distances for many applications.

Headline: Pioneering recycling turns mixed waste into premium plastics with no climate impact

■ Release Date: 2022.6.30

■ Published by: Chalmers University of Technology

■ Keywords: carbon dioxide, plastic, recycling

■ Abstract:

Only a fraction of the material that could be turned into new plastic is currently recycled. Researchers have now demonstrated how the carbon atoms in mixed waste can replace all fossil raw materials in the production of new plastic. The recycling method is inspired by the natural carbon cycle and could eliminate the climate impact of plastic materials, or even clean the air of carbon dioxide.

Headline: Bacteria for blastoff: Using microbes to make supercharged new rocket fuel

■ Release Date: 2022.6.30

■ Published by: DOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

■ Keywords: petroleum, fuel

■ Abstract:

Biofuel scientists used an oddball molecule made by bacteria to develop a new class of sustainable biofuels powerful enough to launch rockets. The candidate molecules have greater projected energy density than any petroleum product, including the leading aviation and rocket fuels, JetA and RP-1.

Headline: Keeping the energy in the room

■ Release Date: 2022.7.1

■ Published by: University of California - Santa Barbara

■ Keywords: silicon, sensor

■ Abstract:

Researchers are developing precision optical sensors for telescopes and observatories. The team has now improved the spectra resolution of their superconducting sensor, a major step in their ultimate goal: analyzing the composition of exoplanets.