Headline: These energy-packed batteries work well in extreme cold and heat

■ Release Date: 2022.7.4

■ Published by: University of California - San Diego

■ Keywords: lithium-ion batteries, electric cars 

■ Abstract:

Researchers developed lithium-ion batteries that perform well at freezing cold and scorching hot temperatures, while packing a lot of energy. This could help electric cars travel farther on a single charge in the cold and reduce the need for cooling systems for the cars' batteries in hot climates.

Headline: Why natural gas is not a bridge technology

■ Release Date: 2022.7.5

■ Published by: Ruhr-University Bochum

■ Keywords: natural gas, coal, oil

■ Abstract:

The expansion of natural gas infrastructure jeopardizes energy transition as natural gas is not a bridge technology towards a 100 per cent renewable energy system as defined by the Paris Climate Agreement. The researchers have examined the natural gas issue from five perspectives and given gas a fairly poor climate balance, comparable to that of coal or oil. They recommend that politicians and scientists revise the current assumptions about natural gas.

Headline: Printing a new chapter in solar energy

■ Release Date: 2022.7.5

■ Published by: ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science

■ Keywords: solar, perovskite, photovoltaics

■ Abstract:

A simple and versatile nanoparticle ink could help next-generation perovskite solar cells to be printed at scale and become the dominant force in commercial photovoltaics.

Headline: Caught in the act: Key chemical intermediates in pollutant-to-fuel reaction identified

■ Release Date: 2022.7.6

■ Published by: University of Tsukuba

■ Keywords: copper, formate, hydrogenation 

■ Abstract:

Researchers identified chemical intermediates in the hydrogenation of copper-adsorbed formate. Depending on the temperature, some of the hydrogenation product decomposed into formaldehyde. The activation energy was also quantified, based on experimental and computational work. These results will be useful for optimizing production of methanol fuel from carbon dioxide.

Headline: Physicists see electron whirlpools

■ Release Date: 2022.7.6

■ Published by: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

■ Keywords: tungsten ditelluride, electron whirlpools

■ Abstract:

Physicists have now observed electron whirlpools. Theorists have long predicted electrons should exhibit this hallmark of fluid flow; the findings could inform the design of more efficient electronics. To visualize electron vortices, the team looked to tungsten ditelluride(WTe2), an ultraclean metallic compound that has been found to exhibit exotic electronic properties when isolated in single-atom-thin, two-dimensional form.

Headline: Electric vehicle buyers want rebates, not tax credits

■ Release Date: 2022.7.7

■ Published by: George Washington University

■ Keywords: tax, electric vehicle 

■ Abstract:

Financial incentives play an important role in the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. New research, however, finds that not all financial incentives are created equal in the eyes of prospective car buyers, and the current federal incentive -- a tax credit -- is, in fact, valued the least by car buyers.

Headline: Thin mica shows semiconducting behavior, say scientists in new study

■ Release Date: 2022.7.7

■ Published by: Shibaura Institute of Technology

■ Keywords: muscovite mica,semiconducting 

■ Abstract:

Muscovite mica (MuM) is a highly stable mineral that is commonly used as an insulator. However, the electrical properties of single-layer and few-layered MuM are not well understood. Now, a group of researchers reports and explains unusually high conductivity in MuM flakes that are only a few molecule layers thick. Their findings could open doors to the development of two-dimensional electronic devices that are robust against harsh environments.

Headline: Electric vehicles pass the remote road test

■ Release Date: 2022.7.8

■ Published by: Australian National University

■ Keywords: electric vehicle, decarbonisation 

■ Abstract:

A new study, which demonstrates that even the most rural areas of Australia are feasible for electric vehicles, provides new hope for how the technology could be spread around the most secluded locations in other parts of the world. The study found the vast majority of residents, or 93 per cent, could travel to essential services with even the lower-range of electric vehicles currently available on the Australian market, without needing to recharge en route.