Headline: Preventing dye aggregation with molten salts to improve solar cell performance
■ Release Date: 2022.8.29
■ Published by: Nagoya Institute of Technology
■ Keywords: green energy, solar cell, electrodes
■ Abstract:
Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are a promising next-generation solar power technology, but they suffer from dye aggregation on electrodes, which reduces charge carriers and the conversion efficiency. Fortunately, scientists have now found a simple way to prevent the aggregation by modifying the electrode's surface with ionic liquids. Stable and eco-friendly, these versatile compounds demonstrate excellent anti-aggregation effects, boosting the performance of DSSCs and opening doors to affordable green energy.
Headline: Elemental research: Scientists apply boron to tungsten components in fusion facilities
■ Release Date: 2022.8.30
■ Published by: DOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
■ Keywords: tungsten, boron
■ Abstract:
Scientists at have conducted research showing that a powder dropper can successfully drop boron powder into high-temperature plasma within tokamaks that have parts made of a heat-resistant material known as tungsten.
Headline: A sustainable battery with a biodegradable electrolyte made from crab shells
■ Release Date: 2022.9.1
■ Published by: Cell Press
■ Keywords: zinc battery, electrolyte, EV
■ Abstract:
Accelerating demand for renewable energy and electric vehicles is sparking a high demand for the batteries that store generated energy and power engines. But the batteries behind these sustainability solutions aren't always sustainable themselves. Scientists have now create a zinc battery with a biodegradable electrolyte from an unexpected source -- crab shells.
Headline: Keeping bulk magnesium diboride superconducting at higher current densities
■ Release Date: 2022.9.1
■ Published by: Shibaura Institute of Technology
■ Keywords: magnesium diboride, superconductivity, dysprosium oxide
■ Abstract:
Magnesium diboride superconductors show great promise for large-scale applications. However, its critical current density (the current density above which superconductivity vanishes), Jc, at high magnetic fields in bulk form is not sufficiently high. An international research team has devised a recipe for enhancing Jc based on optimum sintering conditions and addition of nanoscale boron and dysprosium oxide impurities. This breakthrough can help realize practical applications of bulk magnesium diboride in medicine, transport, research, etc.
Headline: Turning CO2 and methane into valuable products, effectively
■ Release Date: 2022.9.1
■ Published by: Vienna University of Technology
■ Keywords: methane, carbon, perovskite
■ Abstract:
CO2 and methane can be turned into valuable products. But there is a problem with the catalysts required for this: They end up being covered in a layer of carbon, losing their effectivity. A new catalyst has now been developed which solves this problem and can be used for a long time. Tiny metallic nanoparticles were produced on perovskite crystals through special pre-treatment.
Headline: New photodetector design inspired by plant photosynthesis
■ Release Date: 2022.9.1
■ Published by: Optica
■ Keywords: solar cell, photodetector, photosynthesis
■ Abstract:
Researchers have developed a new type of high-efficiency photodetector inspired by the photosynthetic complexes plants use to turn sunlight into energy. Photodetectors are used in cameras, optical communication systems and many other applications to turn photons into electrical signals. The new detector design uses unique quasiparticles known as polaritons to achieve long-range energy transport in an organic material.