Headline: A sweet reaction: Microwaves might increase the sustainability of the chemicals industry
■ Release Date: 2023.2.6
■ Published by: Osaka University
■ Keywords: fossil resources, chemicals, precursors
■ Abstract:
Researchers have expanded the synthetic toolkit for preparing valuable chemical precursors from renewable feedstocks. They used microwave irradiation to dramatically improve the selectivity of the formose reaction, forming a simple six- and seven-carbon mixture that can be readily purified. These findings will help the chemicals industry minimize the use of fossil resources and improve the sustainability of manufacturing processes.
Headline: New sodium, aluminum battery aims to integrate renewables for grid resiliency
■ Release Date: 2023.2.7
■ Published by: DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
■ Keywords: sodium, battery, aluminum
■ Abstract:
A new sodium battery technology shows promise for helping integrate renewable energy into the electric grid. The battery uses Earth-abundant raw materials such as aluminum and sodium.
Headline: Controllable 'defects' improve performance of lithium-ion batteries
■ Release Date: 2023.2.8
■ Published by: North Carolina State University
■ Keywords: lithium-ion, battery, laser
■ Abstract:
Some defects can be good. A new study shows that laser-induced defects in lithium-ion battery materials improve the performance of the battery.
Headline: 'Game-changing' findings for sustainable hydrogen production
■ Release Date: 2023.2.8
■ Published by: University of Surrey
■ Keywords: hydrogen, catalyst, fossil fuels
■ Abstract:
Hydrogen fuel could be a more viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels, according to University of Surrey researchers who have found that a type of metal-free catalysts could contribute to the development of cost-effective and sustainable hydrogen production technologies.
Headline: Beyond lithium: A promising cathode material for magnesium rechargeable batteries
■ Release Date: 2023.2.9
■ Published by: Tokyo University of Science
■ Keywords: cathode, lithium-ion, battery
■ Abstract:
Magnesium is a promising candidate as an energy carrier for next-generation batteries. However, the cycling performance and capacity of magnesium batteries need to improve if they are to replace lithium-ion batteries. To this end, a research team focused on a novel cathode material with a spinel structure. Following extensive characterization and electrochemical performance experiments, they have found a specific composition that could open doors to high-performance magnesium rechargeable batteries.
Headline: Novel microscope developed to design better high-performance batteries
■ Release Date: 2023.2.9
■ Published by: University of Houston
■ Keywords: battery, microscope, lithium-ion
■ Abstract:
A research team has developed an operando reflection interference microscope (RIM) that provides a better understanding of how batteries work, which has significant implications for the next generation of batteries.
Headline: Research reveals thermal instability of solar cells but offers a bright path forward
■ Release Date: 2023.2.9
■ Published by: Georgia Institute of Technology
■ Keywords: perovskite, solar, cells
■ Abstract:
Researchers reveal the thermal instability that happens within the cells' interface layers, but also offers a path forward towards reliability and efficiency for halide perovskite solar technology.
Headline: Fighting climate change: Ruthenium complexes for carbon dioxide reduction to valuable chemicals
■ Release Date: 2023.2.9
■ Published by: Ritsumeikan University
■ Keywords: ruthenium, carbon dioxide, formic acid
■ Abstract:
Excessive use of fossil fuels leads to undesired carbon dioxide (CO2) generation, accelerating climate change. One way to tackle this is by converting CO2 into value-added chemicals. On this front, researchers have recently utilized a novel redox couple, for the purpose.
Headline: Researchers detail never-before-seen properties in a family of superconducting Kagome metals
■ Release Date: 2023.2.10
■ Published by: Brown University
■ Keywords: rubidium, vanadium, superconductor
■ Abstract:
Researchers have used an innovative new strategy combining nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and a quantum modeling theory to describe the microscopic structure of Kagome superconductor RbV3Sb5 at 103 degrees Kelvin, which is equivalent to about 275 degrees below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.