Headline: The next generation of solar energy collectors could be rocks

■ Release Date: 2023.5.30

■ Published by: American Chemical Society

■ Keywords: solar, energy storage, granite

■ Abstract:

The next generation of sustainable energy technology might be built from some low-tech materials: rocks and the sun. Using a new approach known as concentrated solar power, heat from the sun is stored then used to dry foods or create electricity. A team has found that certain soapstone and granite samples from Tanzania are well suited for storing this solar heat, featuring high energy densities and stability even at high temperatures.

Headline: New catalyst lowers cost for producing environmentally sustainable hydrogen from water

■ Release Date: 2023.5.30

■ Published by: DOE/Argonne National Laboratory

■ Keywords: catalyst, hydrogen, cleane energy

■ Abstract:

A team has developed a new catalyst composed of elements abundant in the Earth. It could make possible the low-cost and energy-efficient production of hydrogen for use in transportation and industrial applications.

Headline: Under pressure: Foundations of stellar physics and nuclear fusion investigated

■ Release Date: 2023.5.31

■ Published by: University of Warwick

■ Keywords: nuclear, carbon-free energy, beryllium

■ Abstract:

Research using the world's most energetic laser has shed light on the properties of highly compressed matter -- essential to understanding the structure of giant planets and stars, and to develop controlled nuclear fusion, a process that could harvest carbon-free energy.

Headline: A protein mines, sorts rare earths better than humans, paving way for green tech

■ Release Date: 2023.5.31

■ Published by: Penn State

■ Keywords: rare earth, neodymium, dysprosium

■ Abstract:

Rare earth elements, like neodymium and dysprosium, are a critical component to almost all modern technologies, from smartphones to hard drives, but they are notoriously hard to separate from the Earth's crust and from one another. Scientists have discovered a new mechanism by which bacteria can select between different rare earth elements, using the ability of a bacterial protein to bind to another unit of itself, or 'dimerize,' when it is bound to certain rare earths, but prefer to remain a single unit, or 'monomer,' when bound to others.

Headline: New 'designer' titanium alloys made using 3D printing

■ Release Date: 2023.5.31

■ Published by: RMIT University

■ Keywords: titanium, 3D printing, industrial waste

■ Abstract:

A team of researchers has created a new class of titanium alloys that are strong and not brittle under tension, by integrating alloy and 3D-printing process designs. They say they embedded circular economy thinking in their design, creating great promise for producing their new titanium alloys from industrial waste and low-grade materials.

Headline: You can make carbon dioxide filters with a 3D printer

■ Release Date: 2023.5.31

■ Published by: North Carolina State University

■ Keywords: carbon capture, carbonic anhydrase, carbon dioxide

■ Abstract:

Researchers demonstrated that it's possible to make carbon dioxide capture filters using 3D printing. Specifically, they printed a hydrogel material that can hold carbonic anhydrase, an enzyme that speeds a reaction that turns carbon dioxide and water into bicarbonate.

Headline: Metal shortage could put the brakes on electrification

■ Release Date: 2023.5.31

■ Published by: Chalmers University of Technology

■ Keywords: neodymium, dysprosium, rare earth

■ Abstract:

As more and more electric cars are traveling on the roads of Europe, this is leading to an increase in the use of the critical metals required for components such as electric motors and electronics. With the current raw material production levels there will not be enough of these metals in future -- not even if recycling increases.

Headline: Record 19.31% efficiency with organic solar cells

■ Release Date: 2023.6.1

■ Published by: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

■ Keywords: polymer, solar cells, energy

■ Abstract:

Researchers have achieved a breakthrough power-conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.31% with organic solar cells (OSCs), also known as polymer solar cells. This remarkable binary OSC efficiency will help enhance applications of these advanced solar energy devices.

Headline: Unveiling the nanoscale frontier: innovating with nanoporous model electrodes

■ Release Date: 2023.6.2

■ Published by: Tohoku University

■ Keywords: membrane electrode, electrochemical, graphene

■ Abstract:

Researchers have introduced a next-generation model membrane electrode that promises to revolutionize fundamental electrochemical research.