Headline: Dry manufacturing process offers path to cleaner, more affordable high-energy EV batteries

■ Release Date: 2023.7.18

■ Published by: DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory

■ Keywords: energy storage, battery, solvents

■ Abstract:

Early experiments have revealed significant benefits to a dry battery manufacturing process. This eliminates the use of toxic solvents while showing promise for delivering a battery that is durable, less weighed down by inactive elements and able to maintain high energy storage capacity after use. Such improvements could boost wider EV adoption, helping to reduce carbon emissions and achieve U.S. climate goals.

Headline: Researchers achieve historic milestone in energy capacity of supercapacitors

■ Release Date: 2023.7.18

■ Published by: University of Texas at El Paso

■ Keywords: energy storage, supercapacitor, capacitance

■ Abstract:

In a new landmark chemistry study, researchers describe how they have achieved the highest level of energy storage -- also known as capacitance -- in a supercapacitor ever recorded.

Headline: Bifacial perovskite solar cells point to higher efficiency

■ Release Date: 2023.7.18

■ Published by: DOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory

■ Keywords: perovskite, solar cell, energy storage

■ Abstract:

A bifacial perovskite solar cell, which allows sunlight to reach both sides of the device, holds the potential to produce higher energy yields at lower overall costs.

Headline: Research could pave way to greener, more sustainable products made with renewable carbon

■ Release Date: 2023.7.19

■ Published by: University of Delaware

■ Keywords: catalyst, carbon, energy storage

■ Abstract:

Researchers are exploring new methods for optimizing carbon-based catalysts. The team's findings could lead to better materials for making greener, more sustainable products with renewable carbon.

Headline: Researchers put a new twist on graphite

■ Release Date: 2023.7.19

■ Published by: University of Washington

■ Keywords: graphite, graphene, fuel

■ Abstract:

Researchers report that it is possible to imbue graphite -- the bulk, 3D material found in No. 2 pencils -- with physical properties similar to graphite's 2D counterpart, graphene. Not only was this breakthrough unexpected, the team also believes its approach could be used to test whether similar types of bulk materials can also take on 2D-like properties. If so, 2D sheets won't be the only source for scientists to fuel technological revolutions. Bulk, 3D materials could be just as useful.

Headline: Aluminum materials show promising performance for safer, cheaper, more powerful batteries

■ Release Date: 2023.7.19

■ Published by: Georgia Institute of Technology

■ Keywords: aluminum foil, battery, lithium

■ Abstract:

Researchers are using aluminum foil to create batteries with higher energy density and greater stability. The team's new battery system could enable electric vehicles to run longer on a single charge and would be cheaper to manufacture -- all while having a positive impact on the environment.

Headline: New catalysts for solar hydrogen production

■ Release Date: 2023.7.19

■ Published by: Vienna University of Technology

■ Keywords: catalyst, photocatalyst, hydrogen

■ Abstract:

Researchers are developing a layered photocatalyst that can be used to produce hydrogen very efficiently from water.

Headline: Current thinking on batteries overturned by cathode oxidation research

■ Release Date: 2023.7.19

■ Published by: University of Birmingham

■ Keywords: battery, cathode, lithium

■ Abstract:

Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in understanding and overcoming the challenges associated with Ni-rich cathode materials used in lithium-ion batteries.

Headline: Catalyst can control methane emissions in natural gas engines

■ Release Date: 2023.7.20

■ Published by: Washington State University

■ Keywords: catalyst, palladium, methane

■ Abstract:

A catalyst using a single or just a few palladium atoms removed 90% of unburned methane from natural gas engine exhaust at low temperatures in a recent study. While more research needs to be done, the advance in single atom catalysis has the potential to lower exhaust emissions of methane, one of the worst greenhouse gases that traps heat at about 25 times the rate of carbon dioxide. Researchers showed that the single-atom catalyst was able to remove methane from engine exhaust at lower temperatures, less than 350 degrees Celsius (662 degrees Fahrenheit), while maintaining reaction stability at higher temperatures.

Headline: Device makes hydrogen from sunlight with record efficiency

■ Release Date: 2023.7.20

■ Published by: Rice University

■ Keywords: hydrogen, perovskite, semiconductor

■ Abstract:

Engineers have created a device that turns sunlight into hydrogen with record-breaking efficiency by integrating next-generation halide perovskite semiconductors with electrocatalysts in a single, durable, cost-effective and scalable device.