Headline: Thin-film batteries rechargeable in just one minute

■ Release Date: 2023.8.29

■ Published by: Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)

■ Keywords: batteries, lithium-ion, rechargeable

■ Abstract:

Engineers aim to revolutionize rechargeable batteries: Their thin-film batteries are not only safer and longer-lasting than conventional lithium-ion batteries, they are also much more environmentally friendly to manufacture and can be charged in just one minute. For now, the battery is very small, but the founders have big plans for it.

Headline: Titanium micro-spikes skewer resistant superbugs

■ Release Date: 2023.8.29

■ Published by: RMIT University

■ Keywords: titanium, superbugs, fungus

■ Abstract:

A new study suggests rough surfaces inspired by the bacteria-killing spikes on insect wings may be more effective at combating drug-resistant superbugs, including fungus, than previously understood.

Headline: Direct power generation from methylcyclohexane using solid oxide fuel cells

■ Release Date: 2023.8.29

■ Published by: Waseda University

■ Keywords: methylcyclohexan, fuel cells, hydrogen

■ Abstract:

Methylcyclohexane is very promising as a hydrogen carrier that can safely and efficiently transport and store hydrogen. However, the dehydrogenation process using catalysts has issues due to its durability and large energy loss. Recently, researchers have succeeded in using solid oxide fuel cells to generate electricity directly from methylcyclohexane and recover toluene for reuse. This research is expected to not only reduce energy requirements but also explore new chemical synthesis by fuel cells.

Headline: Graphene: Perfection is futile

■ Release Date: 2023.8.29

■ Published by: Vienna University of Technology

■ Keywords: graphene, carbon, sensors

■ Abstract:

It has long been known that graphene has excellent electronic properties. However, it was unclear until now how stable these properties are. Are they destroyed by disturbances and additional effects, which are unavoidable in practice, or do they remain intact? Scientists have now succeeded in developing a comprehensive computer model of realistic graphene structures. It turned out that the desired effects are very stable. Even graphene pieces that are not quite perfect can be used well for technological applications.

Headline: New 'droplet battery' could pave the way for miniature bio-integrated devices

■ Release Date: 2023.8.30

■ Published by: University of Oxford

■ Keywords: battery, droplet, biology

■ Abstract:

Researchers have developed a miniature battery that could be used to power tiny devices integrated into human tissues. The design uses an ionic gradient across a chain of droplets -- inspired by how electric eels generate electricity. The device was able to regulate the biological activity of human neurons. This could open the way to the development of tiny bio-integrated devices, with a range of applications in biology and medicine.

Headline: A new way to capture and recycle carbon dioxide from industrial emissions

■ Release Date: 2023.8.30

■ Published by: American Chemical Society

■ Keywords: carbon dioxide, recycle, carbon-capture

■ Abstract:

Carbon capture is a promising method to help slow climate change. With this approach, carbon dioxide (CO¬¬2) is trapped before it escapes into the atmosphere, but the process requires a large amount of energy and equipment. Now, researchers have designed a capture system using an electrochemical cell that can easily grab and release CO2. The device operates at room temperature and requires less energy than conventional, amine-based carbon-capture systems.

Headline: Energy storage in molecules

■ Release Date: 2023.8.30

■ Published by: Wiley

■ Keywords: solar, energy storage, bicyclic dienes

■ Abstract:

Molecular photoswitches that can both convert and store energy could be used to make solar energy harvesting more efficient. A team of researchers has used a quantum computing method to find a particularly efficient molecular structure for this purpose. Their procedure was based on a dataset of more than 400,000 molecules, which they screened to find the optimum molecular structure for solar energy storage materials.

Headline: Striking gold with molecular mystery solution for potential clean energy

■ Release Date: 2023.8.31

■ Published by: Penn State

■ Keywords: hydrogen, gold, clean energy

■ Abstract:

Hydrogen spillover is exactly what it sounds like. Small metal nanoparticles anchored on a thermally stable oxide, like silica, comprise a major class of catalysts, which are substances used to accelerate chemical reactions without being consumed themselves. The catalytic reaction usually occurs on the reactive -- and expensive -- metal, but on some catalysts, hydrogen atom-like equivalents literally spill from the metal to the oxide. These hydrogen-on-oxide species are called 'hydrogen spillover.'