Headline: Golden future for thermoelectrics

■ Release Date: 2023.9.18

■ Published by: Vienna University of Technology

■ Keywords: nickel, gold, alloys

■ Abstract:

Researchers have found a way to harvest hydrogen from plastic waste using a low-emissions method that generates graphene as a by-product, which could help offset production costs.

Headline: Predictive model could improve hydrogen station availability

■ Release Date: 2023.9.19

■ Published by: DOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory

■ Keywords: hydrogen, fuel, renewable energy

■ Abstract:

Consumer confidence in driving hydrogen-fueled vehicles could be improved by having station operators adopt a predictive model that helps them anticipate maintenance needs, according to researchers.

Headline: Engineers grow full wafers of high-performing 2D semiconductor that integrates with state-of-the-art chips

■ Release Date: 2023.9.19

■ Published by: University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science

■ Keywords: indium, selenium, semiconductors

■ Abstract:

Researchers have grown a high-performing 2D semiconductor to a full-size, industrial-scale wafer. In addition, the semiconductor material, indium selenide (InSe), can be deposited at temperatures low enough to integrate with a silicon chip.

Headline: Cheap and efficient catalyst could boost renewable energy storage

■ Release Date: 2023.9.19

■ Published by: Imperial College London

■ Keywords: catalyst, platinum, renewable energy

■ Abstract:

Storing renewable energy as hydrogen could soon become much easier thanks to a new catalyst based on single atoms of platinum.

Headline: Researchers offer insights into solid-electrolyte interphases in next-gen aqueous potassium-ion batteries

■ Release Date: 2023.9.19

■ Published by: Tokyo University of Science

■ Keywords: electrolyte, potassium-ion, batteries

■ Abstract:

Aqueous potassium-ion batteries are a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries owing to their safety and low cost. However, not much is known about the properties of the solid-electrolyte interphases (SEI) that form between the electrode and the aqueous electrolyte. To address this knowledge gap, researchers from Japan have now conducted a study using advanced scanning electrochemical microscopy and operando electrochemical mass spectrometry. Their findings provide a deeper understanding of SEI in next-generation batteries.

Headline: Sustainable energy for aviation: What are our options?

■ Release Date: 2023.9.20

■ Published by: University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering

■ Keywords: aviation, fuel, hydrogen

■ Abstract:

Scientists and industry leaders worldwide are looking for answers on how to make aviation sustainable by 2050 and choosing a viable sustainable fuel is a major sticking point. Aerospace engineers took a full inventory of the options to make a data-driven assessment about how they stack up in comparison. He reviewed over 300 research projects from across different sectors, not just aerospace, to synthesize the ideas and draw conclusions to help direct the dialogue about sustainable aviation toward a permanent solution.

Headline: New Si-based photocatalyst enables efficient solar-driven hydrogen production and biomass refinery

■ Release Date: 2023.9.20

■ Published by: Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)

■ Keywords: hydrogen, silicon, photocatalyst

■ Abstract:

A research team has achieved a significant breakthrough in the development of a hybrid silicon photocatalyst.

Headline: Stabilizing precipitate growth at grain boundaries in alloys

■ Release Date: 2023.9.20

■ Published by: University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering

■ Keywords: alloys, antimony, precipitates

■ Abstract:

Materials are often considered to be one phase, but many engineering materials contain two or more phases, improving their properties and performance. These two-phase materials have inclusions, called precipitates, embedded in the microstructure. Alloys, a combination of two or more types of metals, are used in many applications, like turbines for jet engines and light-weight alloys for automotive applications, because they have very good mechanical properties due to those embedded precipitates. The average precipitate size, however, tends to increase over time-in a process called coarsening-which results in a degradation of performance for microstructures with nanoscale precipitates.

Headline: Making contact: Researchers wire up individual graphene nanoribbons

■ Release Date: 2023.9.20

■ Published by: University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering

■ Keywords: graphene, nanoribbons, metal

■ Abstract:

Researchers have developed a method of 'wiring up' graphene nanoribbons (GNRs), a class of one-dimensional materials that are of interest in the scaling of microelectronic devices. Using a direct-write scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) based process, the nanometer-scale metal contacts were fabricated on individual GNRs and could control the electronic character of the GNRs. The researchers say that this is the first demonstration of making metal contacts to specific GNRs with certainty and that those contacts induce device functionality needed for transistor function.

Headline: No shortcuts: New approach may help extract more heat from geothermal reservoirs

■ Release Date: 2023.9.21

■ Published by: Penn State

■ Keywords: geothermal heat, renewable energy, reservoir

■ Abstract:

Geothermal heat offers a promising source of renewable energy with almost zero emissions, but it remains a relatively expensive option to generate electricity. A new technique may help prevent 'short-circuits' that can cause geothermal power plants to halt production, potentially improving the efficiency of geothermal power, the researchers said.

Headline: New recycling method fights plastic waste

■ Release Date: 2023.9.21

■ Published by: DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory

■ Keywords: plastic waste, recycling, chemicals

■ Abstract:

Almost 80% of plastic in the waste stream ends up in landfills or accumulates in the environment. Scientists have now developed a technology that converts a conventionally unrecyclable mixture of plastic waste into useful chemicals, presenting a new strategy in the toolkit to combat global plastic waste.

Headline: One-atom-thick ribbons could improve batteries, solar cells and sensors

■ Release Date: 2023.9.21

■ Published by: University College London

■ Keywords: phosphorus, arsenic, nanoribbons

■ Abstract:

Researchers created nanoribbons made of phosphorus and tiny amounts of arsenic, which they found were able to conduct electricity at temperatures above -140 degrees Celsius, while retaining the highly useful properties of the phosphorus-only ribbons.