Headline: Modular dam design could accelerate the adoption of renewable energy

■ Release Date: 2023.10.10

■ Published by: Southwest Research Institute

■ Keywords: hydropower, steel, energy storage

■ Abstract:

Scientists have developed a new modular steel buttress dam system designed to resolve energy storage issues hindering the integration of renewable resources into the energy mix. The new modular steel buttress dam system facilitates the rapid construction of paired reservoir systems for grid-scale energy storage and generation using closed-loop pumped storage hydropower, cutting dam construction costs by one-third and reducing construction schedules by half.

Headline: X-rays reveal microstructural fingerprints of 3D-printed alloy

■ Release Date: 2023.10.10

■ Published by: Cornell University

■ Keywords: alloy, nickel, 3D printing

■ Abstract:

Researchers took a novel approach to explore the way microstructure emerges in a 3D-printed metal alloy: They bombarded it with X-rays while the material was being printed.

Headline: Magnetoelectric material can reconnect severed nerves

■ Release Date: 2023.10.10

■ Published by: Rice University

■ Keywords: magnetoelectric materials, lead, zirconium

■ Abstract:

Neuroengineers designed the first self-rectifying magnetoelectric material and showed it can not only precisely stimulate neurons remotely but also reconnect a broken sciatic nerve in a rat model.

Headline: Titanium oxide material can remove toxic dyes from wastewater

■ Release Date: 2023.10.10

■ Published by: Drexel University

■ Keywords: titanium oxide, wastewater, dyes

■ Abstract:

Discharged in large quantities by textile, cosmetic, ink, paper and other manufacturers, dyes carry high-toxicity and can bring potential carcinogens to wastewater. It’s a major concern for wastewater treatment — but researchers may have found a solution, using a tiny nanofilament.

Headline: Scientists discover 'flipping' layers in heterostructures to cause changes in their properties

■ Release Date: 2023.10.11

■ Published by: Institute for Basic Science

■ Keywords: transition metals, disulfide, dark excitons

■ Abstract:

Transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) semiconductors are special materials that have long fascinated researchers with their unique properties. For one, they are flat, one-atom-thick two-dimensional (2D) materials similar to that of graphene. They are compounds that contain different combinations of the transition metal group (e.g., molybdenum, tungsten) and chalcogen elements (e.g., sulfur, selenium, tellurium).

Headline: Metal-organic frameworks could someday deliver antibacterial nitric oxide

■ Release Date: 2023.10.11

■ Published by: American Chemical Society

■ Keywords: polymers, nitric oxide, nickel

■ Abstract:

Because metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) — highly porous metal complexes — are so structurally and chemically diverse, they could be used for many applications, such as drug delivery and environmental clean-up. But researchers still need to get a better understanding of how they function, especially when embedded in polymers. Researchers have now developed and characterized nitric oxide (NO)-storing MOFs embedded in a thin film with novel antibacterial potential.

Headline: Revolutionizing energy storage: Metal nanoclusters for stable lithium--sulfur batteries

■ Release Date: 2023.10.12

■ Published by: Tokyo University of Science

■ Keywords: lithium sulfur battery, energy storage, lithium ion

■ Abstract:

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) offer a higher energy storage potential. However, issues like formation of lithium polysulfides and lithium dendrites lead to capacity loss and raise safety concerns. Now, researchers have developed a graphene separator embedded with platinum-doped gold nanoclusters, which enhance lithium-ion transport and facilitate redox reactions. This breakthrough addresses the long-standing issues associated with LSBs, setting the stage for their commercialization.

Headline: Novel catalyst for green production of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals

■ Release Date: 2023.10.13

■ Published by: National University of Singapore

■ Keywords: fine chemicals, catalysts, copper ions

■ Abstract:

Scientists have developed an innovative catalyst that achieves a significantly lower carbon footprint, paving the way for greener chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.