Headline: Solar-powered device produces clean water and clean fuel at the same time

■ Release Date: 2023.11.13

■ Published by: University of Cambridge

■ Keywords: hydrogen, solar, fuel

■ Abstract:

A floating, solar-powered device that can turn contaminated water or seawater into clean hydrogen fuel and purified water, anywhere in the world, has been developed by researchers.

Headline: Template for success: Shaping hard carbon electrodes for next-generation batteries

■ Release Date: 2023.11.13

■ Published by: Tokyo University of Science

■ Keywords: potassium, sodium, battery

■ Abstract:

Sodium- and potassium-ion batteries are promising next-generation alternatives to the ubiquitous lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, their energy density still lags behind that of LIBs. To tackle this issue, researchers explored an innovative strategy to turn hard carbon into an excellent negative electrode material. Using inorganic zinc-based compounds as a template during synthesis, they prepared nanostructured hard carbon, which exhibits excellent performance in both alternative batteries.

Headline: Using cosmetic ingredient for battery protection

■ Release Date: 2023.11.14

■ Published by: Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)

■ Keywords: battery, electrode, zinc

■ Abstract:

A research team has devised a battery electrode protective film using biopolymers sourced from cosmetic ingredients.

Headline: Water splitting reaction for green hydrogen gas production improved

■ Release Date: 2023.11.15

■ Published by: GIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)

■ Keywords: hydrogen, electrode, catalyst

■ Abstract:

Electrochemical catalysts used in water splitting often show poor performance due to low electrical conductance of (oxy)hydroxide species produced in situ. To overcome this challenge, researchers have now designed an electrode with Schottky Junction formed at the interface of metallic Ni-W5N4 and semiconducting NiFeOOH. The proposed electrode shows excellent catalytic activity and can facilitate industrial seawater splitting continuously for 10 days.

Headline: Riddle of Kondo effect solved in ultimately thin wires

■ Release Date: 2023.11.15

■ Published by: University of Cologne

■ Keywords: graphene, magnetic atom, electrons

■ Abstract:

A research team has now directly measured the so-called Kondo effect, which governs the behavior of magnetic atoms surrounded by a sea of electrons: New observations with a scanning tunneling microscope reveal the effect in one-dimensional wires floating on graphene.

Headline: Preventing hydrogen vehicle aging during sudden stops

■ Release Date: 2023.11.16

■ Published by: Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)

■ Keywords: hydrogen, tungsten, fuel cell

■ Abstract:

Engineers enhance hydrogen fuel cell durability via tungsten oxide coating.

Headline: No one-size-fits-all solution for the net-zero grid

■ Release Date: 2023.11.16

■ Published by: University of Surrey

■ Keywords: batteries, electricity, heat pumps

■ Abstract:

As power generation from sources like solar and wind increases, along with the introduction of devices such as heat pumps and batteries, a new optimization tool will help the UK plan for a greener electricity network.   The researchers developed an algorithm to model how these smaller networks distributed electricity -- factoring in how local grids could become unbalanced by adding too many heat pumps in a single area or generating more electricity than the grid could accept.

Headline: Hydrogen fuel can be a competitive alternative to gasoline and diesel today

■ Release Date: 2023.11.16

■ Published by: University of Houston

■ Keywords: hydrogen, gasoline, diesel

■ Abstract:

Energy researchers posit hydrogen fuel can potentially be a cost-competitive and environmentally friendly alternative to gasoline and diesel, and that supplying hydrogen for transportation in the greater Houston area can be profitable today.

Headline: Shedding light on unique conduction mechanisms in a new type of perovskite oxide

■ Release Date: 2023.11.17

■ Published by: Tokyo Institute of Technology

■ Keywords: perovskite, conductors, dual-ion

■ Abstract:

The remarkable proton and oxide-ion (dual-ion) conductivities of hexagonal perovskite-related oxide Ba7Nb3.8Mo1.2O20.1 are promising for next-generation electrochemical devices. The unique ion-transport mechanisms they unveiled will hopefully pave the way for better dual-ion conductors, which could play an essential role in tomorrow's clean energy technologies.