Headline: Building on carbon dioxide

■ Release Date: 2024.1.8

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

■ Keywords: carbon dioxide, biochar, concrete

■ Abstract:

The construction industry as a carbon dioxide sink? Researchers are working on this. By incorporating biochar into concrete, they are exploring the potential of CO2-neutral or even CO2-negative concrete. For optimal applicability, they process the biochar into pellets and use them to replace conventional aggregates.

Headline: Revolutionizing stable and efficient catalysts with Turing structures for hydrogen production

■ Release Date: 2024.1.8

■ Published by: City University of Hong Kong

■ Keywords: hydrogen, catalyst, energy

■ Abstract:

Hydrogen energy has emerged as a promising alternative to fossil fuels, offering a clean and sustainable energy source. However, the development of low-cost and efficient catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction remains a crucial challenge. Scientists have recently developed a novel strategy to engineer stable and efficient ultrathin nanosheet catalysts by forming Turing structures with multiple nanotwin crystals. This innovative discovery paves the way for enhanced catalyst performance for green hydrogen production.

Headline: Solid state battery design charges in minutes, lasts for thousands of cycles

■ Release Date: 2024.1.8

■ Published by: Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

■ Keywords: battery, lithium, anode

■ Abstract:

Researchers have developed a new lithium metal battery that can be charged and discharged at least 6,000 times -- more than any other pouch battery cell -- and can be recharged in a matter of minutes. The research not only describes a new way to make solid state batteries with a lithium metal anode but also offers new understanding into the materials used for these potentially revolutionary batteries.

Headline: Green wheels, bright skies: Analysis unveils the connection between electric vehicles and photovoltaics

■ Release Date: 2024.1.9

■ Published by: DOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory

■ Keywords: solar panels, electric vehicles, photovoltaics

■ Abstract:

People who own electric vehicles (EVs) are more likely to go a step further and add solar panels to their home, according to an analysis of a behavioral study. Conversely, the impact of owning solar panels also has a bearing on whether a homeowner buys an electric vehicle but not as strongly.

Headline: How black silicon, a prized material used in solar cells, gets its dark, rough edge

■ Release Date: 2024.1.9

■ Published by: DOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory

■ Keywords: solar cells, silicon, fluorine gas

■ Abstract:

Researchers have developed a new theoretical model explaining one way to make black silicon. The new etching model precisely explains how fluorine gas breaks certain bonds in the silicon more often than others, depending on the orientation of the bond at the surface. Black silicon is an important material used in solar cells, light sensors, antibacterial surfaces and many other applications.

Headline: Green ammonia could decarbonize 60% of global shipping when offered at just 10 regional fuel ports

■ Release Date: 2024.1.9

■ Published by: IOP Publishing

■ Keywords: ammonia, fuel, decarbonize

■ Abstract:

A study has found that green ammonia could be used to fulfill the fuel demands of over 60% of global shipping by targeting just the top 10 regional fuel ports. Researchers looked at the production costs of ammonia which are similar to very low sulphur fuels, and concluded that the fuel could be a viable option to help decarbonize international shipping by 2050.

Headline: Dry-cleaning fluid becomes a synthetic chemist's treasure

■ Release Date: 2024.1.10

■ Published by: Kobe University

■ Keywords: perc, chemicals, solvent

■ Abstract:

The widely used dry-cleaning and degreasing solvent perc can be converted to useful chemicals by a new clean, safe and inexpensive procedure. The discovery using on-demand UV activation may open the path to upcycling perc and thus contribute to a more sustainable society.

Headline: The reaction mechanism for catalytic ammonia production experimentally determined

■ Release Date: 2024.1.10

■ Published by: Stockholm University

■ Keywords: ammonia, nitrogen, hydrogen

■ Abstract:

Researchers have now been able to study the surface of iron and ruthenium catalysts when ammonia is formed from nitrogen and hydrogen. A better knowledge of the catalytic process and the possibility of finding even more efficient materials opens the door for a green transition in the currently very CO2-intensive chemical industry.