Headline: Research lights up process for turning CO2 into sustainable fuel

■ Release Date: 2024.3.25

■ Published by: University of Nottingham

■ Keywords: methanol, copper, fuel

■ Abstract:

Researchers have successfully transformed CO2 into methanol by shining sunlight on single atoms of copper deposited on a light-activated material, a discovery that paves the way for creating new green fuels.

Headline: Pairing crypto mining with green hydrogen offers clean energy boost

■ Release Date: 2024.3.25

■ Published by: Cornell University

■ Keywords: energy, hydrogen, renewable energy

■ Abstract:

Pairing cryptocurrency mining -- notable for its outsize consumption of carbon-based fuel -- with green hydrogen could provide the foundation for wider deployment of renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, according to a new study.

Headline: New all-liquid iron flow battery for grid energy storage

■ Release Date: 2024.3.25

■ Published by: DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

■ Keywords: flow battery, iron, energy storage

■ Abstract:

A new iron-based aqueous flow battery shows promise for grid energy storage applications.

Headline: Quantum interference could lead to smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient transistors

■ Release Date: 2024.3.25

■ Published by: Queen Mary University of London

■ Keywords: transistors, silicon, graphene

■ Abstract:

Scientists made a single-molecule transistor using quantum interference to control electron flow. This new design offers high on/off ratio and stability, potentially leading to smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient devices. Quantum interference also improves the transistor's sensitivity to voltage changes, further boosting its efficiency.

Headline: Silicon spikes take out 96% of virus particles

■ Release Date: 2024.3.26

■ Published by: RMIT University

■ Keywords: silicon, virus, nanostructured

■ Abstract:

An international research team has designed and manufactured a virus-killing surface that could help control disease spread in hospitals, labs and other high-risk environments.

Headline: Heat, cold extremes hold untapped potential for solar and wind energy

■ Release Date: 2024.3.27

■ Published by: Washington State University

■ Keywords: solar, wind energy, renewable energy

■ Abstract:

Conditions that usually accompany the kind of intense hot and cold weather that strains power grids may also provide greater opportunities to capture solar and wind energy. A study found that widespread, extreme temperature events are often accompanied by greater solar radiation and higher wind speeds that could be captured by solar panels and wind turbines. The research, which looked at extensive heat and cold waves across the six interconnected energy grid regions of the U.S. from 1980-2021, also found that every region experienced power outages during these events in the past decade. The findings suggest that using more renewable energy at these times could help offset increased power demand as more people and businesses turn on heaters or air conditioners.

Headline: Implantable batteries can run on the body's own oxygen

■ Release Date: 2024.3.27

■ Published by: Cell Press

■ Keywords: battery, oxygen, sodium

■ Abstract:

From pacemakers to neurostimulators, implantable medical devices rely on batteries to keep the heart on beat and dampen pain. But batteries eventually run low and require invasive surgeries to replace. To address these challenges, researchers have devised an implantable battery that runs on oxygen in the body. The study shows in rats that the proof-of-concept design can deliver stable power and is compatible with the biological system.

Headline: Rapid production of isocyanate-free, biobased polyurethane foams at ambient temperature is now a reality

■ Release Date: 2024.3.28

■ Published by: University of Liège

■ Keywords: polyurethane, isocyanate, foam

■ Abstract:

Researchers have just developed an innovative process for producing isocyanate-free, recyclable and biobased polyurethane (PU) foams by using a rapid foaming technology from room-temperature formulations. This innovation offers a cutting-edge alternative to the traditional process based on toxic isocyanates.