Headline: Engineers 'symphonize' cleaner ammonia production

■ Release Date: 2024.4.1

■ Published by: University of Illinois Chicago

■ Keywords: ammonia, energy, nitrogen

■ Abstract:

Among the many chemicals we use every day, ammonia is one of the worst for the atmosphere. The nitrogen-based chemical used in fertilizer, dyes, explosives and many other products ranks second only to cement in terms of carbon emissions, due to the high temperatures and energy needed to manufacture it. But by improving on a well-known electrochemical reaction and orchestrating a 'symphony' of lithium, nitrogen and hydrogen atoms, engineers have developed a new ammonia production process that meets several green targets.

Headline: Building blocks for greener energy: Reconfigurable elastic metasurface

■ Release Date: 2024.4.2

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

■ Keywords: energy, metamaterials, vibration

■ Abstract:

Energy harvesting, an eco-friendly technology, extends beyond solar and wind power in generating electricity from unused or discarded energy in daily life, including vibrations generated by passing car engines or trains. Recent intriguing research has been announced, aiming to enhance the efficiency of energy harvesting using a new type of metasurface that can be reconfigured, resembling the assembly of LEGO bricks.

Headline: Elastocaloric cooling: Refrigerator cools by flexing artificial muscles

■ Release Date: 2024.4.2

■ Published by: Saarland University

■ Keywords: nickel, titanium, nitinol

■ Abstract:

There is room for just one small bottle in the world's first refrigerator that is cooled with artificial muscles made of nitinol, a nickel-titanium alloy. But the mini-prototype is groundbreaking: it shows that elastocalorics is becoming a viable solution for practical applications. This climate-friendly cooling and heating technology is far more energy-efficient and sustainable than current methods.

Headline: Chemistry researchers modify solar technology to produce a less harmful greenhouse gas

■ Release Date: 2024.4.2

■ Published by: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

■ Keywords: semiconductors, fuel, ruthenium

■ Abstract:

Researchers are using semiconductors to harvest and convert the sun's energy into high-energy compounds that have the potential to produce environmentally-friendly fuels.

Headline: New materials discovered for safe, high-performance solid-state lithium-ion batteries

■ Release Date: 2024.4.2

■ Published by: Tokyo University of Science

■ Keywords: lithium-ion, battery, electrolyte

■ Abstract:

All-solid-state lithium-ion batteries offer enhanced safety and energy density compared to liquid electrolyte counterparts, but face challenges like lower conductivity and insufficient electrode contact. In a recent study, scientists have discovered a stable, highly conductive lithium-ion conductor in the form of a pyrochlore-type oxyfluoride. This innovation addresses the need for non-sulfide solid electrolytes, offering higher conductivity and stability and paves the way for advanced all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries with improved performance and safety.

Headline: Drawing inspiration from plants: A metal-air paper battery for wearable devices

■ Release Date: 2024.4.3

■ Published by: Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University

■ Keywords: magnesium, battery, sensor

■ Abstract:

Drawing inspiration from the way plants breathe, a group of researchers has created a paper-based magnesium-air battery that can be used in GPS sensors or pulse oximeter sensors. Taking advantage of paper's recyclability and lightweight nature, the engineered battery holds promise for a more environmentally friendly source of energy.

Headline: A simple way to harvest more 'blue energy' from waves

■ Release Date: 2024.4.3

■ Published by: American Chemical Society

■ Keywords: copper foil, energy, electrode

■ Abstract:

As any surfer will tell you, waves pack a powerful punch. Now, we are one step closer to capturing the energy behind the ocean's constant ebb and flow with an improved 'blue energy' harvesting device. Researchers report that simply repositioning the electrode -- from the center of a see-sawing liquid-filled tube to the end where the water crashes with the most force -- dramatically increased the amount of wave energy that could be harvested.

Headline: A simple, inexpensive way to make carbon atoms bind together

■ Release Date: 2024.4.5

■ Published by: Scripps Research Institute

■ Keywords: carbon, catalyst, carboxylic acids

■ Abstract:

The active ingredient in many drugs is what's known as a small molecule: bigger than water, much smaller than an antibody and mainly made of carbon. It's tough, however, to make these molecules if they require a quaternary carbon -- a carbon atom bonded to four other carbon atoms. But now, scientists have uncovered a potential cost-effective way to produce these tricky motifs.