Headline: Scientists probe chilling behavior of promising solid-state cooling material

■ Release Date: 2024.7.1

■ Published by: DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory

■ Keywords: nickel, cobalt, manganese

■ Abstract:

A research team has bridged a knowledge gap in atomic-scale heat motion. This new understanding holds promise for enhancing materials to advance an emerging technology called solid-state cooling.

Headline: Novel spectroscopy technique sheds light on NOx reduction

■ Release Date: 2024.7.1

■ Published by: Lehigh University

■ Keywords: nitrogen, spectroscopy, ammonia

■ Abstract:

The process that can convert pollution into benign by-products is called selective catalytic reduction, or SCR. Until now, it has been unclear how this reaction actually occurs, and contradictions have long existed between reaction models within the literature. Catalysis researchers used a technology called modulation excitation spectroscopy, or MES, to finally identify the correct pathway.

Headline: Moving beyond the 80-year-old solar cell equation

■ Release Date: 2024.7.2

■ Published by: Swansea University

■ Keywords: solar cell, photovoltaic, silicon

■ Abstract:

Physicists have made a significant breakthrough in solar cell technology by developing a new analytical model that improves the understanding and efficiency of thin-film photovoltaic (PV) devices.

Headline: Researchers unlock 'materials genome', opening possibilities for next-generation design

■ Release Date: 2024.7.2

■ Published by: University of Sydney

■ Keywords: silicon, alloy, microscopy

■ Abstract:

A new microscopy method has allowed researchers to detect tiny changes in the atomic-level architecture of crystalline materials -- like advanced steels for ship hulls and custom silicon for electronics. The technique could advance our ability to understand the fundamental origins of materials properties and behavior.

Headline: Optoelectronics gain spin control from chiral perovskites and III-V semiconductors

■ Release Date: 2024.7.2

■ Published by: DOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory

■ Keywords: perovskite, optoelectronic, semiconductor

■ Abstract:

A research effort has made advances that could enable a broader range of currently unimagined optoelectronic devices.

Headline: Giant clams may hold the answers to making solar energy more efficient

■ Release Date: 2024.7.2

■ Published by: Yale University

■ Keywords: clam, solar energy, geometry

■ Abstract:

Solar panel and biorefinery designers could learn a thing or two from iridescent giant clams living near tropical coral reefs, according to a new study. This is because giant clams have precise geometries -- dynamic, vertical columns of photosynthetic receptors covered by a thin, light-scattering layer -- that may just make them the most efficient solar energy systems on Earth.

Headline: Mapping the surfaces of MXenes, atom by atom, reveals new potential for the 2D materials

■ Release Date: 2024.7.3

■ Published by: Drexel University

■ Keywords: titanium, microscopy, atom

■ Abstract:

In the decade since their discovery, the family of two-dimensional materials called MXenes has shown a great deal of promise for applications ranging from water desalination and energy storage to electromagnetic shielding and telecommunications, among others. While researchers have long speculated about the genesis of their versatility, a recent study has provided the first clear look at the surface chemical structure foundational to MXenes' capabilities.

Headline: A breakthrough in inexpensive, clean, fast-charging batteries

■ Release Date: 2024.7.3

■ Published by: University of Chicago

■ Keywords: anode, sodium, battery

■ Abstract:

Scientists have created an anode-free sodium solid-state battery. This brings the reality of inexpensive, fast-charging, high-capacity batteries for electric vehicles and grid storage closer than ever.

Headline: Innovative battery design: More energy and less environmental impact

■ Release Date: 2024.7.5

■ Published by: ETH Zurich

■ Keywords: electrolyte, lithium, battery

■ Abstract:

A new electrolyte design for lithium metal batteries could significantly boost the range of electric vehicles. Researchers have radically reduced the amount of environmentally harmful fluorine required to stabilize these batteries.