Headline: AI speeds up the discovery of energy and quantum materials

■ Release Date: 2024.10.7

■ Published by: Tohoku University

■ Keywords: energy, solar cells, photovoltaic

■ Abstract:

Unearthing new LEDs, solar cells, and photodetectors requires extensive knowledge surrounding the optical properties of materials. Calculating these takes time and resources. Yet researchers unveiled a new AI tool that can accurately, and crucially much faster than quantum simulations, for predicting optical properties.

Headline: Stopping off-the-wall behavior in fusion reactors

■ Release Date: 2024.10.7

■ Published by: DOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory

■ Keywords: boron, plasma, tungsten

■ Abstract:

New experimental results suggest that sprinkling boron into a tokamak could shield the wall of the fusion vessel and prevent atoms from the wall from getting into the plasma. A new computer modeling framework shows the boron powder may only need to be sprinkled from one location.

Headline: A novel method to split water to create hydrogen -- a clean source of fuel

■ Release Date: 2024.10.7

■ Published by: Tohoku University

■ Keywords: hydrogen, fuel, cocatalyst

■ Abstract:

Researchers have developed a novel method using facet-selective, ultrafine cocatalysts to efficiently split water to create hydrogen -- a clean source of fuel.

Headline: New polymer design breaks the tradeoff between toughness and recyclability

■ Release Date: 2024.10.7

■ Published by: Osaka University

■ Keywords: catalyst, polymer, plastics

■ Abstract:

Researchers have created a high-performance polymer that can be chemically recycled without compromising its heat and chemical resistance. The revolutionary design includes a directing group that allows links in the polymer to be broken easily with a catalyst and the original polymer to be reformed in few steps. The directing group could be included in many polymers, potentially providing a new generation of high-performance plastics that can be recycled indefinitely.

Headline: Atomic-level mechanism in polycrystalline materials

■ Release Date: 2024.10.8

■ Published by: University of California - Irvine

■ Keywords: polycrystalline materials, platinum, nanocrystalline

■ Abstract:

Researchers show that for the first time they have achieved atomic-scale observations of grain rotation in polycrystalline materials. Using state-of-the-art microscopy tools, the scientists were able to heat samples of platinum nanocrystalline thin films and observe the mechanism driving grain rotation in unprecedented detail.

Headline: New insights into ammonia decomposition

■ Release Date: 2024.10.8

■ Published by: Ruhr-University Bochum

■ Keywords: ammonia, hydrogen, nitrogen

■ Abstract:

Using ammonia is regarded as a promising method of transporting hydrogen. However, an efficient process is also needed to convert it back into hydrogen and nitrogen.

Headline: Solar-powered desalination system requires no extra batteries

■ Release Date: 2024.10.8

■ Published by: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

■ Keywords: batteries, solar, desalination

■ Abstract:

Engineers built a solar-powered desalination system that produces large quantities of clean water despite variations in sunlight throughout the day. Because it requires no extra batteries, it offers a much more affordable way to produce drinking water, compared to other solar-driven designs.

Headline: Heavy metals in the ocean become more toxic

■ Release Date: 2024.10.9

■ Published by: Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)

■ Keywords: heavy metals, lead, mercury

■ Abstract:

Toxic trace elements such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium naturally occur in small quantities in coastal seas. However, human activities, such as industry and agriculture, contribute significantly larger amounts. A new study has examined how climate change already affects the distribution and accumulation of these elements and how it could impact them in the future. One of the findings: Climate-related natural events are releasing more contaminants, which pose a risk to both human and animal health. However, there is still insufficient knowledge about how these contaminants will behave in the future.