Headline: Improvement of catalytic activity by controlling the surface structure of metal particles

■ Release Date: 2024.10.28

■ Published by: Tohoku University

■ Keywords: platinum, catalytic activity, hydrogen

■ Abstract:

Researchers are finding new ways to make the hydrogen evolution reaction harder, better, faster, and stronger.

Headline: Hydrogen: Breakthrough in alkaline membrane electrolyzers

■ Release Date: 2024.10.28

■ Published by: Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie

■ Keywords: hydrogen, iridium, nickel

■ Abstract:

A team has developed a highly efficient alkaline membrane electrolyser that approaches the performance of established PEM electrolysers. What makes this achievement remarkable is the use of inexpensive nickel compounds for the anode catalyst, replacing costly and rare iridium.

Headline: Significant extension of zinc battery lifespan

■ Release Date: 2024.10.28

■ Published by: Technical University of Munich (TUM)

■ Keywords: energy storage, zinc, battery

■ Abstract:

The transition to renewable energy requires efficient methods for storing large amounts of electricity. Researchers have developed a new method that could extend the lifespan of aqueous zinc-ion batteries by several orders of magnitude. Instead of lasting just a few thousand cycles, they could now endure several hundred thousand charge and discharge cycles.

Headline: Materials research: Surprise at the grain boundary

■ Release Date: 2024.10.29

■ Published by: Ruhr-University Bochum

■ Keywords: iron, titanium, grain boundary

■ Abstract:

Using state-of-the-art microscopy and simulation techniques, an international research team systematically observed how iron atoms alter the structure of grain boundaries in titanium. They were in for a surprise.

Headline: Paving the way for harvesting and storing solar energy efficiently

■ Release Date: 2024.10.29

■ Published by: Johannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz

■ Keywords: solar, energy, lithium

■ Abstract:

Approximately 50 percent of global final energy consumption is dedicated to heating. Yet, the utilization of solar power in this sector remains relatively low compared to fossil energy sources. An inherent problem limiting the widespread usage of solar energy is the intermittency of its direct availability. A promising solution comes in the form of molecular solar energy storage systems.

Headline: A paper-aluminum combo for strong, sustainable packaging

■ Release Date: 2024.10.31

■ Published by: American Chemical Society

■ Keywords: aluminum, plastic, polyethylene

■ Abstract:

Takeout containers get your favorite noodles from the restaurant to your dining table (or couch) without incident, but they are nearly impossible to recycle if they are made from foil-lined plastics. Research suggests that replacing the plastic layer with paper could create a more sustainable packaging material. The researchers used mechanical demonstrations and computer simulations to identify paper-aluminum laminate designs that won't compromise on performance.

Headline: Development of a simple, revolutionary printing technique for periodic nano/microstructures

■ Release Date: 2024.10.31

■ Published by: National Institute for Materials Science, Japan

■ Keywords: sensor, polydimethylsiloxane, silicone

■ Abstract:

A team of researchers has developed a printing technique capable of forming a periodic nano/microstructure on the surface of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) slab and easily transferring it onto the surface of a glass substrate. This technique enables us to create materials with useful functions -- including water-repellency and the ability to generate structural colors -- without expensive equipment and complex processes. In addition, the technique may be used to fabricate materials capable of realizing anti-fogging and/or generating structural colors on their surfaces -- functions potentially useful in the development of innovative gas sensors.

Headline: A trick of light: Researchers turn silicon into direct bandgap semiconductor

■ Release Date: 2024.10.31

■ Published by: University of California - Irvine

■ Keywords: solar, silicon, semiconductor

■ Abstract:

Researchers have come up with a way to turn silicon into a direct bandgap semiconductor, opening the door to the manufacture of ultrathin silicon solar cells.