Headline: Electric vehicle transition could create unwanted air pollution hotspots in China and India

■ Release Date: 2024.12.16

■ Published by: Princeton University, Engineering School

■ Keywords: nickel, cobalt, electric vehicle

■ Abstract:

New research has uncovered a potential unintended consequence of the electric vehicle transition in India and China, finding that sulfur dioxide emissions could actually increase over current levels if the countries were to fully onshore their electric vehicle supply chains. The overwhelming majority of those emissions would come from refining and manufacturing nickel and cobalt -- important minerals for today's electric vehicle batteries.

Headline: Unlocking the journey of gold through magmatic fluids

■ Release Date: 2024.12.16

■ Published by: Université de Genève

■ Keywords: gold, copper, sulphur

■ Abstract:

When one tectonic plate sinks beneath another, it generates magmas rich in volatiles such as water, sulphur and chlorine. As these magmas ascend, they release magmatic fluids, in which sulphur and chlorine bind to metals such as gold and copper, and transport these metals towards the surface of the Earth. As the extreme conditions relevant to natural magmas are very difficult to reproduce in the laboratory, the precise role of the different forms of sulphur in metal transport remains highly debated. However, an innovative approach has demonstrated that sulphur, in its bisulphide (HS-) form, is crucial for the transport of gold in magmatic fluids.

Headline: Scientists develop 3D concrete printing method that captures carbon dioxide

■ Release Date: 2024.12.16

■ Published by: Nanyang Technological University

■ Keywords: carbon dioxide, 3D printing, concrete

■ Abstract:

Scientists have developed a 3D concrete printing method that captures carbon, demonstrating a new pathway to reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry.

Headline: It's worth mixing it up: what combination of policies will lead to a clean energy future?

■ Release Date: 2024.12.16

■ Published by: University of Basel

■ Keywords: solar panels, battery, energy

■ Abstract:

How can we ensure that as many households as possible adopt not only solar panels, but also their own battery to store solar energy, a heat pump, and an electric car? Researchers have looked into just this question.

Headline: How to print a car: High-performance multi-material 3D printing techniques

■ Release Date: 2024.12.17

■ Published by: Tohoku University

■ Keywords: aluminum, steel, 3D printing

■ Abstract:

A future where lightweight car parts can be made with a 3D printer is here, thanks to multi-material additive manufacturing research.

Headline: Thorium film could replace crystals in atomic clocks of the near future

■ Release Date: 2024.12.18

■ Published by: University of California - Los Angeles

■ Keywords: thorium, atomic clocks, crystal

■ Abstract:

Atomic clocks that excite the nucleus of thorium-229 embedded in a transparent crystal when hit by a laser beam could yield the most accurate measurements ever of time and gravity, and even rewrite some of the fundamental laws of physics. Thorium-229-doped crystals are both scarce and radioactive. A thin film using a dry precursor of thorium-229 shows the same nuclear excitation as the crystal, but its low cost and radioactivity, and smaller size mean its production could be more easily scaled up to make smaller, less expensive, more portable atomic clocks.

Headline: Breakthrough in photochemical water oxidation: Paving the way for sustainable energy

■ Release Date: 2024.12.18

■ Published by: Institute of Science Tokyo

■ Keywords: catalyst, metal oxide, clean energy

■ Abstract:

Water oxidation offers a promising path to achieve sustainable energy by efficiently generating oxygen. This study investigates how optimizing Ru(II) photosensitizers, metal oxide catalysts, and pH conditions can enhance water splitting efficiency. By introducing a simplified method to estimate catalyst performance, researchers make it easier to design more effective systems. These findings provide crucial insights for advancing clean energy solutions and accelerating the transition to renewable energy.

Headline: Paving the way for the future of energy storage with solid-state batteries

■ Release Date: 2024.12.20

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

■ Keywords: energy storage, batteries, electrolytes

■ Abstract:

Advances in solid-state battery research are paving the way for safer, longer-lasting energy storage solutions. A recent review highlights breakthroughs in inorganic solid electrolytes and their role in improving battery performance. The study also addresses key challenges, such as interfacial compatibility, while proposing innovative strategies for next-generation battery technologies.

Headline: Breakthrough new material brings affordable, sustainable future within grasp

■ Release Date: 2024.12.20

■ Published by: University of Houston

■ Keywords: sodium-ion, batteries, lithium

■ Abstract:

Researchers have developed a new material for sodium-ion batteries, sodium vanadium phosphate, that delivers higher voltage and greater energy capacity than previous sodium-based materials. This breakthrough could make sodium-ion batteries a more efficient and affordable alternative to lithium-ion, using a more abundant and cost-effective resource.