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Energy

Efficient lithium-air battery under development to speed electrification of vehicles

By Beth Miller With the U.S. government’s goal to reduce emissions from transportation as part of a net-zero climate goal by 2050, efficient and reliable batteries are a necessity. A collaborative team of researchers led by the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis is working toward that goal by developing an energy storage system that would have a much higher energy density than existing systems. With $1.5 million from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), Xianglin Li, associate professor of mechanical engineering & materials science, will lead a multi-institutional ...

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Energy

Researchers closer to understanding hydrogen's great challenge

Why hydrogen causes steels to become brittle and crack is the great conundrum of engineers and researchers looking to develop large-scale transport and storage solutions for the hydrogen age – an era which Australia hopes to lead by 2030. They may now be one step closer to understanding how hydrogen affects steels, thanks to new University of Sydney research. The researchers found adding the chemical element molybdenum to steel reinforced with metal carbides markedly enhances its ability to ...

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Energy

NREL-led workshop points to path for clean energy future

Participants in a workshop organized by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) agree on the importance of mitigating degradation rates for the continuing rollout of clean technologies. Renewable energy is forecast to play an expanded role in meeting future needs, with terawatts of electricity expected to be generated from wind and solar, so the performance of the technologies involved is becoming increasingly important. Any technology degrades over time, so researchers are looking at ways to curb this issue. Mitigating degradation will become a factor ...

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Au@Cu7S4 Yolk@Shell nanocrystals set new hydrogen production activity record under visible and near infrared irradiation
Energy

Au@Cu7S4 Yolk@Shell nanocrystals set new hydrogen production activity record under visible and near infrared irradiation

The sunlight received by Earth is a mixed bag of wavelengths ranging from ultraviolet to visible to infrared. Each wavelength carries inherent energy that, if effectively harnessed, holds great potential to facilitate solar hydrogen production and diminish reliance on non-renewable energy sources. Nonetheless, existing solar hydrogen production technologies face limitations in absorbing light across this broad spectrum, particularly failing to harness the potential of NIR light energy that reaches Earth. Recent research has identified that both Au and Cu7S4 nanostructures exhibit a distinctive optical characteristic known as localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) (Fig.1). ...

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Imaging grain boundaries that impede lithium-ion migration in solid-state batteries
Energy

Imaging grain boundaries that impede lithium-ion migration in solid-state batteries

1. A NIMS research team has developed a new technique to image grain boundaries obstructing lithium-ion migration in solid-state batteries—a promising type of next-generation battery. 2. Solid-state batteries—next-generation rechargeable batteries—are intended to be safer and have higher energy densities than conventional lithium-ion batteries by replacing liquid organic electrolytes with solid electrolytes. A major issue in current solid-state battery R&D is the obstruction of ...

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Improving lithium-sulfur batteries with metal organic framework-based materials
Energy

Improving lithium-sulfur batteries with metal organic framework-based materials

Current lithium-ion battery technology does not have the energy density necessary to meet the demands for renewable energy. In theory, lithium-sulfur batteries could be a viable alternative with a higher specific capacity and energy density. However, sulfur has disadvantages that currently limit its practical adoption. A comprehensive review published in Nano Research on February 8 outlines how metal organic frameworks-based cathode materials could improve the performance of lithium-sulfur batteries, making them a practical alternative to lithium-ion batteries. “The ...

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Super strong magnetic fields leave imprint on nuclear matter
Energy

Super strong magnetic fields leave imprint on nuclear matter

UPTON, NY—A new analysis by the STAR collaboration at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC), a particle collider at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory, provides the first direct evidence of the imprint left by what may be the universe’s most powerful magnetic fields on “deconfined” nuclear matter. The evidence comes from measuring the way differently charged particles separate when emerging from collisions of atomic nuclei at this DOE Office of Science user ...

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LHAASO discovers giant ultra-high-energy gamma-ray bubble, identifying the first super PeVatron
Energy

LHAASO discovers giant ultra-high-energy gamma-ray bubble, identifying the first super PeVatron

The Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) has discovered a giant ultra-high-energy gamma-ray bubble structure in the Cygnus star-forming region, which is the first time that the origin of cosmic rays with energy higher than 10 Peta-Electronvolt (PeV, 1PeV=1015eV) has been discovered. This achievement was published in the form of a cover article in Science Bulletin on Feb. 26. The research was completed by the LHAASO Collaboration led by Prof. CAO Zhen as the spokesperson from the Institute of High Energy Physics of the ...

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These tiny power converters run on vibrational energy
Energy

These tiny power converters run on vibrational energy

University of California San Diego and CEA-Leti scientists have developed a ground-breaking piezoelectric-based DC-DC converter that unifies all power switches onto a single chip to increase power density. This new power topology, which extends beyond existing topologies, blends the advantages of piezoelectric converters with capacitive-based DC-DC converters. The power converters the team developed are much smaller than the huge, bulky inductors currently used for this role. The devices could eventually be used for any type of DC-DC conversation, ...

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Unlocking the energetic secrets of collective animal movement: How group behavior reduces energy costs in fish
Energy

Unlocking the energetic secrets of collective animal movement: How group behavior reduces energy costs in fish

Many animals, including apex predators, move in groups. We know this collective behavior is fundamental to the animal’s ability to move in complex environments, but less is known about what drives the behavior because many factors underlie its evolution. Scientists wonder, though, if all these animals share a fundamental drive such as for mating, safety, or perhaps even to save energy. “The keyword is perhaps,” said Yangfan Zhang, postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology (OEB) at Harvard, “because no one has actually measured this and compared it directly across all animal groups, mainly ...

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Energy

Electrification or hydrogen? Both have distinct roles in the European energy transition

“Previous research has shown that our power system can be transformed to renewable sources like wind and solar at low cost and low environmental impact. However, the next question is how this renewable electricity can be used to substitute fossil fuel use in the buildings, industry and transport sectors. Our analysis shows that the direct use of electricity, for example, via electric cars and heat pumps, is critical for a broad range of sectors, while the conversion of electricity to hydrogen is important only for few applications,” ...

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Researchers observe highly excited ‘roaming’ energy pathway in chemical reactions
Energy

Researchers observe highly excited ‘roaming’ energy pathway in chemical reactions

Scientists have observed so-called 'roaming' chemical reactions, those that at certain points move away from the lowest minimum energy 'path of least resistance', in highly excited energy states for the first time. Chemical reactions are supposed to occur along their minimum energy paths. In recent years, so-called roaming reactions that stray far from this path have begun to be observed, but only for chemical species in their ground state or, at most, their first excited state. However, researchers have now observed a roaming reaction even in highly excited energy states. The researchers ...

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Energy

With just a little electricity, MIT researchers boost common catalytic reactions

CAMBRIDGE, MA — A simple technique that uses small amounts of energy could boost the efficiency of some key chemical processing reactions, by up to a factor of 100,000, MIT researchers report. These reactions are at the heart of petrochemical processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and many other industrial chemical processes. The surprising findings are reported today in the journal Science, in a paper by MIT graduate student Karl Westendorff, professors Yogesh Surendranath and Yuriy Roman-Leshkov, and two others. “The results are really striking,” says Surendranath, a professor of chemistry ...

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Energy

Thermal energy storage and the energy transition: MLU coordinates Europe-wide research project

An international research project led by the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) delves into the next generation of seasonal thermal energy storage systems. The "INTERSTORES" project is investigating optimal ways to construct new types of storage systems and integrate them into energy systems. The collaboration between science and industry will receive nearly eleven million euros as part of "Horizon Europe", with around 1.5 million euros going to MLU. The aim is to improve the ...

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Towards A Better Way of Releasing Hydrogen Stored in Hydrogen Boride Sheets
Energy

Towards A Better Way of Releasing Hydrogen Stored in Hydrogen Boride Sheets

The looming threat of climate change has motivated scientists worldwide to look for cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels, and many believe hydrogen is our best bet. As an environmentally friendly energy resource, hydrogen (H2) can be used in vehicles and electric power plants without releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. However, storing and transporting H2 safely and efficiently remains a challenge. Compressed gaseous hydrogen poses a significant risk of explosion and leakage, whereas liquid hydrogen must be maintained at extremely low temperatures, ...

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Fusion research facility JET’s final tritium experiments yield new energy record
Energy

Fusion research facility JET’s final tritium experiments yield new energy record

GARCHING and OXFORD (8 February 2024) – The Joint European Torus (JET), one of the world’s largest and most powerful fusion machines, has demonstrated the ability to reliably generate fusion energy, whilst simultaneously setting a world-record in energy output. These notable accomplishments represent a significant milestone in the field of fusion science and engineering. In JET's final deuterium-tritium experiments (DTE3), high fusion power was consistently produced for 5 seconds, resulting in a ground-breaking record of 69 megajoules using a mere 0.2 milligrams of fuel. JET is a tokamak, a design which uses powerful ...

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Energy

Resting boosts performance of lithium metal batteries

Next-generation electric vehicles could run on lithium metal batteries that go 500 to 700 miles on a single charge, twice the range of conventional lithium-ion batteries in EVs today. But lithium metal technology has serious drawbacks: The battery rapidly loses its capacity to store energy after relatively few cycles of charging and discharging – highly impractical for drivers who expect rechargeable electric cars to operate for years. Scientists have been testing a variety of new materials and techniques to improve the battery’s cycle life. Now, Stanford University researchers have discovered a low-cost solution: simply drain the battery and let it rest for several hours. ...

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Daily intake of tree nuts, including pistachios, does not lead to weight gain, body fat gain, or changes in energy intake in Millennials
Energy

Daily intake of tree nuts, including pistachios, does not lead to weight gain, body fat gain, or changes in energy intake in Millennials

More than half of Americans do not currently meet the daily recommendation of 5–7 ounce equivalents^ of nuts and seeds per week.1 One possible contributor to such low intakes of tree nuts could be a fear that the calories or fat composition of tree nuts leads to weight gain. For example, past studies suggest that up to 87% of Americans think eating nuts can lead to weight gain due to their dietary fat content2 despite scientists confirming that eating nuts every day, including pistachios,3 can be an achievable and simple strategy to ...

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Energy

New method to more accurately spot underground nuclear tests

A more accurate way of identifying underground nuclear tests, including those conducted in secret, has been developed by researchers at The Australian National University (ANU). The new method could help international observers better identify tests carried out by countries or actors known to possess nuclear weapons, as well as providing new information about those suspected of being armed. According to lead author Dr Mark Hoggard, in the aftermath of the Cuban Missile Crisis and Partial Test Ban Treaty in the 1960s, testing of nuclear ...

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KIST-LLNL raises expectations for commercialization of high-energy-density all-solid-state batteries
Energy

KIST-LLNL raises expectations for commercialization of high-energy-density all-solid-state batteries

Researchers are actively working on non-flammable solid electrolytes as a safer alternative to liquid electrolytes commonly found in lithium-ion batteries, which are vulnerable to fires and explosions. While sulfide-based solid electrolytes exhibit excellent ionic conductivity, their chemical instability with high-voltage cathode materials necessary for high-energy-density batteries has impeded their commercial viability. Consequently, there has been a growing interest in chloride-based solid electrolytes, which are stability in high-voltage conditions due to their strong bonding ...

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Energy

Chemists decipher reaction process that could improve lithium-sulfur batteries

Key takeaways Lithium-sulfur batteries have the potential to transform energy storage, with exceptional theoretical capacity and performance in combination with an element in abundant supply. But the intricate reaction mechanism, particularly during discharge, has been challenging to solve. UCLA researchers have identified the key pathways to a complex sulfur reduction reaction that leads to energy loss and reduced battery life span. The study’s findings establish the whole reaction network for the first ...

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Energy

Powerful answers to energy questions may be blowing in the wind

While wind farms have become a widely popular method of generating energy, researchers are now looking at the impact of these large farms on wind patterns and the surrounding environment. Using large-scale simulations to better understand the way air moves across and within wind farms, researchers from UBC Okanagan and Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands have developed a modelling framework that will help improve wind energy forecasts and productivity. The researchers also hope to learn how large wind farms can alter natural wind patterns. “Wind farms are getting so large that ...

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Energy

First representative survey of energy insecurity in New York City

Researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene conducted the first representative survey of energy insecurity and health of New York City residents. The study’s findings – including that energy insecurity is experienced by approximately 30 percent of New York City (NYC) residents – are published online and in print, in the February issue of the journal Health Affairs. The study and its results help officials understand challenges faced by residents and develop possible interventions and efforts in response. Results ...

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Energy

MIT researchers map the energy transition’s effects on jobs

A new analysis by MIT researchers shows the places in the U.S. where jobs are most linked to fossil fuels. The research could help policymakers better identify and support areas affected over time by a switch to renewable energy. While many of the places most potentially affected have intensive drilling and mining operations, the study also measures how areas reliant on other industries, such as heavy manufacturing, could experience changes. The research examines the entire U.S. on a county-by-county level. “Our result ...

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Stable binder boosting sulfide solid electrolyte thin membrane for all-solid-state lithium batteries
Energy

Stable binder boosting sulfide solid electrolyte thin membrane for all-solid-state lithium batteries

They published their work on Feb. 2 in Energy Material Advances. "The development of thin sulfide solid electrolyte layers is imperative" said paper author Xiayin Yao, a professor at the Laboratory of All-solid-state rechargeable battery, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). "Although sulfide solid electrolyte is easy densified through cold pressing method, the freestanding membrane generally show a thickness greater than 500 μm. The thick and heavy layer of sulfide electrolyte results in less than ...

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