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Categories: Energy: Alternative Fuels, Engineering: Graphene
Published Built to last: The perovskite solar cells tough enough to match mighty silicon


Researchers have demonstrated a new way to create stable perovskite solar cells, with fewer defects and the potential to finally rival silicon's durability.
Published Health benefits of using wind energy instead of fossil fuels


A new study finds that the health benefits associated with wind power could more than quadruple if operators turned down output from the most polluting fossil-fuel-based power plants when energy from wind is available. However, compared to wealthier communities, disadvantaged communities would reap a smaller share of these benefits.
Published Palm e-tattoo can tell when you're stressed out


Researchers have applied emerging electronic tattoo (e-tattoo) technology to the tricky task of measuring stress levels by attaching a device to people's palms.
Published Large band bending at SnS interface opens door for highly efficient thin-film solar cells


Tin sulfide (SnS) solar cells have shown immense promise in the rush to develop more environmentally friendly thin-film solar cells. Yet for years SnS solar cells have struggled to achieve a high conversion efficiency. To overcome this, a SnS interface exhibiting large band bending was necessary, something a research group has recently achieved.
Published New carbon nanotube-based foam promises superior protection against concussions


A lightweight, ultra-shock-absorbing foam made from carbon nanotubes is so good at absorbing and dissipating the energy of an impact, it could vastly improve helmets and prevent concussions and other traumatic brain injuries.
Published Cooling down solar cells, naturally


Too much sun and too much heat can reduce the efficiency of photovoltaics. A solar farm with optimally spaced panels facing the correct direction could cool itself through convection using the surrounding wind. Researchers explored how to exploit the geometry of solar farms to enhance natural cooling mechanisms.
Published Researchers create method for making net-zero aviation fuel


An interdisciplinary team of researchers has developed a potential breakthrough in green aviation: a recipe for a net-zero fuel for planes that will pull carbon dioxide (CO2) out of the air.
Published Simple semiconductor solutions could boost solar energy generation and enable better space probes


A 'simple' tweak to perovskite solar cells during the fabrication stage could help to unlock the untold potential of the renewable energy source, according to new research.
Published Asphaltene changed into graphene for composites


The flash Joule heating process turns asphaltenes, a byproduct of crude oil production, into graphene for use in composite materials.
Published New insights into energy loss open doors for one up-and-coming solar tech


A new method for describing energy loss in organic solar cells has paved the way for building better and more efficient devices.
Published Offshore wind farms may harm seabirds, but scientists see potential for net positive impact


The development of offshore wind energy is expanding globally, with the potential to be an important source of clean renewable energy. Yet offshore wind farms pose significant risks to seabirds and other marine wildlife. A new study outlines a framework for addressing the impacts of offshore wind farms on marine bird populations and highlights conservation strategies that could potentially more than offset those impacts.
Published How fine bubbles lead to more efficient catalysts


Catalysts are of utmost relevance for the production of chemicals and energy storage with hydrogen. Researchers have now discovered that the formation of bubbles in the pores of a catalyst can be essential for its activity. Their findings help to optimize catalyst materials for reactions in which gases are formed from liquids -- and which play a central role in a future green hydrogen economy.
Published New discoveries made about a promising solar cell material, thanks to new microscope


A team of scientists has developed a new characterization tool that allowed the scientists to gain unique insight into a possible alternative material for solar cells.
Published How photoelectrodes change in contact with water


Every green leaf is able to convert solar energy into chemical energy, storing it in chemical compounds. However, an important sub-process of photosynthesis can already be technically imitated -- solar hydrogen production: Sunlight generates a current in a so-called photoelectrode that can be used to split water molecules. This produces hydrogen, a versatile fuel that stores solar energy in chemical form and can release it when needed.
Published Improving the performance of electrodeless plasma thrusters for space propulsion


Space missions already use electric propulsion devices, where electromagnetic fields are utilized to generate the thrust of spacecraft. One such electrodeless device, which harnesses radio frequency (rf) to generate plasma and a magnetic nozzle (MN) to channel and accelerate plasma, has shown immense promise in pushing the boundaries of space travel. But scientists have so far failed to achieve efficient conversion of the rf power to thrust energy. Now, a researcher has achieved a stunning 30% conversion efficiency.
Published Researchers learn to engineer growth of crystalline materials consisting of nanometer-size gold clusters


First insights into engineering crystal growth by atomically precise metal nanoclusters have been achieved in a new study.
Published Growing pure nanotubes is a stretch, but possible


Researchers have published a new theory for making batches of carbon nanotubes with a single, desired chirality. Their method could simplify purification of nanotubes that are all metallic or all semiconductors.
Published Ultrathin solar cells promise improved satellite performance


As low Earth orbit becomes more cluttered, it becomes increasingly necessary to use middle Earth orbits, and radiation-tolerant cell designs will be needed. Making photovoltaics thinner should increase their longevity because the charge carriers have less far to go during their shortened lifetimes. Scientists propose a radiation-tolerant photovoltaic cell design that features an ultrathin layer of light-absorbing material. Compared to thicker cells, nearly 3.5 times less cover glass is needed for the ultra-thin cells to deliver the same amount of power after 20 years of operation.
Published New study introduces the best graphite films


A recent study has proposed a strategy to synthesize single-crystalline graphite films orders of magnitude large, up to inch scale.
Published Discovery of a fundamental law of friction leads to new materials that can minimize energy loss


Chemists and engineers have discovered a fundamental friction law that is leading to a deeper understanding of energy dissipation in friction and the design of two-dimensional materials capable of minimizing energy loss.