energy

Fast-charging, long-running, bendy energy storage breakthrough

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While at the proof-of-concept stage, it shows enormous potential as a portable power supply in several practical applications including electric vehicles, phones and wearable technology. The discovery, published today in Nature Energy, overcomes the issue faced by high-powered, fast-charging supercapacitors – that they usually cannot hold a large amount of energy in a small space. First … Read more Fast-charging, long-running, bendy energy storage breakthrough

New green technology from UMass Amherst generates electricity ‘out of thin air’

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Scientists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have developed a device that uses a natural protein to create electricity from moisture in the air, a new technology they say could have significant implications for the future of renewable energy, climate change and in the future of medicine. As reported today in Nature, the laboratories of electrical … Read more New green technology from UMass Amherst generates electricity ‘out of thin air’

Energy choices can be contagious – but why? New insights into peer influence

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A growing body of research shows that the behavior of peers has a significant influence on an individual’s energy-related decisions, whether it’s choosing to install solar panels or to purchase a hybrid vehicle. In short, personal energy choices can be contagious. But why exactly that occurs is less clear. In a new paper, an interdisciplinary team of … Read more Energy choices can be contagious – but why? New insights into peer influence

New droplet-based electricity generator: A drop of water generates 140V power, lighting up 100 LED bulbs

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Generating electricity from raindrops efficiently has gone one step further. A research team led by scientists from the City University of Hong Kong (CityU) has recently developed a droplet-based energy generator (DEG), featured with a field-effect transistor (FET)-like structure that allows for high energy-conversion efficiency and instantaneous power density increased by thousands times compared to its counterparts … Read more New droplet-based electricity generator: A drop of water generates 140V power, lighting up 100 LED bulbs

Instant hydrogen production for powering fuel cells

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Since the Industrial Revolution, the environmental impacts of energy have posed a concern. Recently, this has driven researchers to search for viable options for clean and renewable energy sources. Due to its affordability and environmental friendliness, hydrogen is a feasible alternative to fossil fuels for energy applications. However, due to its low density, hydrogen is … Read more Instant hydrogen production for powering fuel cells

Shutdown of coal-fired plants in U.S. saves lives and improves crop yields

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The decommissioning of coal-fired power plants in the continental United States has reduced nearby pollution and its negative impacts on human health and crop yields, according to a new University of California San Diego study. The findings published this week in Nature Sustainability use the U.S. transition in recent years from coal towards natural gas for electric … Read more Shutdown of coal-fired plants in U.S. saves lives and improves crop yields

The water-energy nexus at rivers can be resolved worldwide by 2050 as a consequence of the energy transition

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Water and energy are closely related, particularly in the current electricity generation based on thermal coal, gas, oil and nuclear power. The so-called water-energy nexus is a significant sustainability concern. However, a recent LUT study published in Nature Energy shows that the nexus can be resolved for thermal power plants worldwide as a consequence of the energy … Read more The water-energy nexus at rivers can be resolved worldwide by 2050 as a consequence of the energy transition

Monash develops world’s most efficient lithium-sulfur battery

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Imagine having access to a battery, which has the potential to power your phone for five continuous days, or enable an electric vehicle to drive more than 1000km without needing to “refuel”. Monash University researchers are on the brink of commercialising the world’s most efficient lithium-sulphur (Li-S) battery, which could outperform current market leaders by … Read more Monash develops world’s most efficient lithium-sulfur battery

Membrane inspired by bone and cartilage efficiently produces electricity from saltwater

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Inspired by membranes in the body tissues of living organisms, scientists have combined aramid nanofibers used in Kevlar with boron nitride to construct a membrane for harvesting ocean energy that is both strong like bone and suited for ion transport like cartilage. The research, published December 18 in the journal Joule, overcomes major design challenges … Read more Membrane inspired by bone and cartilage efficiently produces electricity from saltwater

Consider marine life when implementing offshore renewable power

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With countries such as Iceland, Costa Rica, New Zealand, and Norway adopting green energy practices, renewable energy now accounts for a third of the world’s power. As this trend continues, more and more countries are looking to offshore energy sources to produce this renewable energy. In an Opinion publishing December 17 in the journal Trends in … Read more Consider marine life when implementing offshore renewable power