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Measuring photovoltaic performance indoors

Better methods for assessing solar cells under indoor ambient lighting can help improve their design.

Aug 4th, 2021

World's first 'green' synthesis of plastics from CO2

Using a CeO2 catalyst, researchers develop an effective catalytic process for the direct synthesis of polycarbonate diols without the need for dehydrating agents.

Jul 29th, 2021

A naturally inspired, reusable system that purifies water and builds itself

In nature, the interaction of molecules at the boundary of different liquids can give rise to new structures. They can also be engineered to perform specific functions - and now, a team of researchers has leveraged this opportunity to develop a material that could remove persistent pollutants from water.

Jul 27th, 2021

Bottling clean energy in chemical bonds (w/video)

Converting renewable electricity into stable molecules could provide long-term energy storage.

Jul 27th, 2021

Smartphone screens effective sensors for soil or water contamination (w/video)

The touchscreen technology used in billions of smartphones and tablets could also be used as a powerful sensor, without the need for any modifications.

Jul 23rd, 2021

Eco-friendly plastic from cellulose and water

Researchers create new kind of environmentally friendly bioplastic with hydroplastic polymers.

Jul 23rd, 2021

Machine learning models to help photovoltaic systems find their place in the sun

Scientists develop algorithms that predict the output of solar cells, easing their integration into existing power grids.

Jul 21st, 2021

Making clean hydrogen is hard, but researchers just solved a major hurdle

Researchers have found a low-cost way to solve one half of the water-splitting equation to produce hydrogen as clean energy -- using sunlight to efficiently split off oxygen molecules from water. The finding represents a step forward toward greater adoption of hydrogen as a key part of our energy infrastructure.

Jul 19th, 2021

Spinning electricity from heat and cold

Magnetic layers interact with sunlight differently, creating a temperature gradient that generates electricity day and night.

Jun 29th, 2021

Modeling a circular economy for electronic waste

Researchers have developed a framework to understand the choices a recycler has to make and the role that digital fraud prevention could have in preventing dishonest recycling practices.

Jun 22nd, 2021

Synthetic tree enhances solar steam generation for harvesting drinking water

Inspired by mangrove trees thriving along coastlines, researchers created a synthetic tree to replace the capillary action with transpiration, the process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from leaves, stems, and flowers.

Jun 22nd, 2021

Solar energy from the deep repository

During the winter months, renewable energy is in short supply throughout Europe. An international project is now considering an unconventional solution: Renewable hydrogen and carbon dioxide are pumped into the ground together, where naturally occurring microorganisms convert the two substances into methane, the main component of natural gas.

Jun 22nd, 2021

Producing hydrogen using less energy

The way in which a compound inspired by nature produces hydrogen has now been described in detail for the first time by an international research team. These findings are the foundation for the energy-efficient production of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source.