Cleantech and Environmental News – Latest Headlines

Proposed design could double the efficiency of lightweight solar cells for space-based applications

Researchers propose a device design that can take the efficiencies of 2D transition metal dichalcogenide devices from 5%, as has already been demonstrated, to 12%.

June 6, 2023 Read more

3D printed nanocomposite sensor for water pollution monitoring

A new form of low-cost, 3D-printed water pollution sensor can help detect the presence of very low concentrations of pesticides in water samples.

June 5, 2023 Read more

Photocatalytic concrete for clean air in underground tunnels

Researchers have developed photocatalytic concrete that can effectively remove fine particulate matter on roads.

June 5, 2023 Read more

Synthetic DNA could help scientists modify genes and create new biofuels

Unlocking the potential of laboratory-crafted DNA, known as synthetic DNA, holds the key to groundbreaking advancements across multiple domains.

June 2, 2023 Read more

Developing technologies to reduce the cost of green hydrogen production

Researchers have developed a technology that can significantly reduce the amount of platinum and iridium, precious metals used in the electrode protection layer of polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis devices, and secure performance and durability on par with existing devices.

June 2, 2023 Read more

Metal shortage could put the brakes on electrification

The metals that are highly sought after, such as dysprosium, neodymium, manganese and niobium, are of great economic importance, while their supply is limited and it takes time to scale up raw material production.

May 31, 2023 Read more

Extracting a clean fuel from water

New catalyst lowers cost for producing environmentally sustainable hydrogen from water.

May 30, 2023 Read more

Novel solar desalination system for remote areas

A novel design for a solar-powered desalination unit that is energy-efficient, cost-effective and portable, making it convenient to set up in areas with limited access to continuous electricity.

May 30, 2023 Read more

Termite mounds reveal secret to creating 'living and breathing' buildings that use less energy

Properties of 'egress complex' of termite mounds can be copied to optimize interior climate of buildings.

May 26, 2023 Read more

Nanopores are the secret to making electricity from thin air

Researchers describe the 'generic Air-gen effect' where nearly any material can be engineered with nanopores to harvest, cost effective, scalable, interruption-free electricity.

May 24, 2023 Read more

Nontoxic nanosystem powder uses sunlight to quickly disinfect contaminated drinking water

A low-cost, recyclable powder can kill thousands of waterborne bacteria per second when exposed to sunlight. Scientists say the ultrafast disinfectant could be a revolutionary advance for 2 billion people worldwide without access to safe drinking water.

May 24, 2023 Read more

Metal-organic frameworks meet MXene: New opportunities for electrochemical application

Carefully crafting MXene/MOF hybrids and their derivatives for use in energy-related devices is an area of great research interest.

May 22, 2023 Read more

Developing advanced niobium-graphene batteries with unprecedented 30-year lifecycles

With applications in medical devices, electric vehicles, aerospace equipment, and more, the batteries are currently being tested in a new USD3.8 million high-tech laboratory.

May 22, 2023 Read more

Researchers demonstrate novel way to convert heat to electricity

Researchers have fabricated a novel device that could dramatically boost the conversion of heat into electricity. If perfected, the technology could help recoup some of the heat energy that is wasted in the U.S. at a rate of about $100 billion each year.

May 19, 2023 Read more

Boosting solar cell energy capture efficiency with a fullerene-derivative interlayer

Robust, heat-tolerant, all-inorganic perovskite solar cell energy capture efficiency is improved by the introduction of an interlayer that improves electron transport.

May 18, 2023 Read more

'Electrifying' moment for more sustainable polymers from low cost materials

Organic chemistry researchers have 'struck gold' by discovering a new way to make 'green' polymers from low-cost building blocks with just a small amount of electricity.

May 18, 2023 Read more

Efficient wastewater treatment with nanobubble-integrated TiO2 photocatalytic reactor

Researchers explore the improved efficiency of wastewater treatment using a photocatalytic reactor. Their research highlights the integration of TiO2 nanotube arrays with nanobubbles, demonstrating high degradation efficiencies for various organic pollutants.

May 16, 2023 Read more

With formic acid towards CO2 neutrality

Researchers develop a new method for the sustainable use of carbon dioxide.

May 15, 2023 Read more