Cleantech and Environmental News – Latest Headlines

Cold-loving bacteria could hold key to green and energy-saving detergents

With the growing global demand for sustainable and energy-saving products and processes, biosurfactants have come under the spotlight in recent years. A new study reviews their use in biotechnology applications, focusing on microorganisms in cold habitats.

March 6, 2018 Read more

New dual-atom catalyst shows promise to yield clean energy by artificial photosynthesis

The team developed an iridium catalyst with only two active metal centers. Most significantly, experiments revealed the catalyst to be a well-defined structure, capable of serving as a productive platform for future research on solar fuel synthesis.

March 5, 2018 Read more

Hydrogen extraction breakthrough could be game-changer

Researchers have successfully tested a new material that can be used for cheap and large-scale production of hydrogen - a promising alternative to fossil fuel.

March 5, 2018 Read more

With computation, researchers identify promising solid oxide fuel cell materials

Using advanced computational methods, materials scientists have discovered new materials that could bring widespread commercial use of solid oxide fuel cells closer to reality.

February 23, 2018 Read more

World's first solar fuels reactor for night passes test

Solar powered chemistry has one downfall -- reactions stop at night. Now scientists have a solution.

February 21, 2018 Read more

Why polymer solar cells deserve their place in the sun

Polymer solar cells may lag behind traditional silicon solar cells in longevity and efficiency, but could ultimately power autonomous remote sensors and wearable technology.

February 21, 2018 Read more

Turning background room temperature heat into energy

Researchers make a battery driven by differences in temperature and capable of recovering background heat energy slightly at above room temperature.

February 14, 2018 Read more

Perspective on fuel cells

In a new Perspective article, researchers are aiming to tackle a fundamental debate in key reactions behind fuel cells and hydrogen production, which, if solved, could significantly bolster clean energy technologies.

February 14, 2018 Read more

An algorithm to accurately calculate solar panel parameters

Researchers have designed an algorithm that allows users to calculate online the parameters of a model that emulates the behaviour of a solar panel.

February 13, 2018 Read more

New fuel cell demonstrates exceptional power density and stability

Discovery heightens the viability of incorporating fuel cells into a sustainable energy future.

February 12, 2018 Read more

A stand-alone system to produce drinking water by means of solar energy

Researchers have developed a stand-alone system for desalinating and treating water through electrodialysis. The system is directly powered by solar energy and can be applied in off-grid areas.

February 9, 2018 Read more

Avoiding blackouts with 100% renewable energy

New research finds several solutions to making clean, renewable energy reliable enough to power at least 139 countries.

February 8, 2018 Read more

Building with waste and recycled material

This is the vision: A residential module fully constructed from reusable, recyclable, and compostable materials.

February 8, 2018 Read more

Production of solar fuels inches closer with discovery

Research uncovers mechanism behind water-splitting catalyst.

February 6, 2018 Read more

Optimizing recycling of scrap car parts yields big savings

Detailed sorting of scrap car parts could boost recycling rates to over 97 percent, saving billions spent on new materials and slashing associated greenhouse gas emissions.

January 24, 2018 Read more

With cheap solar and wind power, is it time to rethink 'energy efficiency'?

The wind and sun are both free and almost infinite, and therefore each extra unit of energy generated is not only clean but also essentially free. With little downside to using more electricity when it is available, we?ll need to rethink energy efficiency.

January 24, 2018 Read more

Calculating the CO2 emissions of biofuels is not enough

A new EU regulation aims to shrink the environmental footprint of biofuels starting in 2021. But scientists think we should go one step further and take into account all compounds produced at biorefineries, not just biofuel.

January 24, 2018 Read more

Polymers based on boron?

Researchers have received a 1.5 million Euro grant to make boron polymers a reality.

January 18, 2018 Read more