The addition of extremely small crystals to solid electrolyte material has the potential to considerably raise the efficiency of fuel cells. Researchers at TU Delft were the first to document this accurately, and this week their second article on the subject in a very short time was published in the scientific journal, … Continue reading
TU Delft has revealed that the speed at which affordable solar panels are manufactured could be increased by a factor of ten -- and that this could be accomplished without any hindrance to the energy yield of the cells. This should in all probability produce a further decrease in the price of the cells, which are … Continue reading
A pioneering program by one of the world's largest cities to switch its vehicle fleet to clean fuel has not significantly improved harmful vehicle emissions in more than 5,000 vehicles - and worsened some vehicles' climate impacts - a new University of British Columbia study finds. The study - which explores the impacts … Continue reading
Floating Solar Panels: Solar Installations on Water Most of the solar energy systems on the market today bare two major weaknesses: they require vast land areas in order to be built, and the costs related to solar cells fabrication and maintenance are high. A new technology is about to overcome these challenges and many … Continue reading
Inexpensive hydrogen for automotive or jet fuel may be possible by mimicking photosynthesis, according to a Penn State materials chemist, but a number of problems need to be solved first. "We are focused on the hardest way to make fuel," said Thomas Mallouk, Evan Pugh Professor of Materials Chemistry and Physics. "We are … Continue reading
'Tall Order' Sunlight-to-Hydrogen System Works, Neutron Analysis Confirms Researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a biohybrid photoconversion system - based on the interaction of photosynthetic plant proteins with synthetic polymers - that can convert visible light into … Continue reading
Agave, currently known for its use in the production of alcoholic beverages and fibers, thrives in semi-arid regions where it is less likely to conflict with food and feed production. Agave is a unique feedstock because of its high water use efficiency and ability to survive without water between rainfalls. An article in … Continue reading
World Can Be Powered by Alternative Energy, Using Today's Technology, in 20-40 Years, Experts Say If someone told you there was a way you could save 2.5 million to 3 million lives a year and simultaneously halt global warming, reduce air and water pollution and develop secure, reliable energy sources -- nearly all with … Continue reading
Solar cells are made from semiconductors whose ability to respond to light is determined by their band gaps (energy gaps). Different colors have different energies, and no single semiconductor has a band gap that can respond to sunlight's full range, from low-energy infrared through visible light to high-energy … Continue reading
Large wind farms are being built around the world as a cleaner way to generate electricity, but operators are still searching for the most efficient way to arrange the massive turbines that turn moving air into power. To help steer wind farm owners in the right direction, Charles Meneveau, a Johns Hopkins fluid mechanics … Continue reading