Latest news with #TechXplore
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers accomplish 'pivotal step' on quest to create new-age solar panels: 'We are honored to contribute'
Scientists at the Autonomous University of Querétaro in Mexico have discovered how to make perovskite solar cells, a type of thin-film cell, more stable and efficient without using traditional lead halide perovskites, which pose health and environmental risks, as relayed by Tech Xplore. The findings were published in Optical and Quantum Electronics. Solar panels are made of individual solar photovoltaic cells, or solar cells, which contain the technology to convert the photons from sunlight into electricity. According to the Department of Energy, the main semiconductor material favored and used in most solar cells is silicon due to the element's abundance on Earth and silicon's high efficiency in converting light into energy. Silicon solar cells dominate the market, representing 95% of all solar modules sold. An up-and-coming type of solar cell is perovskite cells — a type of thin-film solar cell "built with layers of materials that are printed, coated, or vacuum-deposited onto an underlying support layer, known as the substrate," per the Department of Energy. These layers help the solar cell absorb light, separate charge particles, and create an electrical circuit, allowing electricity to flow. The potential to create perovskite layers with printing technology makes this solar cell economically attractive for the solar industry, helping to lower solar production costs. Perovskite solar cells are also highly efficient at converting light into energy — comparable to silicon cell technology. It's why scientists have been iterating this thin-film solar in the lab, achieving over 20% improved efficiency progress in the last decade. One flaw, however, is that the most common type of perovskite used in perovskite solar cells is lead halide perovskites, according to Solar Magazine. Lead halide perovskites can contaminate the environment, leaching lead into the ground, and affect plants and crops, affecting local ecosystems and the larger food chain. Lead toxicity in humans can lead to anemia and high blood pressure in adults, and interfere with brain development and hearing in children. Motivated to replace lead halide perovskites with an alternative and sustainable material, the researchers at the Autonomous University of Querétaro toyed with a chalcogenide perovskite — (Ca,Ba)ZrS3 — composed of calcium (Ca), barium (Ba), zirconium (Zr), and sulfur (S). Which of these factors is the biggest obstacle preventing you from getting solar panels? The upfront cost The way they look Not sure where to start No concerns here! Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. This perovskite has strong thermal and chemical stability, as relayed by Tech Xplore, and has a bandgap that can be fine-tuned to fall within the "sweet spot" for solar energy — reaching 1.26 eV. The ideal bandgap range for photovoltaic material is 1 - 1.8 eV, according to a Joule article. The researchers paired this perovskite with advanced inorganic spinel hole transport layers, which help move positively charged particles, or "holes," in solar cells to where they need to go in the electrical circuit to produce the flow of electricity. Testing the performance of this perovskite solar cell, the researchers found that they were able to improve the power conversion efficiency "to an impressive rate of over 34% by meticulously engineering layer thickness, carrier concentration, and interface properties." Feasible perovskite solar cells could drastically lower the production cost for solar, passing on the cheaper rate to consumers and making cleaner energy more accessible. Transitioning to solar also helps reduce global dependence on dirty energy, which contributes to heat-trapping gases that raise global temperatures and cause extreme weather events. Accessible solar will also improve air quality, which lowers the risk of respiratory illnesses and related health issues. "The future of solar energy is being reshaped, and we are honored to contribute to this promising transformation," said Latha Marasamy, one of the study's researchers. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists make key discovery that could unlock next-gen fuel source: 'This achievement marks a real turning point'
Researchers have discovered how to create self-healing electrodes for use in producing green hydrogen without relying on precious metals or complex catalyst manufacturing processes. The team from Seoul National University College of Engineering released a study detailing its findings, which could help accelerate global decarbonization efforts and reduce reliance on precious metal-based catalysts, according to a TechXplore report. Water electrolysis is a process that uses electricity to produce green hydrogen, a next-gen fuel that could help the world meet its climate goals. Hydrogen is a light, storable, and energy-dense fuel that doesn't produce direct pollutants or planet-warming emissions, just water vapor. While many production methods employ dirty fuels to generate hydrogen — negating the low-carbon impact — other operations use solar power and renewable energy sources to power hydrogen creation. Electrolysis is one of the more eco-friendly methods being championed across the globe and is listed as one of Korea's 12 national strategic technologies, according to the TechXplore report. However, current systems require surface coatings of highly active catalyst layers that degrade over time, creating a stumbling block for advancing the technology. In addition, China has been tightening its grip on the majority of the world's rare earth material supplies. In the electrochemical activation method described in the report, researchers were able to produce hydrogen with high efficiency for extended periods using just commercial nickel electrodes. Testing revealed that by using the EA method with uncoated Ni electrodes, the team was able to match the hydrogen production efficiency of high-performance Ni-Fe oxyhydroxide catalysts. Giving the electrode a brief "rest" is essential to the new technique. By applying a weak reducing voltage to the Ni electrode for short periods, small amounts of Fe that dissolved in the electrolyte materials reattach to the electrode's surface. These Fe ions bond to the Ni to create a highly active oxygen evolution catalyst layer, which, through repeated cycles, becomes a self-healing system, the report explained. Should the U.S. invest more in battery innovations? Absolutely Depends on the project We're investing enough We should invest less Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "A hydrogen production method that does not rely on catalysts is a transformative strategy that can greatly improve the economics and scalability of green hydrogen," Professor Jeyong Yoon, who led the research, said, per the TechXplore report. "This achievement marks a real turning point for hydrogen economy technologies aimed at carbon neutrality." The technology could potentially be applied to other green hydrogen production methods to further improve efficiency, extend the operational life cycle, and lower costs. Some green hydrogen systems rely on sustainable solar or wind power for their processes, with potable water as the byproduct in one method currently under development by Cornell University researchers. As more innovations are discovered, the large-scale commercialization of green hydrogen production inches closer to becoming a more viable, sustainable energy source. "Hydrogen is today enjoying unprecedented momentum," Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency, said. "The world should not miss this unique chance to make hydrogen an important part of our clean and secure energy future." Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists make cutting-edge breakthrough that could unlock future energy source: 'Will contribute to accelerating'
A major leap toward clean hydrogen production has arrived, and it runs on solar energy. Scientists at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials have developed a unique way to produce hydrogen fuel using only natural sunlight, reported Tech Xplore. The breakthrough is a refined process for creating high-efficiency photoelectrodes to make production nearly six times faster. Typically, making these photoelectrodes, which help split water using sunlight, involves several time-consuming steps. But the KIMM team created a new solution using ingredients like acetylacetone and acetic acid that makes photoelectrode films that convert light into electricity in one step. This process saved time and materials; it allowed researchers to create larger photoelectrodes for more stable, stronger currents. Hydrogen is one of the cleanest fuel sources, especially when combined with renewable energy like solar. It's commonly used in the production of fuel cells, which provide continuous power with a consistent fuel supply. When used in a fuel cell, hydrogen's only by-product is water vapor rather than polluting gases or compounds. This new hydrogen technology simplifies hydrogen production, potentially speeding up access to a cleaner fuel source and cutting manufacturing costs. Those savings could translate into savings for utility providers and consumers. More affordable and scalable hydrogen production could make it easier for cities to use to power public transit systems, homes, and businesses. That's why research teams like the one from KIMM and organizations are focusing on optimizing hydrogen energy production. One team studied how to replace expensive iridium used in hydrogen production with cost-effective manganese to increase affordability. Also, a United Kingdom-based company launched a hydrogen generation module that can produce over 1,000 pounds of hydrogen each day. Making hydrogen fuel more mainstream allows more options for clean energy. That's a big step toward relying less on oil and gas — significant sources of methane pollution. Replacing these polluting fuels with cleaner hydrogen produced by sunlight, it's possible to limit the release of toxic compounds that can cause health problems and worsen climate change. Though there's no set timeline for this technology to be more widely available, KIMM researchers are hopeful that their discovery could help scale hydrogen energy. "We expect it will contribute to accelerating the transition to sustainable energy and the commercialization of green hydrogen production," said KIMM researcher Dr. Jihye Lee. The team has also filed for patents on their technology, according to Tech Xplore. Want to take advantage of clean energy innovations? One of the best ways to do that is to install solar panels, which can lower your home energy costs to as little as $0. EnergySage offers a free service to help you compare quotes from vetted installers, potentially saving you up to $10,000 on your solar installation. Would you want EV-charging roads installed in your town? Sign me up Depends how much it costs No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists develop game-changing method to generate energy from gentle breeze: 'What excites us most is the simplicity'
Researchers from India are demonstrating that harnessing wind power only requires a flutter. It's a stark contrast to the "world's largest" turbine accomplishments in China and elsewhere. "Yet, there is a quieter, more compact option: a slender strip of material fluttering in the breeze, capable of converting ambient airflow into usable electrical energy," the experts from the Indian Institutes of Technology wrote in a summary published by Tech Xplore. And while the small-scale breeze catchers won't be powering cities, the team said they could energize sensors and lights in remote settings and hard-to-reach areas. The key is slim polymer sheets that are used as piezoelectric materials. They can convert flutters, or vibrations from ambient air, into electricity. The team's blueprint isn't overly complicated, per the report. "Our work focuses on a simple idea: attach a flexible plate with a piezoelectric sheet to the downstream side of a cylinder and expose it to wind. As wind flows past the cylinder, it causes the attached plate to flutter — much like a flag," they wrote. Experts around the world are working on ways to harness unique energy sources. Students in France built turnstiles in a metro station that generated electricity from everyday human movement, powering nearby TV screens as people passed through. An international research team is studying how to generate voltage as low winds pass over water droplets. The team did some tweaking to the sheets to improve the device, generating more energy. It's thanks to "a resonance phenomenon where the oscillation frequency of the plate synchronizes with the frequency of vortex shedding," the experts said. The device was able to light 20 LEDs continuously, and 40 momentarily, with stored charge. The inventive energy generation is part of the overall shift to a cleaner future without reliance on heat-trapping fossil fuels. NASA has linked the fumes those energy sources produce to increased risks for severe weather — blackout-causing storms that are more damaging and frequent. Should the government be paying us to upgrade our homes? Definitely Depends on how much it costs Depends on what it's for No way Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Anyone can participate in the switch at home by investing in solar panel tech. It's a move that provides the average American household around $700 in annual savings, after expenses, according to a government study. EnergySage, a free online tool, is a reliable ally that can make sure you secure all the incentives and find the right installer, saving up to $10,000 on the installation. In the end, you can reduce or eliminate your power bill. Community solar is an option to tap the sun's power from a nearby solar farm via a subscription plan. You can save up to $150 a year on your utility bill without installing tech at home. In India, the researchers said they still have some improvements to make to the low-speed wind setup to prepare it for practical use. "What excites us most is the simplicity and scalability of this approach. Unlike traditional turbines, these harvesters have no rotating parts, minimal maintenance needs, and can be easily integrated into urban or natural environments. As the world seeks smarter, smaller, and cleaner ways to generate energy, this flutter-powered harvester may just have the wind at its back," the team wrote. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists unveil breakthrough device that pulls drinking water from thin air: 'Deployed in real-world applications'
What if we could pull drinkable water from the air around us? A research collaboration between engineers from Australia and China has accomplished just that. A device that looks like a sponge captures ambient water from the air and, using solar power, can deposit the water for drinking. The device modifies the natural features of balsa wood to be able to pull water from the environment. According to TechXplore, the technology functioned from 30% to 90% humidity and from 41 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit. These ranges bode well for use in a wide range of environments. The team published their research in the Journal of Cleaner Production. "In outdoor tests, our device captured 2.5 milliliters of water per gram overnight and released most of it during the day, achieving a daily water collection efficiency of 94%," Dr. Junfeng Hou from Zhejiang A&F University told TechXplore. This technology and others like it use scientific innovation to address a crucial issue of drinking water scarcity around the world. The rising average temperatures around the globe are contributing to water scarcity. In a heatwave or drought, water supplies are diminished both through evaporation and through increased consumption to prevent dehydration. Continued reliance on dirty energy sources is speeding up the planet's heating. Scientists warn of the environmental and public health risks associated with these higher average temperatures. Pollution also poses issues for clean drinking water. From the EPA rescinding limits on forever chemicals in drinking water to the 1.7 billion people who drank water contaminated with feces in 2022, access to clean, safe water is a serious concern. Technology like this sponge-like device can provide drinkable water to many around the world, saving many lives. The United Nations estimates that 3.5 million people die each year from causes related to water scarcity. Beyond that, lack of water access impacts over four billion people globally every year. The team is working on further testing with industry partners. They're trying to integrate energy storage capabilities with solar to allow for water production during cloudy periods or overnight. Inspired by natural design and proven to work under a variety of conditions, the device can "be manufactured in large quantities and deployed in real-world applications such as water collection in remote or arid regions," Dr. Derek Hao of RMIT University in Melbourne told TechXplore. How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water? Never Sometimes Often Always Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
