Every hour, the sun saturates the earth with more energy than humans use in a year. Harnessing some of this energy to meet global demand has become a grand challenge, with the world poised to double its energy consumption in just thirty years. In a new study, researchers at the Biodesign Center for Applied Structural Discovery (CASD) and ASU's School of Molecular Sciences take … [Read more...] about New insights for sun-gathering technologies
Wireless device makes clean fuel from sunlight, CO2 and water
Researchers have developed a standalone device that converts sunlight, carbon dioxide and water into a carbon-neutral fuel, without requiring any additional components or electricity. The device, developed by a team from the University of Cambridge, is a significant step toward achieving artificial photosynthesis -- a process mimicking the ability of plants to convert sunlight … [Read more...] about Wireless device makes clean fuel from sunlight, CO2 and water
Fuel cells for hydrogen vehicles are becoming longer lasting
Fuel cells are gaining in importance as an alternative to battery-operated electromobility in heavy traffic, especially since hydrogen is a CO2-neutral energy carrier if it is obtained from renewable sources. For efficient operation, fuel cells need an electrocatalyst that improves the electrochemical reaction in which electricity is generated. The platinum-cobalt nanoparticle … [Read more...] about Fuel cells for hydrogen vehicles are becoming longer lasting
Large tin monosulfide crystal opens pathway for next generation solar cells
Tin monosulfide (SnS) is a promising material used for next generation solar cells because of its nontoxic characteristics and abundance, in addition to its excellent photovoltaic properties. Sakiko Kawanishi and Issei Suzuki led a team that has succeeded in growing large single crystals of SnS, which can provide a pathway for the fabrication of SnS solar cells with a high … [Read more...] about Large tin monosulfide crystal opens pathway for next generation solar cells
Biomorphic batteries could provide 72 times more energy for robots
Like biological fat reserves store energy in animals, a new rechargeable zinc battery integrates into the structure of a robot to provide much more energy, a team led by the University of Michigan has shown. This approach to increasing capacity will be particularly important as robots shrink to the microscale and below -- scales at which current stand-alone batteries are too … [Read more...] about Biomorphic batteries could provide 72 times more energy for robots