When it comes to the future of solar energy cells, say farewell to silicon and hello to calcium titanium oxide -- the compound mineral better known as perovskite. Cornell University engineers have found that photovoltaic wafers in solar panels with all-perovskite structures outperform photovoltaic cells made from state-of-the-art crystalline silicon, as well as … [Read more...] about For solar boom, scrap silicon for this promising mineral
Novel approach improves graphene-based supercapacitors
An efficient in situ pathway to generate and attach oxygen functional groups to graphitic electrodes for supercapacitors by inducing hydrolysis of water molecules within the gel electrolyte. … [Read more...] about Novel approach improves graphene-based supercapacitors
Harnessing wind data to help meet energy needs in Florida
Florida is one of several states in the Southeast where wind energy is virtually nonexistent, which is one reason wind farms have not been an economically viable energy source in the region. But a new study from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering shows how upcoming technological advances could make wind energy a hot commodity in the Sunshine State. Sean Martin, a researcher in … [Read more...] about Harnessing wind data to help meet energy needs in Florida
Faster LEDs for wireless communications from invisible light
Researchers have solved a major problem for optical wireless communications -- the process by which light carries information between cell phones and other devices. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) pulse their light in a coded message that recipient devices can understand. Now, a team of researchers based in Japan has married the two options into the ideal combination of long … [Read more...] about Faster LEDs for wireless communications from invisible light
‘Fool’s gold’ may be valuable after all
In a breakthrough new study, scientists and engineers have electrically transformed the abundant and low-cost non-magnetic material iron sulfide, also known as 'fool's gold' or pyrite, into a magnetic material. … [Read more...] about ‘Fool’s gold’ may be valuable after all