//www.koonmotors.com/news/earth_climate/energy/ Energy Sources. News and Research. Articles on everything from hydrogen powered cars and solar energy systems to nuclear reactors and fossil fuels. en-us Thu, 07 Sep 2023 22:54:02 EDT Thu, 07 Sep 2023 22:54:02 EDT 60 //www.koonmotors.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png//www.koonmotors.com/news/earth_climate/energy/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/09/230907105840.htm Scientists have devised an efficient method of recovering high-purity silicon from expired solar panels to produce lithium-ion batteries that could help meet the increasing global demand to power electric vehicles. Thu, 07 Sep 2023 10:58:40 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/09/230907105840.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/09/230906122111.htm A chemist envisions a future where every house is powered by renewable energy stored in batteries. He has created a new battery that could have profound implications for the large-scale energy storage needed by wind and solar farms. Wed, 06 Sep 2023 12:21:11 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/09/230906122111.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/09/230906112443.htm A recent study has unveiled a significant breakthrough in photoelectrode development. Wed, 06 Sep 2023 11:24:43 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/09/230906112443.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/09/230905155647.htm 如果芝加哥周围的地区,北美's largest freight hub -- shifted just 30% of its current on-road heavy-duty vehicles to electric versions, it would substantially reduce pollution and save hundreds of lives per year, with the benefits largely concentrated in disadvantaged communities, according to a new study. The study authors highlight that neighborhoods with predominantly Black, Hispanic and Latinx residents would benefit the most -- potentially reducing disproportionate pollution and health burdens in historically marginalized areas. Tue, 05 Sep 2023 15:56:47 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/09/230905155647.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/09/230905125016.htm By adding a naturally-occurring polymer that makes wood more porous, scientists have engineered trees easier to disassemble into simpler building blocks. Tue, 05 Sep 2023 12:50:16 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/09/230905125016.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/09/230905124918.htm Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) provide our portable devices like tablets and mobiles -- and increasingly also vehicles -- with power. As the share of volatile renewable energy needing electricity storage increases, more and more LIBs are needed, lithium prices rise, resources dwindle, and the amount of depleted batteries that contain toxic substances increases. Researchers introduce a novel approach for the recovery of lithium from used LIBs. Tue, 05 Sep 2023 12:49:18 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/09/230905124918.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230830131744.htm Molecular photoswitches that can both convert and store energy could be used to make solar energy harvesting more efficient. A team of researchers has used a quantum computing method to find a particularly efficient molecular structure for this purpose. Their procedure was based on a dataset of more than 400,000 molecules, which they screened to find the optimum molecular structure for solar energy storage materials. Wed, 30 Aug 2023 13:17:44 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230830131744.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230830131737.htm Carbon capture is a promising method to help slow climate change. With this approach, carbon dioxide (CO¬¬2) is trapped before it escapes into the atmosphere, but the process requires a large amount of energy and equipment. Now, researchers have designed a capture system using an electrochemical cell that can easily grab and release CO2. The device operates at room temperature and requires less energy than conventional, amine-based carbon-capture systems. Wed, 30 Aug 2023 13:17:37 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230830131737.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230829125841.htm Methylcyclohexane is very promising as a hydrogen carrier that can safely and efficiently transport and store hydrogen. However, the dehydrogenation process using catalysts has issues due to its durability and large energy loss. Recently, researchers have succeeded in using solid oxide fuel cells to generate electricity directly from methylcyclohexane and recover toluene for reuse. This research is expected to not only reduce energy requirements but also explore new chemical synthesis by fuel cells. Tue, 29 Aug 2023 12:58:41 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230829125841.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230828105521.htm A team of researchers is designing novel systems to capture water vapor in the air and turn it into liquid. They have developed sponges or membranes with a large surface area that continually capture moisture from their surrounding environment. Mon, 28 Aug 2023 10:55:21 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230828105521.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230824120206.htm Mathematical modeling can show how to safely blend hydrogen with natural gas for transport in existing pipeline systems. A secure and reliable transition to hydrogen is one of the proposed solutions for the shift to a net-zero-carbon economy. Thu, 24 Aug 2023 12:02:06 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230824120206.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230823122615.htm A new study finds that standalone solar photovoltaic irrigation systems have the potential to meet more than a third of the water needs for crops in small-scale farms across sub-Saharan Africa. Wed, 23 Aug 2023 12:26:15 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230823122615.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230822151722.htm If coal and natural gas power generation were 2% more efficient, then, every year, there could be 460 million fewer tons of carbon dioxide released and 2 trillion fewer gallons of water used. A recent innovation to the steam cycle used in fossil fuel power generation could achieve this. Tue, 22 Aug 2023 15:17:22 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230822151722.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230822111648.htm In the ongoing quest for more efficient solar cells, the most current published record for tandem perovskite solar cells is 32.5 percent. In a new paper, researchers report on the improvements in silicon-perovskite tandem cells that have made this possible. Tue, 22 Aug 2023 11:16:48 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230822111648.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230822111637.htm A shipping container that can test passive cooling systems could help researchers and builders find carbon-free ways to keep people cool in extreme temperatures. Researchers created the 60 square-foot chamber to test passive systems that use wind towers along with water evaporation instead of electricity to cool spaces. Tue, 22 Aug 2023 11:16:37 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230822111637.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230821174253.htm The world needs greener ways to make chemicals. In a new study, researchers demonstrate one potential path toward this goal by adapting hydrogen fuel cell technologies. Mon, 21 Aug 2023 17:42:53 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230821174253.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230818153123.htm 新的研究揭示了一个有前途的突破green energy: an electrolyzer device capable of converting carbon dioxide into propane in a manner that is both scalable and economically viable. Fri, 18 Aug 2023 15:31:23 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230818153123.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230818135138.htm The US has committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. To accomplish this goal, large cuts in emissions are necessary, especially in high-emission sectors like the building industry. Researchers use a computational model to analyze several scenarios of future building energy use in the US. They find that by tackling emissions on multiple fronts and placing focus on 'demand-side measures' that affect how power is drawn from the grid, such as technologies like electric heat pumps and smart thermostats, the US can achieve its climate goals, decrease building emissions by 91% from their 2005 peak, and save over $100 billion each year on energy costs. Fri, 18 Aug 2023 13:51:38 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230818135138.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230817163917.htm A new analysis reveals that soft technology, the processes to design and deploy a solar energy system, contributed far less to the total cost declines of solar installations than previously estimated. Their quantitative model shows that driving down solar energy costs in the future will likely require either improving soft technology or reducing system dependencies on soft technology features. Thu, 17 Aug 2023 16:39:17 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230817163917.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230815131812.htm Proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers converts surplus electric energy into transportable hydrogen energy as a clean energy solution. However, slow oxygen evolution reaction rates and high loading levels of expensive metal oxide catalysts limit its practical feasibility. Now, researchers have developed a new tantalum oxide-supported iridium catalyst that significantly boosts the oxygen evolution reaction speed. Additionally, it shows high catalytic activity and long-term stability in prolonged single cell operation. Tue, 15 Aug 2023 13:18:12 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230815131812.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230808110908.htm The activity level of six bat species was significantly reduced at solar farm sites, researchers have observed. Tue, 08 Aug 2023 11:09:08 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230808110908.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230803113007.htm A research team recently developed a stable artificial photocatalytic system that is more efficient than natural photosynthesis. The new system mimics a natural chloroplast to convert carbon dioxide in water into methane, a valuable fuel, very efficiently using light. This is a promising discovery, which could contribute to the goal of carbon neutrality. Thu, 03 Aug 2023 11:30:07 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/08/230803113007.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230731151603.htm Engineers have created a 'supercapacitor' made of ancient, abundant materials, that can store large amounts of energy. Made of just cement, water, and carbon black (which resembles powdered charcoal), the device could form the basis for inexpensive systems that store intermittently renewable energy, such as solar or wind energy. Mon, 31 Jul 2023 15:16:03 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230731151603.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230728170635.htm Researchers have developed a multimodal platform to image biohybrids -- microorganisms that use solar energy to convert carbon dioxide into value-added chemical products -- to better understand how they function and how they can be optimized for more efficient energy conversion. Fri, 28 Jul 2023 17:06:35 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230728170635.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230727144234.htm 研究人员正在取得进展的设计solar battery made from an abundant, non-toxic and easily synthesized material composed of 2D carbon nitride. Thu, 27 Jul 2023 14:42:34 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230727144234.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230727143957.htm Scientists engineered microbes to make the ingredients for recyclable plastics -- replacing finite, polluting petrochemicals with sustainable alternatives. The new approach shows that renewable, recyclable plastics are not only possible, but also outperform those from petrochemicals. Thu, 27 Jul 2023 14:39:57 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230727143957.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230725122949.htm Researchers have created a robot capable of conducting experiments more efficiently and sustainably to develop a range of new semiconductor materials with desirable attributes. The researchers have already demonstrated that the new technology, called RoboMapper, can rapidly identify new perovskite materials with improved stability and solar cell efficiency. Tue, 25 Jul 2023 12:29:49 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230725122949.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230722205255.htm Chemists have demonstrated that water remediation can be powered in part -- and perhaps even exclusively -- by renewable energy sources. Sat, 22 Jul 2023 20:52:55 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230722205255.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230720124624.htm Engineers have created a device that turns sunlight into hydrogen with record-breaking efficiency by integrating next-generation halide perovskite semiconductors with electrocatalysts in a single, durable, cost-effective and scalable device. Thu, 20 Jul 2023 12:46:24 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230720124624.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230719221513.htm A team researchers has discovered molecular crystals capable of capturing iodine -- one of the most common radioactive fission products -- and other pollutants. The versatile crystals could be used for nuclear waste management and other energy-related applications and move the world closer to a net-zero future. Wed, 19 Jul 2023 22:15:13 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230719221513.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230718164242.htm A bifacial perovskite solar cell, which allows sunlight to reach both sides of the device, holds the potential to produce higher energy yields at lower overall costs. Tue, 18 Jul 2023 16:42:42 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230718164242.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230717175940.htm Consumers in the richer, developed nations will have to accept restrictions on their energy use if international climate change targets are to be met, warn researchers. The big challenge is to identify the fairest and most equitable way that governments can curtail energy use, a process known as energy demand reduction. The research team analyzed several scenarios to identify a potential solution. Mon, 17 Jul 2023 17:59:40 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230717175940.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230713142122.htm Researchers have found a way to significantly improve the operational stability of perovskite solar cells at high temperatures, which is necessary for their use in terawatt power grids. Thu, 13 Jul 2023 14:21:22 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230713142122.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230713142013.htm As part of ongoing efforts to develop materials that could enable alternative energy sources, researchers have produced a titanium oxide nanofilament material that can harness sunlight to unlock the ubiquitous molecule's potential as a fuel source. Thu, 13 Jul 2023 14:20:13 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230713142013.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230711133111.htm When an electric vehicle is parked outside, its temperature can swing wildly from day to night and season to season, which can lead to deterioration of the battery. To dampen these fluctuations and extend the battery's lifespan, researchers have designed an all-season thermal cloak that can cool an electric vehicle by 8°C on a hot day and warm it by 6.8°C at night. The cloak, made predominantly of silica and aluminum, can do so passively without outside energy input and operates without any modification between hot or cold weather. Tue, 11 Jul 2023 13:31:11 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230711133111.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230710180520.htm A new flow battery design achieves long life and capacity for grid energy storage from renewable fuels. Mon, 10 Jul 2023 18:05:20 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230710180520.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230710180443.htm Unused solar, wind, and hydroelectric power in the U.S. could support the exponential growth of transactions involving non-fungible tokens (NFTs), researchers have found. Mon, 10 Jul 2023 18:04:43 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230710180443.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230706124608.htm New research into public attitudes towards alternative shipping fuels shows public backing for biofuel and hydrogen. The study also found that nuclear was preferred to the heavy fuel oil (HFO) currently used in the global shipping industry, although both were perceived negatively. Ammonia had the least public support. Thu, 06 Jul 2023 12:46:08 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230706124608.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230706124549.htm The climate control used by termites in their mounds could inspire tomorrow's climate-smart buildings. New research shows that future buildings inspired by the termites could achieve the same effect as traditional climate control, but with greater energy efficiency and without its carbon dioxide footprint. Thu, 06 Jul 2023 12:45:49 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230706124549.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230704110925.htm A research group has used nanosheet technology to develop a dielectric capacitor for advanced electronic and electrical power systems. Innovations in energy storage technology are vital for the effective use of renewable energy and the mass production of electric vehicles. The capacitor has the highest energy storage density recorded. It has a short charging time, high output, long life, and high temperature stability, making it a major advancement in technology. Tue, 04 Jul 2023 11:09:25 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230704110925.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230703133034.htm Researchers have developed new methods to solve a major source of future waste from the automotive, aerospace and renewable industries. Mon, 03 Jul 2023 13:30:34 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/07/230703133034.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230628130336.htm New carbon capture technology can generate a continuous, high-purity carbon dioxide stream from diluted, or low-concentration, gas streams using only electricity and a water-and-oxygen-based reaction. Wed, 28 Jun 2023 13:03:36 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230628130336.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230626164226.htm Demand for modern biofuels is expected to grow substantially in order to mitigate climate emissions. However, they are far from being a climate neutral alternative to gasoline and diesel. A new study shows that under current land-use regulations, CO2 emission factors for biofuels might even exceed those for fossil diesel combustion due to large-scale land clearing related to growing biomass. Before bioenergy can effectively contribute to achieving carbon neutrality, international agreements need to ensure the effective protection of forests and other natural lands by introducing carbon pricing, the expert team argues. Mon, 26 Jun 2023 16:42:26 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230626164226.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230622120852.htm Perovskite solar cells have attained now attained the extremely high efficiency rate of 24.35% with an active area of 1 cm2. This ground-breaking achievement in maximizing power generation from next-generation renewable energy sources will be crucial to securing the world's energy future. Thu, 22 Jun 2023 12:08:52 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230622120852.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230621164733.htm If you've ever wondered how the monarch butterfly got its spots, University of Georgia researchers may have just found the answer. The new study suggests that the butterflies with more white spots are more successful at reaching their long-distance wintering destination. Although it's not yet clear how the spots aid the species' migration, it's possible that the spots change airflow patterns around their wings. Wed, 21 Jun 2023 16:47:33 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230621164733.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230621164642.htm Chemical engineers use coated carbon fibers and eliminate steam-based heating in their simpler design, which also can be powered by wind energy. Wed, 21 Jun 2023 16:46:42 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230621164642.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230621121027.htm Engineers are developing a cutting-edge process that can reduce energy consumption and cost of water desalination. Wed, 21 Jun 2023 12:10:27 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230621121027.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230621105226.htm Tidal range schemes are financially viable and could lower energy bills say researchers. Research combined a tidal range power generation model with its cost model to demonstrate the viability of tidal power. The research demonstrates the benefits of tidal energy, which does not suffer from unpredictable intermittency as power is generated both day and night, and in windy or calm weather. The creation of a tidal barrage could operate for 120 years or more to meet future demand and storage problems. Wed, 21 Jun 2023 10:52:26 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230621105226.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230620174507.htm Engineers are placing low-powered sensors in the reflective raised pavement markers that are already used to help drivers identify lanes. Microchips inside the markers transmit information to passing cars about the road shape to help autonomous driving features function even when vehicle cameras or remote laser sensing, called LiDAR, are unreliable because of fog, snow, glare or other obstructions. Tue, 20 Jun 2023 17:45:07 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230620174507.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230620174445.htm Researchers are leading an international team whose goal is to create a framework to help governments in the U.S. and around the world assess and prioritize remediation strategies for orphaned oil and gas wells. These inactive wells represent environmental risks since they have the potential to contaminate water supplies, degrade ecosystems, and emit methane and other air pollutants that are harmful to human health. But plugging the wells also offers various potential environmental opportunities such as underground storage of carbon dioxide and hydrogen, or the development of geothermal energy systems. Tue, 20 Jun 2023 17:44:45 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230620174445.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230619120149.htm Researchers have demonstrated how carbon dioxide can be captured from industrial processes -- or even directly from the air -- and transformed into clean, sustainable fuels using just the energy from the Sun. Mon, 19 Jun 2023 12:01:49 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230619120149.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230616161953.htm Researchers are exploring the different ways of harvesting materials from water. Fri, 16 Jun 2023 16:19:53 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230616161953.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230614220643.htm For many technology enthusiasts, the metaverse has the potential to transform almost every facet of human life, from work to education to entertainment. Now, new research shows it could have environmental benefits, too. Wed, 14 Jun 2023 22:06:43 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230614220643.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230612200329.htm Scientists investigate the promising properties of a common, Earth-abundant salt. Mon, 12 Jun 2023 20:03:29 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230612200329.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230606111639.htm When it comes to supplying energy for space exploration and settlements, commonly available solar cells made of silicon or gallium arsenide are still too heavy to be feasibly transported by rocket. To address this challenge, a wide variety of lightweight alternatives are being explored, including solar cells made of a thin layer of molybdenum selenide, which fall into the broader category of 2D transition metal dichalcogenide (2D TMDC) solar cells. Researchers propose a device design that can take the efficiencies of 2D TMDC devices from 5%, as has already been demonstrated, to 12%. Tue, 06 Jun 2023 11:16:39 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230606111639.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230601160241.htm Researchers have achieved a breakthrough power-conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.31% with organic solar cells (OSCs), also known as polymer solar cells. This remarkable binary OSC efficiency will help enhance applications of these advanced solar energy devices. Thu, 01 Jun 2023 16:02:41 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/06/230601160241.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/05/230531150055.htm 研究使用世界上最充满活力的激光公顷s shed light on the properties of highly compressed matter -- essential to understanding the structure of giant planets and stars, and to develop controlled nuclear fusion, a process that could harvest carbon-free energy. Wed, 31 May 2023 15:00:55 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/05/230531150055.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/05/230531101550.htm A team of researchers has been developing accessible and creative means of communicating sustainability research from the social sciences for policymakers and the wider public. Using fairy tale characters -- mermaids, vampires, and witches -- as metaphors, the team has sought to communicate typically complicated arguments in evocative and engaging terms. Wed, 31 May 2023 10:15:50 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/05/230531101550.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/05/230530173859.htm A team has developed a new catalyst composed of elements abundant in the Earth. It could make possible the low-cost and energy-efficient production of hydrogen for use in transportation and industrial applications. Tue, 30 May 2023 17:38:59 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/05/230530173859.htm //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/05/230530125428.htm The next generation of sustainable energy technology might be built from some low-tech materials: rocks and the sun. Using a new approach known as concentrated solar power, heat from the sun is stored then used to dry foods or create electricity. A team has found that certain soapstone and granite samples from Tanzania are well suited for storing this solar heat, featuring high energy densities and stability even at high temperatures. Tue, 30 May 2023 12:54:28 EDT //www.koonmotors.com/releases/2023/05/230530125428.htm