Energy

- The introduction of dual-layer coating technology, incorporating both polymers and inorganic materials, has led to the development of stabilization technology for the anode of aqueous zinc batteries. - This technology significantly mitigates the core issues of aqueous zinc batteries, specifically addressing the growth of zinc dendrites and the hydrogen evolution reaction.

Charge-recharge cycling of lithium-superrich iron oxide, a cost-effective and high-capacity cathode for new-generation lithium-ion batteries, can be greatly improved by doping with readily available mineral elements.

- A joint research team from DGIST-UNIST has developed ultra-high-efficiency pure red light-emitting devices by modifying the surface of perovskite light-emitting layers to enhance stability and electrical properties. - The findings have been published in the journal “Materials Today.”

- A joint research team between DGIST, Ewha Womans University, Incheon National University, and Sang-hoon Nam at MIT used atomic force microscopy to identify what causes electron-hole separation due to energy-level differences within and at the interface between crystals in the light-absorbing layer of thin-film solar cells - Suggested directions to understand carrier behaviors in a variety of fields with atomic force microscopy

Researchers at Tohoku University and the University of California, Santa Barbara have unveiled a probabilistic computer prototype. Manufacturable with a near-future technology, the prototype combines a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) circuit with a limited number of stochastic nanomagnets, creating a heterogeneous probabilistic computer.

Nanocellular graphene, a specialized form of the revolutionary material graphene, is coveted for its ability to improve the performance of electronic devices, energy devices and sensors. But its development has been stymied by cracks that appear during the manufacturing process. Now, researchers have discovered a means to achieve crack-free, robust NCG - something they successfully put to use in a sodium battery.

Researchers at Tohoku University have made a groundbreaking advancement in battery technology, developing a novel cathode material for rechargeable magnesium batteries that enables efficient charging and discharging even at low temperatures.

Drawing inspiration from the way plants breathe, a group of researchers at Tohoku University has created a paper-based magnesium-air battery that can be used in GPS sensors or pulse oximeter sensors. Taking advantage of paper’s recyclability and lightweight nature, the engineered battery holds promise for a more environmentally friendly source of energy.

- The new photocatalyst is capable of generating methane production 51 times greater compared to commercial TiO2 photocatalysts by improving the surface and electrical properties with amorphous In2TiO5/MoSe2 photocatalysts - The research results were published in Chemical Engineering Journal, a prestigious international journal in the field of energy and environment.

The means to synthesize ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen gas has been around since the early 20th century. Despite its current widespread usage, it has significant environmental drawbacks. Now, researchers from Tohoku University have unveiled a new, environmentally friendly means of producing this widely used chemical.

Researchers from Osaka University conducted a series of participatory deliberation workshops at Osaka University in which the participants were asked to consider issues of future society and manufacturing, in general, and as they relate to hydrothermally produced porous glass. In workshops where the perspective of “imaginary future generations” was adopted, participants’ perceptions of the technology’s feasibility and future potentiality changed significantly.

Gas hydrates are great alternative energy sources but they could also harm us and the environment, note geologists from the University of the Philippines.

In celebration of International Women's Day, we are putting the spotlight on women experts from various fields who are open to speaking with international media about their research and advocacies.

Asia Research News monitors the latest research news in Asia. Some highlights that caught our attention this week are tiny tattoos for fish scales, how jellyfish can inspire forensics, and our intrinsic affinity for music.

- Research team developed a high-output friction electrification energy generator operated by wind energy - Nano Technology has published this technological breakthrough for preventing and removing surface contamination on self-generating solar cells using friction electrification power generator

Metal-nitrogen-carbon (M-N-C) single-atom catalysts are a promising type of catalyst that could help provide cost-effective alternatives to platinum-based ones. However, there are still some aspects of their behavior that are misunderstood. To rectify this, a group of researchers delved into the intricacies of M-N-C catalysts, yielding promising results.

At Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, four researchers in diverse fields of study – from urban planning to digital architecture – are working hard to reach sustainability goals.

AI records rare bird footage, Lighting up IoT and smart cities, Crystal language designs new materials, Detecting toxins with mobile phones, and Dragonfly wings for better aerodynamics. Plus join us for SciCom coffee. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.

- Joint research team of DGIST (Prof. Dae-hyun Nam, Youn-gu Lee) - Sogang Univ. (Prof. Seo-in Back) developed a new catalyst for electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide using “vitamin C boosting copper nanowire” - Utilizing the jointly developed catalyst accelerates conversion from carbon dioxide to ethylene, enabling mass production of ethylene - Findings published in the prestigious academic journal, “Nature Communications”

Scientists are eager to harness the unique electrical properties of topological magnets for advancing thermoelectric materials. A collaborative research group has successfully induced positive and negative polarities, unlocking the potential for generating thermoelectric energy from materials with topological magnet properties.

Research by Assistant Professor Edison Ang Huixiang and his team from National Institute of Education/Nanyang Technological University Singapore

Using conventional X-rays and lasers to detect the atomic state of hydrogen is challenging, given its small size. A group of researchers may have overcome this barrier by unveiling a new visualization technique that employs an optical microscope and polyaniline to paint a better picture of how hydrogen behaves in metals.

- Professor Jong-min Choi’s research team at DGIST develops a stabilization technology that simultaneously increases efficiency and stability by applying MXene to quantum dot photovoltaic cells - The introduction of MXene is expected to improve the performance of various electronic devices

- Successfully developed polymer-based solid-state electrolytes with high ionic conductivity and flame-retardant properties - Research results published in Advanced Energy Materials

To reach the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, on November 14, Academia Sinica and the Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) held a technology conference on Methane Pyrolysis to Power (MPTP) power generation at the Taiwan Power Research Institute (TPRI). Emerging from the laboratories of Academia Sinica, methane pyrolysis technology has recently been successfully applied in Taipower’s small-scale power generation units! President Ing-Wen Tsai attended the conference to deliver a speech, and together with Academia Sinica President Liao and other dignitaries, witnessed the significant milestone of net-zero emissions.

Lithium-oxygen batteries utilize oxygen in the surrounding air to generate energy. They have shown a high degree of theoretical potential, but the technology has stymied due to the specially designed carbon cathodes lacking certain characteristics. Researchers have made a breakthrough in this regard, developing a special type of porous carbon sheet called graphene mesoponge sheets.

New shrimp species in ancient hot spring, Super sprouts, How "warm-ups" work, New antiviral candidate, Solving voltage decay and from our blog: A sustainable future shines in TIE 2023. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.

SINGAPORE, November 7, 2023 – TechInnovation 2023, IPI's flagship event and a premier technology-matching platform, successfully concluded on Thursday, 2 November 2023, profoundly impacting audiences with insights into Sustainability, Health & Well-being, and AI in Healthcare. Over 5,000 people registered to attend TechInnovation, which brought together industry leaders, innovators, and technology experts alike to share and discover opportunities to partner and collaborate to create a sustainable future.

- A research team led by Professor Jong-min Choi at the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, DGIST, collaborated with a research team of Professor Bum-joon Kim’s research team at the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, KAIST, to develop bipolar polymers, which can improve the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells - Developed a process that can repair defects and maximize multifunctionality with the double introduction of bipolar polymers

- A research team led by Professor Jong-min Choi at the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, DGIST, has successfully developed stable quantum dot thin films, which can improve efficiency and stability in perovskite quantum dot solar cells. - Suggests a new quantum dot surface stabilization strategy based on a non-polar solvent and covalent ligands