Energy

A re-analysis of early gas storage materials shows that they could adjust their shape to hold more gas, a property generally associated with newer, more advanced materials

A new fuel cell catalyst made from platinum and magnesium delivers exceptional efficiency and durability, potentially transforming clean energy technology.

- A joint research team from DGIST, UNIST, and IBS has developed a double-layer dry transfer printing technology that simultaneously transfers light-emitting and electron-transferring layers onto a substrate, enhancing AR/VR immersion. - Research results have been published in Nature Photonics.

As climate change continues to advance, the need for low-carbon, clean energy alternatives has become more urgent than ever. A research team at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) has developed a new generation of printable perovskite solar cells that offer higher efficiency and stability, lower cost and scalability, with a minimal carbon footprint. With funding support from the inaugural Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme (RAISe+ Scheme) of the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR government, the team aims to establish a pilot production line within one and a half years, paving the way for a sustainable solar future.

We are constantly surrounded by electromagnetic waves such as Wi-Fi. Researchers at Tohoku University tested a device to convert this ambient energy into energy for electronic devices.

- Developed green energy solutions using high-performance triboelectric generator - Developed an ionic polyurethane with self-healing, biodegradable, and high triboelectric properties and published the paper in "Nano Energy"

- DGIST Prof. Lee Hongkyung, LG ENERGY SOLUTION, and Yonsei Univ. Prof. Lee Yong-min collaboratively develop a protective film for lithium metal cathodes to improve the lifespan of Li-S batteries - Unlike conventional methods, the film prevents the initial protective layer from peeling off, which is expected to lengthen the operation time of Li-S batteries

The first-ever Lingnan-Yuanpei STEM Summer Academy, organised jointly by Lingnan University in Hong Kong and Yuanpei College of Peking University (PKU), held a seven-day Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Camp-cum-STEM Competition from 22 to 28 June. Thirty of the best students from both universities formed five teams to compete on various innovative and entrepreneurial smart green technological projects. After a tight race, the project “Sustainable Green Building” team won the championship prize, and the chance to be nominated for the Lingnan University Entrepreneurship Fund, and will be put up for an application for seed or incubation funds.

Approach could have applications for microchemistry, quantum dots

- An amorphous TiO2/CdSe photocatalyst improves CO2 conversion performance and catalyst lifetime, with quadrupled regeneration efficiency over conventional photocatalysts - The results are published in the International Journal of Applied Catalysis B: Environment and Energy

Asia Research News monitors the latest research news in Asia. Some highlights that caught our attention this week are how to analyze sweat without getting sweaty, man’s best (robot) friends, and a satellite made from an innovative material: wood.

Lingnan University signed multiple significant strategic cooperation framework agreements yesterday (28 May) with Rizhao City, Shandong Province, Shandong Hi-Speed Group Co, Ltd. (Shandong Hi-Speed Group), Shandong Huge Dental Material Co., Ltd., and Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company Limited (ASTRI). These collaborations aim to leverage each party’s unique strengths in talent, research, and industry. Lingnan will conduct research projects with partner institutions, promote collaborative innovation, develop new quality productive forces, establish new research and development (R&D) institutions, accelerate the commercialisation of technological achievements, and cultivate a new generation of exceptional talent.

Researchers have harnessed artificial intelligence to identify multicomponent metal oxide electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction. The breakthrough will make it easier for future researchers to identify the materials needed to address sustainable energy demands.

Achievement of stereoselective up-conversion processes using a chiral donor/acceptor pair in the presence of synthetic saponite

- Replacing conventional long-time heat treatments with pulsed, instantaneous light to improve the electrical conductivity of next-generation PbS Quantum Dot solar cells while suppressing defect formation - Reduced build time and maximized efficiency with pulse-shaped fabrication - Published the research results in an online paper in the international journal, “Small” (IF: 13.3)

- The DGIST·Kookmin University joint research team identifies triboelectricity as a source of soft mechanoluminescent complex and proposes a mechanism for light emission - Emits bright light even under light stress and is durable; increased expectation for new applications upon identifying the cause

- Ensure price competitiveness and reliability by using the phenomenon of dye reacting with beta rays instead of expensive semiconductors and carbon isotope treatment technology for anodes - Provide a power technology that has been available for decades without the need for recharging. It excels in the era of on-device and AI, being more cost-competitive and efficient than traditional betavoltaic cells - Published the findings in the Journal of Power Sources, one of the most prestigious international journals in the field of electrical and electronic engineering

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking data-driven model to predict the dehydrogenation barriers of magnesium hydride, a promising material for solid-state hydrogen storage. This advancement holds significant potential for enhancing hydrogen storage technologies, a crucial component in the transition to sustainable energy solutions.

Paper-based battery for wearable devices, To pass or not to pass? Kirigami hydrogels rise from cellulose, Climate impact on mountains, Effects of space weathering. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.

Asia Research News monitors the latest research news in Asia. Some highlights that caught our attention this week are the lifespan of different cat breeds, the possibility of regrowing teeth, and how small creatures can help maintain our environments.

- 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.