Energy

Future of bioplastics made from carbon dioxide and biomass molecules could rely on more enzymes, shorter incubation periods

- Professor Jongmin Choi's team from the Department of Energy Science and Engineering at DGIST adopts a new ligand to enhance the efficiency and stability of perovskite quantum dot solar cells - Solar cell efficiency increases to 15.3% by correcting distortions on the surface of quantum dots

Solid electrolyte composed of nanoparticles embedded in an amorphous matrix shows high conductivity, formability, and electrochemical stability

Distinguished Professor Nae-Lih Wu and his research team from NTU Chemical Engineering Department recently published a review paper- "Lithium-ion Battery Electrolyte Additives: Classification by Elements" in a top-ranked international journal: Progress in Materials Science (2023 IF: 33.6)

Asia Research News monitors the latest research news in Asia. Some highlights that caught our attention this week are how AI helped uncover mysterious Nazca lines, a battery made from a glowing crystal, and how 1 in 3 children are nearsighted.

Asia Research News monitors the latest research news in Asia. Some highlights that caught our attention this week are how video call backgrounds can tire you out, mathematical secrets in Starry Night, and what we can see at the edge of the galaxy.

Researchers from Osaka University fabricated copolymers with chiral backbones based on indacenodithiophene. Spin-coated films of the copolymers behaved differently toward currents with opposite polarization, resulting in chirality-induced spin selectivity. The magnitude of this selectivity was quantified as a spin polarization of almost 70%, which is among the highest achieved to date for a chiral polymer. These chiral copolymer films are attractive for use as spin filters in spintronics applications.

Ceramic-rich composite electrolytes: An overview of the paradigm shift from high-performance lithium metal batteries to solid-state electrolytes

Asia Research News monitors the latest research news in Asia. Some highlights that caught our attention this week are how a live pig was operated on by a surgeon thousands of kilometers away, how an asteroid caused a massive ancient impact, and the day the sun grew dark 6,000 years ago.

A capacitor is like a highspeed battery that can quickly store and release energy. What happens when it becomes “super?” Researchers at Tohoku University have potential solutions to improve energy-efficiency.

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.