Energy

Lower SOFC operation temperatures by smoothing grain boundaries

By Lisa McDonald / January 11, 2019

Solid oxide electrochemical cells offer a sustainable alternative to current fossil energy combustion technologies, if scientists can get them to operate well at lower temperatures. New research offers a step toward this goal.

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A simple way to dope titanium dioxide with nitrogen

By Lisa McDonald / December 14, 2018

Researchers found simple thermal annealing can effectively dope titanium dioxide with nitrogen. Findings like this one can help expand the use of TiO2 in solar energy conversion technologies.

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Video: Stretchy solar cells a step closer

By Lisa McDonald / November 14, 2018

Rice University researchers developed flexible, organic solar cells that could be useful where constant, low-power generation is sufficient.

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ceramic zirconium carbide/metal tungsten plates

Ceramic metal composite could lower cost of electricity from solar power

By Faye Oney / November 2, 2018

Researchers have developed a ceramic-metal composite for a heat exchanger to generate electricity from solar power. Their advancement could ultimately lower the cost of electricity generated from solar power.

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Fast-charging EV stations could be a reality in three years

By Faye Oney / October 26, 2018

In a collaborative effort between researchers and industry, a team is working to develop fast-charging stations for electric vehicles. Their success could lead to wider adoption of EVs in the near future.

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Report: Nuclear has potential to play bigger role in meeting global energy demand

By Faye Oney / September 25, 2018

A new report from MIT Energy Initiative says that nuclear energy has the potential to be used as an alternative energy source as long as cost and policy issues are addressed. Read the report and watch the video to learn more.

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Range of topics inspire lively discussions, enthusiasm at MCARE 2018

By Jonathon Foreman / August 31, 2018

Nearly two hundred people from 25 countries converged in Vancouver, BC, Canada, August 20–23, for Materials Challenges in Alternative and Renewable Energy (MCARE 2018). The conference inspired a variety of discussions and a lot of enthusiasm.

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3D-printed Smart Slab offers unique architectural design, lower carbon footprint

By Faye Oney / August 24, 2018

Researchers have developed an architectural construction technology that combines 3-D-printed design with the strength of concrete. Smart Slab weighs less than half of conventional concrete and generates a lower carbon footprint.

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Video: Solar takes over after lemons fail to power electric race car battery

By Faye Oney / August 22, 2018

Lemons are good for making low-voltage batteries, but not so much when powering a car. Mark Rober attempts to create a giant lemon battery before realizing he should have used another energy source.

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Ceramic electrolyte in lithium batteries offers twice the performance, prevents dendrite formation

By Faye Oney / August 17, 2018

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a faster-charging solid-state lithium battery. The key is a ceramic electrolyte that stabilizes the surface and does not degrade over time.

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