Low-magnification SEM image of the hierarchical nanostructure consisting of radially aligned ZnO nanowires grown on electrospun poly-l-lactide nanofibers. Inset: schematic representation of the hierarchical nanostructure. Credit: JACerS. In a story just published in one of ACerS’ technical journals, a group of researchers from Sweden’s Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) report they have discovered what appears…
Read MoreSandia National Lab researchers have developed a new system that provides a way for utility companies to predict and prepare for fluctuations in power output due to changes in weather. By observing cloud shape, size and movement, the system can monitor how clouds affect large-scale photovoltaic power plants. According to a Sandia news release, the…
Read MoreThis filament containing about 30 million carbon nanotubes absorbs energy from the sun as photons and then re-emits photons of lower energy, creating the fluorescence seen here. The red regions indicate highest energy intensity, and green and blue are lower intensity. (Credit: Geraldine Paulus/MIT.) MIT News reports that chemical engineers have devised a way to…
Read MoreSchematic of proposed CO2 underground storage by Spectra Energy in western Canada. With several proposals related to the conversion of sequestered CO2 to carbonates being considered by the science community, a team of University of California at Davis researchers say their new discoveries about the transformational and crystallization of amorphous calcium carbonate will help fill…
Read MoreThe Department of Energy made two major funding announcements today. One regards $575 million going to 22 advanced carbon-capture R&D projects. The other announcement is of $8.5 million for projects related to integrating solar energy with the nation’s electrical grids. The carbon-capture projects are being funded from Recovery Act monies, and are targeted at four…
Read MoreSMA solar energy inverter Lux Research has a couple of interesting reports out regarding who the winners and losers are likely to be in several key energy-related categories. Lux, it should be pointed out, is in the business of providing governments, businesses and investors with proprietary information on emerging technologies. The company uses a combination…
Read MorePot-shaped filters, like those above, are used to remove bacteria from water in Guatemala. The filters are typically made out of native sawdust and clay, and imported colloidal silver. (Credit: Missouri S&T.) Ceramic pot filters are crucial for accessing clean water in third-world countries and underdeveloped regions of emerging nations. For a variety of reasons,…
Read MoreU.S. and Chinese energy officials announced plans for cooperative clean energy research centers in July 2009. Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced the formation of two new joint United States—China Clean Energy Research Centers to focus on clean coal and clean vehicle technology. Each CERC is expected to be backed by $50 million over the…
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