[Image above] Credit: ACerS
ENERGY
Hybrid device integrates silicon solar cell with molecular solar thermal energy storage
Researchers developed a hybrid device that combines a silicon solar cell with an innovative storage system called MOST, which stands for molecular solar thermal energy storage. The device’s organic molecules have two functions: capture and store energy for later use, plus provide cooling by acting as an optical filter.
Surprising benefits of slowing down wind turbines
University of Adelaide researchers found that the efficiency of wind turbines arranged in wind farms in which turbines are clustered together can be improved by reducing the rotational speed of wind turbines at the front of the group.
ENVIRONMENT
Single-step lifecycle monitoring made fast and easy with single-walled carbon nanotubes
Researchers at Skoltech, together with partners from Jiangsu University and Belarussian State University, showed that single-walled carbon nanotube sensors can be used to monitor a polymer’s properties during its entire lifecycle, from manufacturing to application.
Extinct volcanoes possibly ‘rich’ source of rare earth elements
A mysterious type of iron-rich magma entombed within extinct volcanoes is likely abundant with rare earth elements and could offer a new way to source these in-demand metals, according to new research from The Australian National University and the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
MANUFACTURING
Engineers 3D print sturdy glass bricks for building structures
Massachusetts Institute of Technology engineers used a custom 3D glass printing technology provided by MIT spinoff Evenline to create strong, multilayered glass bricks, each in the shape of a figure eight, that are designed to interlock, much like LEGO bricks.
New research unveils best conditions for storing graphene oxide
Researchers from Skoltech, MIPT, Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics of Russian Academy of Sciences, and other scientific organizations determined that the most suitable conditions for storing graphene oxide, when its properties will not change, are low temperatures and a lack of light.
OTHER STORIES
Tuneable materials give counterfeiters a run for their money
Using the Canadian Light Source at the University of Saskatchewan, researchers created inorganic phosphor nanoparticles that are visible to the eye for several minutes after exposure to ultraviolet light. A money manufacturer could create a graphical pattern using a combination of the phosphors, which would help combat counterfeiting.
Scientists set new record for world’s strongest resistive magnet
Chinese scientists designed a resistive magnet which achieved a steady magnetic field of 42.02 tesla. This value beats out the previous record of 41.4 tesla, which was set by the U.S. National High Magnetic Laboratory in 2017.
Danish physicists solve persistent issue in quantum research
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen, working with Ruhr University Bochum, figured out how to control two quantum light sources instead of just one. This advancement allows the creation of quantum mechanical entanglement.
MIT course helps researchers crack secrets of ancient pottery
Massachusetts Institute of Technology offered a summer intensive course for Ph.D. students and early-career researchers in the specialized archeological skill of ceramic petrography. The course focused on using optical microscopy to characterize pottery from ancient civilizations, revealing information about manufacturing techniques and provenance.
