Global OTEC's clean energy barge, Dominique, harvests power from the temperature differential between deep water and surface waterGlobal OTECOn an average day, tropical oceans absorb around 278 petawatt-hours of solar energy. Capturing just 1/4000th of this energy could fulfill global daily electricity needs, and ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) offers a potential solution.Pioneering OTEC...
Interfacial nonlinear susceptibility in twisted bilayer WS2. Credit: Nature Photonics (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41566-023-01318-6Physics and materials science comprehensively understand the interaction of light with naturally occurring materials. However, over the last few decades, scientists have engineered metamaterials capable of interacting with light in unconventional ways, surpassing the inherent physical limitations of naturally occurring materials.A metamaterial typically consists...
Liquid gallium in a Petri dish. Credit: University of Sydney/Philip RitchieResearchers have unveiled a groundbreaking approach that leverages liquid metals to transform and "green" the chemical industry. This innovative technique could replace the energy-intensive methods rooted in the early 20th century, offering a much-needed shift away from solid catalysts.Reducing Greenhouse Gas EmissionsChemical production contributes...
Credit: carscoops.Chinese automaker GAC (Guangzhou Automobile Group) recently unveiled an innovative combustion engine that runs on liquid ammonia in collaboration with Toyota.This breakthrough explores an unconventional alternative to traditional fossil fuels, promising a more sustainable and environmentally friendly driving experience.The Ammonia-Powered EngineAt its annual technology showcase, GAC introduced a remarkable 2.0-liter engine designed to...
An economic cycle of ammonia from production to utilization. Credit: Wiley Online Library.As the world strives to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and make the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources, alternative fuels have been at the forefront of innovation. Among these alternatives, ammonia, a common industrial chemical, has been gaining attention...
Uranium stone, a very radioactive element. Credit: RHJPhtotos/Istockphoto.Discovering uranium in 1789 initially led to its application as a colorant in pottery. However, over time, it has transitioned into a coveted resource, serving the nuclear energy industry and medical field. This transformation underscores its increasing importance and utility.Abundance and Detection AdvantageUranium, more abundant than gold,...
An unexpected alliance composed of 100 petroleum, ethanol, farm, and retail organizations has called on the Biden administration to reevaluate its proposed "tailpipe" rule, which aims to make electric vehicles (EVs) the dominant new car and pickup truck choice by 2032. This diverse group raised concerns about the rule's implications for gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles. It hinted...
Scientists have developed a new type of dynamic window that can switch between three modes, selectively blocking light and/or heat. Credit: PixaobayWindows are essential for allowing both light and heat into a space, but there are situations where you may not want both simultaneously. Recently, engineers from North Carolina State University (NCSU) have created...
Credit: PixaobayOne inconvenient reality faced by the clean energy sector, which appears to be a matter of significant concern for the fossil fuel industry, is the undeniable fact that wind turbines cause bird fatalities. Researchers suggest that more intelligent turbine designs could substantially reduce this impact.Quantifying the number of birds that collide with the...
Credit: Unsplush.Carbon capture potential? The UK supports carbon capture projects for net zero goals and adds two more projects for negotiations without additional funding.Carbon capture potential? What does CCS Involve?Carbon capture and storage (CCS) consists of two primary categories. Point-source CCS captures CO2 emissions at the origin, like a smokestack, whereas direct air...
