Nanoenergy News

RSS

New Method for Producing Nanoporous Silicon Anodes Holds Promise for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Researchers at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering have improved the performance and capacity of lithium batteries by developing better-performing, cheaper materials for use in anodes and cathodes (negative and positive electrodes, respectively).

1 Apr 2014

Research Reveals Solar Cell Efficiency Based on Balance Between Size and Purity of Domains

Research from North Carolina State University reveals that solar cell efficiency is based upon a delicate balance between the size and purity of the interior layers, or domains. These findings may lead to better designs and improved performance in organic solar cells.

From North Carolina State University 31 Mar 2014

Rice Research Papers Ranked Among Top 10 Most Read in ACS Nano

Papers by two Rice University professors ranked among the top 10 most read in the American Chemical Society’s journal, ACS Nano.

14 Mar 2014

Engineers Create Nano-baskets to Hold Hydrogen Atoms

If you think your origami skills can't be beat – try this: (1) use the world's thinnest material, (2) make the origami fold and unfold itself, and (3) pack into your miniscule origami box enough hydrogen atoms to exceed future U.S. goals for hydrogen energy storage devices. Researchers from the University of Maryland have done all three.

13 Mar 2014

Nanoscale Physics for Harvesting Renewable Energy

When the sun sets on a remote desert outpost and solar panels shut down, what energy source will provide power through the night? A battery, perhaps, or an old diesel generator? Perhaps something strange and new.

5 Mar 2014

Nanogenerator Harvests and Converts Vibration Energy into Power

A multi-university team of engineers has developed what could be a promising solution for charging smartphone batteries on the go — without the need for an electrical cord.

21 Feb 2014

Yissum Unveils Novel Anode Based on Nanomaterials for Sodium-Ion Batteries

One of the most pressing problems of modern society is how to convert and store energy. Lithium ion batteries have been the main energy storage medium for mobile applications for the past 20 years. But there are significant drawbacks for using lithium ion batteries, in particular the low availability and high cost of lithium, coupled with the environmental impact of extracting and disposing of this highly reactive ion.

From Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem 11 Feb 2014

University of Limerick Researchers Develop Ideal Battery Material Using Nanotechnology

Researchers at the Materials and Surface Science Institute (MSSI), University of Limerick have made a significant breakthrough in the area of rechargeable battery technology.

10 Feb 2014

ORNL Researchers are Developing Transparent Low-Cost Anti-Soiling Coating for Solar Reflectors

Soiling -- the accumulation of dust and sand -- on solar power reflectors and photovoltaic cells is one of the main efficiency drags for solar power plants, capable of reducing reflectivity up to 50 percent in 14 days. Though plants can perform manual cleaning and brushing with deionized water and detergent, this labor-intensive routine significantly raises operating and maintenance costs (O&M), which is reflected in the cost of solar energy for consumers.

From Oak Ridge National Laboratory 30 Jan 2014

Bacterial Spore Generator Could Provide a Steady Source of Green Electricity

A new type of electrical generator uses bacterial spores to harness the untapped power of evaporating water, according to research conducted at the Wyss Institute of Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University. Its developers foresee electrical generators driven by changes in humidity from sun-warmed ponds and harbors.

28 Jan 2014