Tag: Clean energy

Plant secretions are a useful source of energy. Inspired by photosynthesis, a research team from Lausanne has developed leaf-like electrodes which, powered by solar energy, can generate hydrogen from air humidity. The basis for the technology is a thin, light-transmissive and porous mesh made from melted quartz fibres. After being coated with fluorine-doped tin oxide, the structure becomes highly...

Banana ‘paper’ can help protect potatoes from pathogens by absorbing spuds’ discharge. Now, a startup from the Netherlands is using the discarded organic material produced during photosynthesis to create electricity. Bacteria around the roots of a plant break down the discharge, releasing electrons and protons. These react with anodes and cathodes in the soil, as well as oxygen in...

Sand retains its warmth for months, just as white-hot heat can generate electricity. Now a venue manager from Glasgow has discovered another means of producing energy, providing climate control by using the body heat of venue-goers. To cool rooms, special ceiling-mounted devices collect heat from the air and transfuse it into fluid. Using boreholes, this, in turn, is funnelled...

Implants can be nourished by the body's store of glucose, while batteries can be powered by air moisture. Now, using an A5-sized device, a research team from Singapore has managed to generate electricity from a light breeze. A long plate with a cube on its end is fixed to one side of a small base body. The plate vibrates...

Cycling into the wind can be illuminating. A collection of small wind turbines in the ocean may generate electricity for entire towns. Using the patented technology developed by an American research team, renewable energy could soon be produced from the movement of water in the sea. Unlike mechanical systems like these, the water’s power doesn't actuate a single generator...

Warm walls help generate energy. Now, the startup of a Finnish research team is using sand to store solar- and wind electricity. The renewable energy powers a device that circulates hot air in a silo with some 100 tons of sand which heats up to 600-1000℃. This way energy can be stored for months without using lithium and cater...

Body heat and sweat generated through sport can be useful. Now, a research team in Singapore has found a way of producing electricity from air moisture. First, a fabric made of wood pulp and polyester was coated with carbon nanoparticles. Hydrogel made using sea salt was applied to one half, while the other stayed dry. Positively charged sea-salt ions...

Wine and shrimps are an ideal combination, particular in connection with chitin. These carbohydrates from crustacean shells aren’t just suitable for conserving foods; their potential is vast. Now, a research team from Maryland University has developed an electrolyte gel with chitosan - a bio-polymer extracted from chitin - for use in zinc batteries. In tests, their new battery showed...