A new ink deposition method simplifies a complicated process for creating efficient perovskite solar cells. With hopes of a green energy transition on the horizon, developments in renewable energy technologies are becoming…
Category: Environment
A sprayable chemical sensor for better environmental monitoring
An innovative chemical sensor design could make environmental monitoring in the field more efficient and effective. Detecting harmful chemicals in the environment is important for maintaining both ecological and public health. Though…
Landmark CFC ban gave planet fighting chance against global warming
Using a new model, experts say that without the global CFC ban we would already be facing the reality of a “scorched earth”. Image credit: Anurag challa Unsplash Recent modelling by an…
Underwater volcanoes unleash enough energy to power a continent
Scientists are closer to understanding the formation of underwater megaplumes, large and powerful columns of heated water rising from the ocean floor. West Mato Volcano erupting in 2009. Image credit: the National…
Inspired by the pufferfish, this hydrogel purifies water using nothing but sunlight
This method of purification under natural sunlight opens a new paradigm in clean water production using renewable solar energy. As population growth is expected to continue, with an increase to roughly 9.7…
Nature can adjust to a new climate, though perhaps not fast enough
Nature is widely adapted to the current climate, making it harder to adjust to a new one. Image credit: Irina Iriser on Unsplash Climate change is a major threat to biodiversity, and…
Could restoring peatlands be key to saving the planet?
Peatlands are among the most valuable ecosystems on Earth but when damaged are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Recently rewetted fen in NE Germany where cattail has been planted for…
The Arctic has begun to enter a new climate state
An extensive study shows that the fragile Arctic landscape is changing right before our eyes. While we cannot stop the transformation, we can mitigate its effects if we reduce greenhouse gas emissions…
Reflecting sunlight to cool the planet could cause other unintended global changes
Scientists model the effects of spraying aerosols into the stratosphere and discover some unintended consequences. There is mounting interest in a global cooling strategy that uses solar geoengineering to limit the amount…
Making water-splitting for hydrogen storage 50 times more efficient
Experiments find the sweet spot for surface area and bubble trapping to create more efficient water-splitting devices. Image credit: Drew Hayes Unsplash Electrolysis is a technique used in chemistry to drive an…