Tag

Energy Conversion

All articles tagged with #energy conversion

science-and-technology1 year ago

Innovative Magnetic Materials Revolutionize Thermoelectric Technology

Researchers from NIMS and UTokyo have developed a new approach to enhance thermoelectric performance using artificially tilted multilayers of magnetic metals and semiconductors. This design leverages the anomalous Nernst effect (ANE) and the off-diagonal Seebeck effect (ODSE) to improve transverse thermoelectric conversion efficiency significantly. The study, published in Nature Communications, suggests that focusing on structural design and specific physical parameters can lead to better materials for practical applications like power generation from waste heat and electronic cooling.

science-and-technology1 year ago

"Breakthrough: Measuring Near-Field Subwavelength Thermal Radiation"

Researchers have successfully conducted the first near-field thermal radiation measurement between subwavelength nanodevices, breaking Planck's Law at the nanoscale. By fabricating an advanced instrument, they observed a 20-fold enhancement in heat transfer between two subwavelength surfaces with a separation gap of 150 nm, providing new insights into energy transport physics within nanodevices. This foundational physics has the potential to impact thermal engineering and photonics in the future.

science-and-technology2 years ago

"Breakthrough Discovery: World Record Material Unlocks Hydrogen Generation"

Researchers at Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) have made a breakthrough in solar energy utilization by developing high-performance nanostructures using nanotechnology. The team, led by Professor Emiliano Cortés, aims to address the challenge of capturing sunlight, which arrives on Earth in a diluted form. Traditional solar panels cover extensive surfaces to compensate for this, but the new nanostructures could revolutionize solar energy efficiency.

health-and-wellness2 years ago

Boost Your Metabolic Function with This Daily Supplement After 30, Say Nutritionists

Metabolism refers to the chemical changes that occur within cells and organisms to provide energy and maintain overall health. Factors such as age, sex, muscle mass, genetics, movement, and tobacco use can influence the speed of metabolism. People with a slow metabolism may have difficulty losing weight because they burn fewer calories, but building muscle can help increase metabolism. Metabolic disorders are inherited conditions that affect the body's metabolism. Aging, losing weight, quitting smoking, and skipping meals can all contribute to a slower metabolism. Prioritizing strength training and a healthy lifestyle can help boost metabolism.

science2 years ago

Cracking Nature's Quantum Code: Shedding Light on Photosynthesis Secrets

A recent study published in Nature has revealed that photosynthesis, the process by which photosynthetic organisms convert light energy into chemical energy, can be initiated by the absorption of a single photon. This discovery confirms the long-held assumption that a single photon is sufficient to trigger photosynthesis and sheds light on the quantum dynamics underlying this essential biological process. The research provides valuable insights into how life functions at the intersection of quantum physics and biology and may contribute to the development of efficient artificial systems for renewable energy production.

science-and-technology2 years ago

"Revolutionary Power Generator Harnesses Atmospheric Humidity for Energy Generation"

A research team has developed a power generator that collects natural atmospheric humidity and produces continuous electrical signals using a nano-sized material called polyoxometalates. This humidity generator, constructed with POM nanomaterials, has the potential to efficiently utilize low-value energy and represents a new research direction for polyoxometalates in sustainable energy utilization. The generator operates by absorbing atmospheric humidity and creating a distribution gradient of water, resulting in stable and continuous power generation. The team aims to further optimize materials and improve the efficiency of atmospheric humidity power generation for sustainable energy development.

science-and-technology2 years ago

"Solar-Powered Microbes: Transforming CO2 into Bioplastic through Imaging"

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a multimodal imaging platform to study microbe-semiconductor biohybrids, which use solar energy to convert carbon dioxide into valuable chemical products like bioplastics. The platform allows for single-cell resolution imaging, providing insights into the energy conversion pathways and protein behaviors within the biohybrids. The researchers discovered the functional roles of different hydrogenases in the process and found that the bacteria can uptake a larger amount of electrons from semiconductor photocatalysts than previously thought. The findings could lead to the development of more efficient energy conversion strategies and have implications for other biological-inorganic systems.

science2 years ago

First Law of Thermodynamics Limitation Overcome in Physics Breakthrough

Physicists at West Virginia University have developed a new understanding of the first law of thermodynamics, which states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, but can be converted into different forms. The researchers have generalized the law for systems that are not in equilibrium, which has numerous potential applications, including helping scientists understand plasmas in space and preparing for space weather. The breakthrough could also be useful for studying low-temperature plasmas, chemistry, and quantum computing. The study was funded by the National Science Foundation.