ScienceDaily: Matter & Energy News

Exotic superconductors: The secret that wasn't there

Posted: 22 Jun 2021 09:53 AM PDT

The mystery of an exotic kind of superconductivity has been solved, researchers say -- by showing that it just does not exist. An effect, which has been celebrated since the 1990s has now been shown to be standard superconductivity. Still, this realization leads to important new ideas.

Future of perovskite solar cells shines a little brighter

Posted: 22 Jun 2021 09:33 AM PDT

A novel way of synthesizing an essential powder is key to raising the efficiency of perovskite solar cells, say researchers.

Perovskite memory devices with ultra-fast switching speed

Posted: 22 Jun 2021 09:32 AM PDT

A research team has successfully developed halide perovskite-based memory with an ultra-fast switching speed.

AR can improve the lives of older adults, so why are apps designed mainly for youngsters?

Posted: 22 Jun 2021 09:32 AM PDT

Older people affected by memory loss have much to gain from AR technology, yet a study exploring the use of augmented reality to support older adults at home finds the user interface is sometimes confusing for those aged 50+.

Producing hydrogen using less energy

Posted: 22 Jun 2021 09:32 AM PDT

The way in which a compound inspired by nature produces hydrogen has now been described in detail. These findings are the foundation for the energy-efficient production of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source.

Improving asphalt road pavement with nano-engineered particles

Posted: 22 Jun 2021 09:32 AM PDT

New research suggests fumed silica nanoparticles (FSNs) can be used to help improve the performance of warm mix asphalt (WMA).

A 'bio-refinery': Using the chemistry of willow trees to treat municipal wastewater

Posted: 22 Jun 2021 06:53 AM PDT

Millions of liters of primary municipal wastewater can be treated sustainably using fast-growing willow trees while also producing renewable bioenergy and 'green' chemicals, researchers find.

Worrying insights into the chemicals in plastics

Posted: 22 Jun 2021 06:16 AM PDT

ETH researchers examined chemicals in plastics worldwide. They found an unexpectedly high number of substances of potential concern intentionally used in everyday plastic products. A lack of transparency limits management of these chemicals.

Metal catalysts used for environmental sustainability found to degrade and become less effective

Posted: 22 Jun 2021 06:16 AM PDT

New research is showing that some tiny catalysts being considered for industrial-scaled environmental remediation efforts may be unstable during operation.

Aviation's contribution to cutting climate change likely to be small

Posted: 22 Jun 2021 06:16 AM PDT

Although the emissions targets for aviation are in line with the overall goals of the Paris Agreement, there is a high likelihood that the climate impact of aviation will not meet these goals, according to a new study.

Lead from leaded petrol persists in London air despite '90s ban

Posted: 21 Jun 2021 01:05 PM PDT

Lead levels in London's atmosphere have dropped drastically since lead additives in petrol were phased out, and currently meet UK air quality targets. However despite this drop, airborne particles in London are still highly lead-enriched compared to natural background levels, according to new research.

Inkjet printing 'impossible materials'

Posted: 21 Jun 2021 09:38 AM PDT

Engineers developed inexpensive methods to make 'impossible materials' that interact in unusual ways with microwave energy. Thin film polymers inkjet printed with tiny component patterns collect or transmit energy with much greater selectivity, sensitivity, and power than conventional materials.