Energy Crisis Research Articles

Mg bulk and surface modification on Ni/Y2Ti2O7 catalyst for dry reforming of methane

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) can simultaneously convert two greenhouse gases, CH4 and CO2, into high value-added synthetic gas, which can effectively alleviate the energy crisis and optimize the human ecological environment. In this work, the effect of Mg addition method on the activity of the Y2Ti2O7 pyrochlore supported Ni catalysts was investigated in DRM. The H2-TPR and XPS results showed that Mg modification enhanced the interaction between Ni and Y2Ti2O7 pyrochlore support. Thus, much smaller Ni grains with better thermal stability could be achieved on the Mg doped Ni/Y2Ti2O7 catalyst, as evidenced by the XRD, H2-TPD and TEM results. CO2-assistant CH4-TPSR demonstrated that Mg surface modification can facilitate the reaction between the activated CO2∗ and the H∗ produced by CH4 dissociation. Mg incorporation increased the basic site of the Ni/Y2Ti2O7 catalyst, as evidenced by CO2-TPD-MS results, which was conducive to the adsorption and activation of CO2 to promote the removal of coke deposition. Consequently, Ni/Y1·5Mg0·5Ti2O7 and Ni–MgO/Y2Ti2O7 catalysts exhibit higher stability and more potent coke resistance than the unmodified Ni/Y2Ti2O7 sample. It is concluded that higher Ni0 dispersion and more mobile active oxygen species are the main reasons for the improvement of activity and coke resistance of the Ni/Y2Ti2O7 catalysts. In addition, in situ DRIFTS results confirmed that CO2 activation of all catalysts followed the formate intermediate species path.

Polyoxometalate‐Derived Photocatalysts Enabling Progress in Hydrogen Evolution Reactions

AbstractPhotocatalytic water splitting is capable of converting abundant solar energy into environmentally friendly and renewable chemical energy, presenting a promising solution to alleviate the energy crisis and combat environmental pollution. The development of high‐performance photocatalysts is crucial for significantly improving the efficiency of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) involved. Polyoxometalate (POM)‐derived materials, known for their tunable compositions, diverse structures, electron storage/release capabilities, as well as quasi‐semiconductor photochemical properties, serve as highly efficient catalysts in sustainable photosynthesis. This comprehensive review navigates the latest advancements in the assembly strategies and HER performance of POM‐based crystalline materials. It also discusses the composite materials formed by infiltrating POM into metal‐organic frameworks (MOF) and examines the roles of transition metal compounds derived from polyoxometalates, such as sulfides and carbides, in photocatalytic HER. Emphasis is placed on the prospects for the future development of POM‐based compounds as photocatalysts, along with several strategies and outlooks that could facilitate their progress. POM‐derived materials are believed to have significant potential to enhance hydrogen production efficiency while maintaining thermal stability in HER processes.

Progress on Si‐based photoelectrodes for industrial production of green hydrogen by solar‐driven water splitting

AbstractSolar power has been regarded as the ultimate green‐energy source because of its inexhaustibility and eco‐friendliness. The solar‐driven water‐splitting technology for green hydrogen production is considered to be one of effective ways for solar energy harvesting and storage, which may provide solutions for the energy crisis and environmental issues. In the past decades, great progress has been achieved in this area. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is especially promising for the production of solar fuels because of expected large‐scale industrial application. Silicon (Si), as an ideal candidate for the photoelectrode, is the most suitable material for the PEC device in industrial photocatalytic water splitting because of its abundance, mature fabrication technology, and suitable band gap. Here, we give a systematic review on the recent progress for Si‐based photoelectrodes for water splitting with a focus on the industrial application. Particularly, the strategies, such as band‐alignment control, morphology design, and surface engineering, are summarized to enhance the PEC performance and durability for practical application. Furthermore, the perspective for the design of commercial Si‐based PEC devices with high PEC performance, long‐term stability, large‐size, and low cost are given at the end, which shall guide the development of PEC water splitting for industrial application.

The European Energy Crisis and the Consequences for the Global Natural Gas Market

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 led to severe disruptions in the European gas market with significant repercussions on a global scale. The conflict caused a surge in energy prices, a major reshuffling of global natural gas flows, and a shift in the policy-makers’ agendas toward energy supply security. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the developments in the global gas market in the aftermath of the war in Ukraine, focusing in particular on the European gas market and on global LNG trade flows. We first review the characteristics of the gas market in terms of both pricing benchmarks and contractual terms. Next, we analyze the changes to LNG and natural gas production, consumption, and trade flows throughout the European energy crisis. Finally, we review the main policy response to the energy crisis and present some considerations on the gas market outlook. JEL Classification: L95, P28, Q35

Hospital design and planning in the line of foresight of health needs

Abstract The health needs of the population are increasingly difficult to plan and predict. Technological progress, artificial intelligence, new medicines, but also ecological disasters, humanitarian crises, energy crisis and other challenges (as a Covid 19 pandemic) represent the image of our time. New design of hospitals should be able to respond to the challenges of the future: comprehensive provision of health services taking into account the patient’s needs, working conditions taking into account the hospital staff, energy efficiency and construction in accordance with high standards and reduction of CO2 emissions (green hospitals), to ensure alternative sources of electricity and water supply bearing in mind potential emergencies. The big challenge of long-term construction in which advanced technologies and new procedures cannot simply fit into a rigid building structure that is several decades old (example Serbia), so it is necessary to apply precise planning and efficient and high-quality construction in the next generation hospitals, taking into account current modern equipment and that which will appear in the future. Designing hospitals involves anticipating future healthcare challenges, technological advancements, demographic shifts, and changes in patient expectations. Hospitals emphasis on patient-centered design principles, creating environments that prioritize comfort, privacy, and dignity for patients and their families, accessibility and inclusivity, infection control and prevention, sustainability and resilience. Modern hospitals should create collaborative spaces for interdisciplinary teamwork and communication among healthcare providers, research and innovation units, but also community engagement and health promotion activities. Future hospital design requires strong multidisciplinary and cross-sectional cooperation, in which priority is given to architects dedicated to this field and their cooperation with public health and health management experts.

Assessing Greece’s social vulnerability patterns in times of perma-crisis (2008–2022)

IntroductionThe study aims to map and analyse the development of social vulnerability patterns in Greece through a perma-crisis context (economic crisis, austerity, covid-19, energy, and inflation crisis) over the period 2008-2022.MethodsThe paper rests on the construction of a composite index of four key pillars of social vulnerability (employment, living conditions, health, and education) consisting of 15 selected variables obtained from the official Eurostat datasets and using PCA analysis.ResultsOur findings show that social vulnerability patterns in Greece demonstrate a considerable shift during the stated period where certain social groups (i.e., NEETs and precarious workers) seem to suffer the most. The first pattern (2008-2016) is largely characterized by the intensity and severity of the economic crisis and austerity measures, which contributed to the exacerbation of social vulnerability. The second pattern (2017-2022) presents a gradual decline mainly due to the recovery of the economy and a decrease in unemployment rates featuring a strong tendency to reach the pre-crisis levels in the years to come.DiscussionThe high levels of social vulnerability leading to social exclusion, poverty, and the widening of inequalities, impede the country’s resilience and recovery efforts and undermine social cohesion.

Engineered self-assembled protein nanosheets for in situ biosynthesis of peptide anchored protein-semiconductor hybrids for efficient hydrogen production

Catalytic hydrogen production using solar energy is of great significance in addressing the global energy crisis. Herein, an efficient artificial photocatalytic hydrogen production system based on hierarchical protein self-assembly is designed and developed by in situ biosynthesis of peptide-anchored protein-semiconductor hybrids. The self-grown protein-CdS quantum dot hybrids stabilize and array orderly by the predesigned bioengineered proteins assembled into monolayer nanosheets, perfectly mimicking both the structure and function of the natural photosynthetic system. By mild deposition of Pt nanoparticles, the photocatalytic hydrogen production performance of the system is further enhanced to 69100 μmolh−1 (Cd2+) g −1, 80 times the catalytic activity of free CdS. Remarkably, the protein 2D network effectively enhances the water solubility, dispersibility, and solution stability of the inorganic catalytic centers, affording efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The system maintains 91.2 % catalytic efficiency after 30 days. Furthermore, its hydrogen production rate can be artificially regulated between 69100 and 52100 μmolh−1 (per g Cd2+) by the assembly-disassembly process of the protein templates. Thus, our work showcases the importance of the protein template and its assembly in maintaining the structural stability and high catalytic performance of the photocatalytic system and provides promising ideas for the simulation of natural photosynthetic systems.

Empowering marginalised communities: Leveraging indigenous knowledge for sustainable energy development in South Africa

AbstractAmidst South Africa's volatile energy landscape—characterised by political turbulence, economic instability and Eskom's chronic financial and operational challenges—the imperative for transformative reform is both urgent and indispensable. Municipalities are confronted with deteriorating infrastructure, recurrent power disruptions and widespread electricity theft, which collectively exacerbate the national energy crisis. This paper investigates the integration of indigenous knowledge systems within the country's energy sector as a strategic response to these persistent challenges, promoting the empowerment of marginalised communities and advancing environmental sustainability. Anchored in the theoretical frameworks of environmental justice and indigenous rights, the paper advocates for Afrocentric paradigms such as traditional resource governance and community‐driven energy solutions. Employing thematic analysis of secondary data, it evaluates the viability and prospective benefits of this paradigm shift. The paper posits that the inclusion of indigenous knowledge in energy practices not only presents tangible solutions to the energy crisis but also cultivates socio‐economic empowerment and reinforces environmental stewardship.

Metal Imidazole-Modified Covalent Organic Frameworks as Electrocatalysts for Alkaline Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Since the product contains no carbon-based substances and can be driven by non-carbon-based electricity, electrocatalytic water splitting is considered to be among the most effective strategies for alleviating the energy crisis and environmental pollution. This process helps lower greenhouse gas emissions while also supporting the shift toward renewable energy sources. The anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) involves a more complex multi-electron transfer process, which is the principal limiting factor in overall water splitting. Extensive research has demonstrated that the controlled design of effective electrocatalysts can address this limitation. In this study, a previously unreported covalent organic framework material (COF-IM) was synthesized via a post-synthetic modification strategy. Notably, COF-IM contains imidazole nitrogen metal active sites. Transition metal-coordinated COF-IM@Co can function as a highly effective electrocatalyst, exhibiting a lower overpotential (403.8 mV@10 mA cm−2) in alkaline electrolytes, thereby highlighting its potential for practical applications in energy conversion technologies. This study offers new perspectives on the design and synthesis of COFs, while also making substantial contributions to the advancement and application of OER electrocatalysts.

Fabrication of CdIn2S4/ZnS S-scheme heterojunction via in-situ phase transformation for boosting photocatalytic conversion of organic compounds

Developing efficient photocatalysts is one of green and low cost tactic for addressing the environmental deterioration and energy crisis. Therefore, it remains a fantastic and important strategy to design an efficient junction between different semiconductors for harvesting solar light, boosting the redox capability. Herein, the fabrication of ZnS in situ decorated CdIn2S4 (referred to as CIS-Zx) were prepared by converting ZnS particles on Cd2In4S surface by a facile cation exchange method during solvothermal synthesis. According to a series of PEC measurements and DFT calculations, the bending of band edge as well as the establishing of built-in electric field in the interface of CIS/ZnS heterojunction were concluded, causing the formation of in-situ S-scheme heterojunctions in CdIn2S4/ZnS. The in-situ S-scheme heterojunctions can effectively ameliorate the migration behaviors of photo-generated charges. Compared with pure CdInS4, ZnS and physically mixed CdIn2S4/ZnS, the CIS-Zxin-situ S-scheme heterojunction exhibits efficient photocatalytic activity and stability in the selective reduction of aromatic nitro compounds and oxidation of aromatic alcohols, it is hoped that this work will open up a new avenue for innovative applications of in-situ S-scheme heterojunctions.

In situ composite of biomass derived carbon/porous carbon nitride and its enhanced performance in solar-driven photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction

Converting waste organic biomass into functional carbon materials is regarded as a sustainable development strategy to address environmental pollution and energy crisis. In this work, carbon/porous carbon nitride (PCN) composite photothermal catalysts were prepared via an in-situ method with urea and phragmites spikelets as raw materials for the solar-driven hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The biomass derived porous carbon, in close contact with PCN, not only acts as a charge transfer bridge facilitating the rapid separation and migration of photogenerated charges but also serves as a photothermal carrier to enhance the kinetic process of the photocatalytic reaction. Under simulated solar irradiation (AM 1.5 G), the optimal HER rate of the composite catalyst is 4.98 mmol g−1h−1, which is 2.1 times that of pure PCN. The physicochemical properties of the materials, including morphology, crystal structure, elemental composition and state, and energy band characteristics, were determined. Additionally, theoretical calculations were employed to explore the impact of biomass-derived porous carbon on the electronic structure and band structure of carbon nitride. This work not only broadens the range of raw materials for biomass-derived porous carbon but also provides a novel strategy for promoting photocatalytic HER through synergistic multifield effects, showing broad application prospects in the field of resource recovery and green catalysis.

Три уровня международного политико-экономического анализа: новая перспектива для исследования международных проблем в эпоху многополярности

One of the key issues in current international relations studies is the structure of knowledge. The epistemological foundations of political and economic theories of international development are losing their relevance as the influence of theory on the practice of international relations wanes. The declining ability of international analysis to predict the future of world politics and economics emphasizes the need for a broader, interdisciplinary approach to the study of international relations. This study aims to explore the possibility of creating a new, practical and interdisciplinary model of analysis to address the problems of the modern international system. This approach to the systemic analysis of international relations involves broadening the scope of the study by integrating international political and economic (IPE) analysis and including three analytical levels: explanatory, normative and critical. The article defines the terminology, structure, principles and criteria of such an analysis based on the problems of modern political science. The author also points out the main difficulties in the formation of theoretical and methodological basis of the three-level analysis. Examples of analyzing problems, namely the impact of trade barriers on the instability of global supply chains and the international dimension of the energy crisis of the Federal Republic of Germany (2022 – present) are given, demonstrating the quality and consistency of the results of such analysis.

Recent Advances in the Utilization of Chiral Covalent Organic Frameworks for Asymmetric Photocatalysis

The use of light energy to drive asymmetric organic transformations to produce high-value-added organic compounds is attracting increasing interest as a sustainable strategy for solving environmental problems and addressing the energy crisis. Chiral covalent organic frameworks (COFs), as porous crystalline chiral materials, have become an important platform on which to explore new chiral photocatalytic materials due to their precise tunability, chiral structure, and function. This review highlights recent research progress on chiral COFs and their crystalline composites, evaluating their application as catalysts in asymmetric photocatalytic organic transformations in terms of their structure. Finally, the limitations and challenges of chiral COFs in asymmetric photocatalysis are discussed, with future opportunities for research being identified.

Review of Major Influencing Factors Contributing to Persisting Safety Problems in Coal Mines: Addressing Systemic Challenges

The coal mining industry in Pakistan faces recurring fatal accidents due to data scarcity, lack of research, and technology adoption. This paper reviews the current status of coal mining, the ongoing energy crisis, the utilization of indigenous coal resources, and the prevailing safety challenges. By comparing coal mining safety standards in Pakistan with global benchmarks, this study proposes advanced mining technologies to improve productivity and safety. This study emphasizes the importance of investigating the underlying factors causing mining accidents in order to devise effective strategies to mitigate them. The lack of relevant data and the reluctance to adopt technology in the industry are identified as major obstacles to improving safety conditions. The proposed strategies for overcoming safety issues include improving data collection and analysis, increasing research efforts, and promoting the adoption of advanced technology. Thus, this paper highlights the urgent need to address safety concerns in Pakistan’s coal mining industry to avoid further loss of lives and resources.

Renewable energy: A way out for South Sudan’s electricity crisis

South Sudan is one of the least electrified countries in the world, despite having abundant renewable energy resources that could be exploited to generate electricity. The country relies on imported diesel for electricity generation, besides having limited focus on renewable energy development. This policy brief sheds light on the potential of renewable energy as a solution to South Sudan’s ongoing electricity crisis. It examines the key factors hindering the development of renewable energy resources for electricity generation in the country. The brief also provides recommendations to the Government of South Sudan, policymakers, experts, and funding institutions on how to improve electricity access in the country. It is stressing on the importance of prioritising the development of diverse renewable energy resources, such as solar, wind, and small hydropower, as an immediate solution to the electricity access challenges in the country.

Utilization of Biomass Waste Through Small-Scale Gasification Technology in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa: Towards the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goal Number 7

Despite being resource-richly endowed with various energy sources, and despite the connection of 89.8% of the households to the grid in South Africa, the Eastern Cape province, as compared to other provinces, has the lowest level of grid connection of about 64.5%. Some of the rural poor households in the Eastern Cape province supplement their free basic electricity with unclean energy alternatives. Using unclean energy alternatives is not only detrimental to the environment and health of the people, but it is a sign of energy poverty and among the contributing factors to depesantization, deagrarianization, and deindustrialization which prolongs the underdevelopment in rural areas. Innovation in energy technologies is a key ingredient in meaningful rural development. The utilization of small-scale biomass gasification technologies can be a solution to the South African energy crisis in rural areas, and it is in line with sustainable development goal number 7, which is about ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. Alternative renewable energy sources cannot be ignored when dealing with the energy crises in South Africa. Renewable energy sources in the country include biomass, solar, wind, and hydropower. Despite its low utilization in the Eastern Cape province, small-scale biomass gasification technology remains pivotal in reducing energy crisis by producing electricity. However, the affordability of biomass gasification technology also plays a role in whether people will accept small-scale biomass gasification technology. The purpose of this paper is to determine the possibilities of using small-scale biomass gasification technology. This paper gives a comprehensive review of small-scale biomass gasification technology potential in the Eastern Cape province and the link between acceptance of small-scale gasification technology and affordability by evaluating the availability of biomass sources in the province and achievements with regards to small-scale biomass gasification. This paper also covers the impact of biomass gasification technology integration in the energy grid, what needs to be taken into consideration before its installation, its benefits and the barriers to its development in Eastern Cape province.

Tackle power outage effects for Egypt's energy crisis via localized optimum load shedding

This paper presents an approach for selecting optimal load-shedding values for individual subscribers or consumers. Implementing this method can bring positive outcomes for consumers by minimizing risks and economic losses caused by power outages. It enables network operators to address power supply deficits and overcome network issues, especially those affecting weaker areas. The optimal load-shedding values are determined by employing IGWA (Improved grey wolf algorithm) through a Graded Objective Function Strategy. The proposed method essentially centered on categorizing loads into two levels based on their importance. The first level includes essential loads, the disruption of which results in risks or significant economic losses. The second level comprises less critical loads, and they do not have more risks or economic losses when power outages. This approach applies specifically to residential loads. The control scheme diagram of disconnecting and reconnecting the current is established by estimating the critical load limit during power outage periods. The necessary arrangements can be made, leading to a proactive measure against risks and losses. The proposal has been implemented in Egypt's electricity network. this proposed method provides a simple and effective solution to the ongoing crisis and provides permanent resolution of problems arising from power outages.

Two-dimensional BiSbTeX2 (X = S, Se, Te) and their Janus monolayers as efficient thermoelectric materials.

Today, there is a huge need for highly efficient and sustainable energy resources to tackle environmental degradation and energy crisis. We have analyzed the electronic, mechanical and thermoelectric (TE) characteristics of two-dimensional (2D) BiSbTeX2 (X = S, Se and Te) and Janus BiSbTeXY (X/Y = S, Se and Te) monolayers by implementing first principles simulations. These monolayers' dynamic stability and thermal stability have been demonstrated through phonon dispersion spectra and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations, respectively. The band structure of these monolayers can be tuned by applying uniaxial and biaxial strains. The investigated lattice thermal conductivity (κl) for these monolayers lies between 0.23 and 0.37 W m-1 K-1 at 300 K. For a more precise calculation of the scattering rate, we implemented electron-phonon coupling (EPC) and spin-orbit coupling effects to calculate the transport properties. For p(n)-type carriers, the power factor of these monolayers is predicted to be as high as 2.08 × 10-3 W m-1 K-2 and (0.47 × 10-3 W m-1 K-2) at 300 K. The higher thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) of p-type carriers at 300 K is obtained because of their very low value of κl and high power factor. Our theoretical investigation predicts that these monolayers can be potential candidates for fabricating highly efficient thermoelectric power generators.

Neuron-Inspired Flexible Phase Change Materials for Ambient Energy Harvesting and Respiration Monitoring.

The global energy crisis and climate change pose unprecedented challenges. Wearable devices with personal thermoregulation and energy harvesting hold great promise for achieving energy savings and human thermal comfort. Here, inspired by neurons, a novel phase change material (PCM) is reported for efficient energy harvesting and respiratory monitoring via a self-assembly strategy. The use of gum arabic (GA) enabled the encapsulation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and the targeted distribution of carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (cMWCNTs) simultaneously in poly (ethylene vinyl acetate) (EVA) matrix. The material exhibits an outstanding toughness value of 14.88MJ m-3 and high elongation at a break of 565.67%, exhibiting remarkable flexibility. The material with sufficient melting enthalpy (71.11 J g-1) demonstrates high photothermal conversion efficiency (95.27%) under 808nm laser irradiation (105mW cm-2). In addition, due to the synergistic effect of GA and PEG, especially the formation of microdome structures on the surface, the material demonstrates ultrasensitive humidity responsiveness for respiratory monitoring with high precision, excellent repeatability, and fast response/recovery time (50.4/50.5ms). Notably, it shows great potential for moisture-electric generators (MEGs) with the function of non-contact sensing. This material opens the path toward next-generation wearable devices in energy conversion and health monitoring.

Dynamic Fe-O-Cu induced electronic structure modulation on CuOx electrode for selective electrocatalytic oxidation of glycerol

Electrocatalytic glycerol oxidation reaction to produce high-value organic chemicals has research significance for managing the overproduction of glycerol and handling the energy crisis. Herein, a copper-based self-supporting catalytic electrode with a dynamic Fe-O-Cu optimized coordination (Fe-CuOx/CF) was prepared. The oxygen-bridged asymmetric coordination structure (Fe-O-Cu) optimized the electronic configuration and promoted the formation of the crucial intermediate species. After Fe was embedded in the lattice of copper oxides, a remarkable enhancement in the adsorption capacity of OH- and glycerol was confirmed. As a result, Fe-CuOx/CF exhibited an excellent production capacity of formate, with high faradaic efficiency and selectivity values of 93.65 % and 95.10 %. Concurrent production of formate and high purity hydrogen was achieved in the double-electrode flow electrolyzer. This work provides guiding significance for the optimization of the catalytic coordination and the design of high-efficiency transition metal-based catalysts for electrooxidation of biomass platform molecules.