Role In Renewable Energy Technologies Research Articles

ALKBH5-mediated N6-methyladenosine modification of HO-1 mRNA regulates ferroptosis in cobalt-induced neurodegenerative damage

The utilization of Cobalt (Co) has surged due to it is critical role in renewable energy technologies and other high-tech applications. Concurrently, the potential health risks associated with Co exposure have raised concerns. Previous studies, including our own, have shown that Co can impair learn and memory functions as an epigenetic hazard, even at low concentrations. In this study, we explore the mechanisms of Co-induced ferroptosis in neurodegenerative damage both in vivo and in vitro, focusing on the epigenetic regulation by N6-methyladenosine (m6A) demethylase alkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5). We identify heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) as a direct target gene of ALKBH5, playing a crucial role in mitigating Co-induced ferroptosis. ALKBH5 deficiency affects the post-transcriptional regulation of HO-1 through m6A modification, which in turn influences mRNA’s stability, intracellular distribution, and alternative splicing, thereby enhancing susceptibility to Co-induced ferroptosis. Additionally, we discuss the potential involvement of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein M (hnRNPM) in regulating alternative splicing of HO-1 mRNA, potentially mediated by m6A modifications. This study provides new epigenetic insights into the post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms involved in Co-induced ferroptosis and highlights the broader implications of environmental hazards in neurodegenerative damage.

Mapping scholarly publications of energy conservation and emission reduction in support of the sustainable development goals (SDGs)

In light of continuous advancements in science and technology, the global economy is experiencing rapid growth. However, this growth has been accompanied by significant depletion of natural resources and environmental degradation. Consequently, there is a burgeoning global emphasis on energy conservation, emissions reduction, and sustainable development. In this study, based on the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) and Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) databases from 1990 to 2022, a statistical analysis of energy conservation and emission reduction in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)-related publications was undertaken using biblimometric methods. The findings reveal that (1) In recent years, there has been a discernible increase in global research on this subject, especially since 2009, with a sustained trend of exceeding 100 publications per annum. China prominently contributing to this domain, the proportion reached 34.2%, reflecting a growing emphasis on eco-friendly development trends. (2) Due to the burgeoning significance of energy conservation and emission reduction, there has been a notable escalation in research efforts pertaining to “Energy and Fuels,” “Environmental Science” and “Green and Sustainable Science and Technology” and other related subjects. (3) Regarding the keyword analysis, “renewable energy” as the most frequently encountered term, often paired with “CO2 emissions.” This association underscores the pivotal role of renewable energy technologies in advancing green development initiatives and mitigating emissions. (4) China, United States and United Kingdom occupy central positions in terms of both paper publication volume and collaborative networks, collectively accounting for about 54.7%, and these countries are pivotal contributors to the scholarly discourse on sustainable development and environmental conservation. (5) From 1990 to 2022, the top 20 cited articles predominantly address diverse sub-goals of Sustainable Development Goal 7, with a common emphasis on enhancing energy efficiency, sustainability and renewable energy. These findings furnish valuable analytical insights for subsequent researchers investigating energy conservation and emission reduction as well as sustainable development endeavors.

Optimizing Renewable Energy Integration for Sustainable Fuel Production: A Techno-Economic Assessment of Dimethyl Ether Synthesis via a Hybrid Microgrid-Hydrogen System

This study offers an in-depth analysis and optimization of a microgrid system powered by renewable sources, designed for the efficient production of hydrogen and dimethyl ether—key elements in the transition toward sustainable fuel alternatives. The system architecture incorporates solar photovoltaic modules, advanced battery storage solutions, and electrolytic hydrogen production units, with a targeted reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the enhancement of overall energy efficiency. A rigorous economic analysis was conducted utilizing the HYSYS V12 software platform and encompassing capital and operational expenditures alongside profit projections to evaluate the system’s economic viability. Furthermore, thermal optimization was achieved through heat integration strategies, employing a cascade analysis methodology and optimization via the General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS), yielding an 83% decrease in annual utility expenditures. Comparative analysis revealed that the energy requirement of the optimized system was over 50% lower than that of traditional fossil fuel-based reforming processes. A comprehensive assessment of CO2 emissions demonstrated a significant reduction, with the integration of thermal management solutions facilitating a 99.24% decrease in emissions. The outcomes of this study provide critical insights into the engineering of sustainable, low-carbon energy systems, emphasizing the role of renewable energy technologies in advancing fuel science.

Tetra-Coordinated W2 S3 for Efficient Dual-pH Hydrogen Production.

Two-dimensional (2D) transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have emerged as promising catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) that play a crucial role in renewable energy technologies. Breaking the inherent structural paradigm limitations of 2D TMDs is the key to exploring their fascinating physical and chemical properties, which is expected to develop a revolutionary HER catalyst. Herein, we unambiguously present metallic W2 S3 instead of energetically favorable WS2 via a unique stoichiometric growth strategy. Benefiting from the excellent conductivity and hydrophilicity of the tetra-coordinated structure, as well as an appropriate Gibbs free energy value and an enough low energy barrier for water dissociation, the W2 S3 as catalyst achieves Pt-like HER activity and high long-term stability in both acidic and alkaline electrolytes. For application in proton exchange membrane (PEM) and anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolysers, W2 S3 as the cathode catalyst yields excellent bifunctionality index (ɳ =1.73 V, ɳ =1.77 V) and long-term stability (471 h@PEM with a decay rate of 85.7 μV h-1 , 360 h@AEM with a decay rate of 27.1 μV h-1 ). Our work provides significant insight into the tetra-coordinated W2 S3 and facilitates the development of advanced electrocatalysts for sustainable hydrogen production.

Tetra‐Coordinated W2S3 for Efficient Dual‐pH Hydrogen Production

AbstractTwo‐dimensional (2D) transition‐metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have emerged as promising catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) that play a crucial role in renewable energy technologies. Breaking the inherent structural paradigm limitations of 2D TMDs is the key to exploring their fascinating physical and chemical properties, which is expected to develop a revolutionary HER catalyst. Herein, we unambiguously present metallic W2S3 instead of energetically favorable WS2 via a unique stoichiometric growth strategy. Benefiting from the excellent conductivity and hydrophilicity of the tetra‐coordinated structure, as well as an appropriate Gibbs free energy value and an enough low energy barrier for water dissociation, the W2S3 as catalyst achieves Pt‐like HER activity and high long‐term stability in both acidic and alkaline electrolytes. For application in proton exchange membrane (PEM) and anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolysers, W2S3 as the cathode catalyst yields excellent bifunctionality index (ɳ =1.73 V, ɳ =1.77 V) and long‐term stability (471 h@PEM with a decay rate of 85.7 μV h−1, 360 h@AEM with a decay rate of 27.1 μV h−1). Our work provides significant insight into the tetra‐coordinated W2S3 and facilitates the development of advanced electrocatalysts for sustainable hydrogen production.

Investigation of electricity distribution, shortages in the Gaza strip, and the role of renewable energy technologies for addressing the electricity crisis

This study examines the electricity crisis in the Gaza Strip and its impact on public well-being. Adopting a sequential exploratory mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 350 households and key institutions. The research assesses the current state of renewable power technologies applicable to the region and develops a performance matrix to identify the most suitable technology for providing clean and affordable electricity. The findings highlight solar energy as the most viable solution for addressing the electricity shortage in the Gaza Strip. Moreover, the study underscores the adverse effects of electricity shortages on vital services, including health, water, and sanitation, as well as the fragile economy. The research recommends strategic investments in solar energy as a reliable and cost-effective solution that is readily accessible to meet the energy needs of the Gaza Strip and Palestine at large. This study provides a valuable resource for national and international NGOs, offering insights into the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within the Gaza Strip's electricity sector.

Facet Engineering and Pore Design Boost Dynamic Fe Exchange in Oxygen Evolution Catalysis to Break the Activity-Stability Trade-Off.

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) plays a vital role in renewable energy technologies, including in fuel cells, metal-air batteries, and water splitting; however, the currently available catalysts still suffer from unsatisfactory performance due to the sluggish OER kinetics. Herein, we developed a new catalyst with high efficiency in which the dynamic exchange mechanism of active Fe sites in the OER was regulated by crystal plane engineering and pore structure design. High-density nanoholes were created on cobalt hydroxide as the catalyst host, and then Fe species were filled inside the nanoholes. During the OER, the dynamic Fe was selectively and strongly adsorbed by the (101̅0) sites on the nanohole walls rather than the (0001) basal plane, and at the same time the space-confining effect of the nanohole slowed down the Fe diffusion from catalyst to electrolyte. As a result, a local high-flux Fe dynamic equilibrium inside the nanoholes for OER was achieved, as demonstrated by the Fe57 isotope labeled mass spectrometry, thereby delivering a high OER activity. The catalyst showed a remarkably low overpotential of 228 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm-2, which is among the best cobalt-based catalysts reported so far. This special protection strategy for Fe also greatly improved the catalytic stability, reducing the Fe leaching amount by 2 orders of magnitude compared with the pure Fe hydroxide catalyst and thus delivering a long-term stability of 130 h. An assembled Zn-air battery was stably cycled for 170 h with a low discharge/charge voltage difference of 0.72 V.

Research on Power Grid Data Asset Management Based on Big Data BI Analysis – The Role of Renewable Energy Technologies

With the advancement of the industrial Internet of Things era, and the use of renewable energy technologies, smart grid has become the main form of power grid, and data has become a key link. The problem of data islands is common, and the data value, especially the commercial value, has yet to be tapped. This phenomenon is particularly prominent in power grid enterprises. Therefore, a data management model and method for power grid enterprises are proposed. The model aims at data asset management of power grid enterprises, reveals the process of extracting, modeling, analyzing and value mining of power grid data based on big data BI technology, and puts forward a practical and easy-to-land data asset management method, which really solves the problems of how to collect, store, manage and use data. Finally, taking the linkage between power marketing data and power grid planning in a certain area of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province as a specific scenario, the BI analysis conclusion of relevant marketing data is displayed, which realizes the echo of conventional application and advanced application, reduces investment practically, improves economic benefits, and demonstrates the feasibility and scientificity of the method.

Directly transforming graphite into iron single atom catalyst for the acidic oxygen reduction reaction

Platinum group metal (PGM)-free single atom catalysts (SACs) are highly desired to accelerate the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acidic media, which has a critical role in renewable energy technologies. Herein, we report the direct transformation of commercial graphite into iron (Fe) single atom anchored graphitic flake via a combination of mechanochemical and thermochemical synthesis. By ball milling graphite with zirconium dioxide balls and capsule in the presence of dry ice, the graphite was mechanochemically functionalized and exfoliated into carboxylated graphitic flake (CGF). Subsequent heat-treatment of CGF with nitrogen containing additives formed nitrogenated graphitic flake (NGF) incorporated with Fe single atoms (Fe1NGF). Importantly, the existing Fe impurity in the pristine graphite was converted into value-added product without adding Fe sources. With an ultralow Fe content (0.4 wt%), the as-prepared Fe1NGF exhibited an acidic ORR performance comparable to Pt/C, including ultrahigh mass activity, surpassing the other reported outstanding Fe-based SACs.

Atomically Thin Holey Two-Dimensional Ru2P Nanosheets for Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalysis

The defect engineering of low-dimensional nanostructured materials has led to increased scientific efforts owing to their high efficiency concerning high-performance electrocatalysts that play a crucial role in renewable energy technologies. Herein, we report an efficient methodology for fabricating atomically thin, holey metal-phosphide nanosheets with excellent electrocatalyst functionality. Two-dimensional, subnanometer-thick, holey Ru2P nanosheets containing crystal defects were synthesized via the phosphidation of monolayer RuO2 nanosheets. Holey Ru2P nanosheets exhibited superior electrocatalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) compared to that exhibited by nonholey Ru2P nanoparticles. Further, holey Ru2P nanosheets exhibited overpotentials of 17 and 26 mV in acidic and alkaline electrolytes, respectively. Thus, they are among the best-performing Ru-P-based HER catalysts reported to date. In situ spectroscopic investigations indicated that the holey nanosheet morphology enhanced the accumulation of surface hydrogen through the adsorption of protons and/or water, resulting in an increased contribution of the Volmer-Tafel mechanism toward the exceptional HER activity of these ultrathin electrocatalysts.

Highly conductive NiSe2 nanoparticle as a co-catalyst over TiO2 for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production

Designing a photocatalyst for hydrogen production is pivotal role in renewable energy technologies. Herein, the synthesis of nanosized NiSe2 particles via supercritical fluid process with the short reaction time of 30 min was reported. Then, it was used as a co-catalyst over TiO2 to improve H2 production rate. Supercritical fluid process is an effective and alternative technique for nanoparticle preparation in short time. In the presence of NiSe2, the H2 production rate of TiO2 was greatly increased thereby attained the maximum activity of 219.2 mmol/h/gcat with STH of 9% and is closer to that of Pt loaded TiO2 (9.7% for 235.5 mmol/h/gcat). The highly conductive nature of NiSe2 facilitates rapid transfer of photogenerated electrons from TiO2 to NiSe2. The detailed possible mechanism was debated and confirmed by first principles DFT calculations. This work validates short time reaction to prepare highly conductive NiSe2 as an electron sink for efficient H2 production.

CO2 emissions and energy technologies in Western Europe

In this paper, we investigate the path to the green transition in Europe. In so doing, we implement an empirical model of dynamic panel data on a sample of sixteen Western European countries over the period 1980 to 2019. The model is consistent with various features of neoclassical growth theory incorporating energy use. Our focus is on the short-run determinants of carbon emissions within that set of countries. We provide evidence that the relationship between economic activity and CO2 emissions is strong in economies where economic booms depend on energy-intensive sectors. Also, the mitigating role of renewable energy technologies is key when energy intensity rebounds. These circumstances may constitute a challenge for the climate transition goals targeted in the EU’s Recovery Plan, whose main objective at this very moment is to mitigate the economic and social impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Phosphorus-Accumulating Organism Assisted Phosphorization of Ni-Fe Nanocomposites for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Developing high-efficiency and low-cost non-noble-metal electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is vital due to its important role in renewable energy technologies, which still rem...

The Role of Renewable Energy Resources in Sustainability of Water Desalination as a Potential Fresh-Water Source: An Updated Review

Desalination is becoming a practical option to meet water demand in an increasing number of locations that are facing water scarcity. Currently, more than 150 countries in the world are already using desalination technologies, which account for about one percent of the world’s drinking water. Although for specific regions, desalination is the only feasible solution to close the supply–demand gap (for example the production of desalinated seawater in the Middle East is predicted to rise almost fourteen-fold by 2040), the sustainability of desalination systems is still remarkably under question. This review aims first to investigate the technical and economic trends and environmental and social aspects of desalination systems and then, in the second stage, to give an overview of the role of renewable energy technologies in the sustainability of the future water systems with an increasing share of desalination.

Responsible Materials Management for a Resource-Efficient and Low-Carbon Society

Our societies rely on the quality and availability of natural resources. Driven by population growth, economic development, and innovation, future demand for natural resources is expected to further increase in coming decades. Raw materials will be an important part of society’s future material mix as countries increasingly transition towards resource-efficient and greenhouse-gas neutral economies. Raw materials are also fundamental to meet ecological and socio-economic targets within the UN Sustainable Development Agenda. For instance, they have a fundamental role in renewable energy technologies, new building materials and infrastructure, communication systems, and low-carbon transportation. However, some materials are largely supplied from countries with poor governance. The future availability of these materials and associated impacts are of increasing concern going forward. Recent raw material criticality studies have explored economic, geo-political, and technological factors that affect materials’ supply. However, environmental and social pressures also play a role in their security of supply. For instance, conflicts can prevent access to mineral deposits; accidents and environmental damage compromise public acceptance and can hinder future extraction operations. This article will introduce this Special Issue with a focus on material requirements and responsible sourcing of materials for a low-carbon society, and provides an overview of the subsequent research papers.

Proton Discharge on a Gold Electrode from Triethylammonium in Acetonitrile: Theoretical Modeling of Potential-Dependent Kinetic Isotope Effects.

The discharge of protons on electrode surfaces, known as the Volmer reaction, is a ubiquitous reaction in heterogeneous electrocatalysis and plays an important role in renewable energy technologies. Recent experiments with triethylammonium (TEAH+) donating the proton to a gold electrode in acetonitrile demonstrate significantly different Tafel slopes for TEAH+ and its deuterated counterpart, TEAD+. As a result, the kinetic isotope effect (KIE) for the hydrogen evolution reaction changes considerably as a function of applied potential. Herein a vibronically nonadiabatic approach for proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) at an electrode interface is extended to heterogeneous electrochemical processes and is applied to this system. This approach accounts for the key effects of the electrical double layer and spans the electronically adiabatic and nonadiabatic regimes, as found to be necessary for this reaction. The experimental Tafel plots for TEAH+ and TEAD+ are reproduced using physically reasonable parameters within this model. The potential-dependent KIE or, equivalently, isotope-dependent Tafel slope is found to be a consequence of contributions from excited electron-proton vibronic states that depend on both isotope and applied potential. Specifically, the contributions from excited reactant vibronic states are greater for TEAD+ than for TEAH+. Thus, the two reactions proceed by the same fundamental mechanism yet exhibit significantly different Tafel slopes. This theoretical approach may be applicable to a wide range of other heterogeneous electrochemical PCET reactions.

Synthesis and Characterizations of Zinc Oxide on Reduced Graphene Oxide for High Performance Electrocatalytic Reduction of Oxygen

Electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction (ORR) reaction play an important role in renewable energy technologies, including fuel cells and metal-air batteries. However, development of cost effective catalyst with high activity remains a great challenge. In this feature article, a hybrid material combining ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is applied as an efficient oxygen reduction electrocatalyst. It is fabricated through a facile one-step hydrothermal method, in which the formation of ZnO NPs and the reduction of graphene oxide are accomplished simultaneously. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy profiles reveal the uniform distribution of ZnO NPs on rGO sheets. Cyclic voltammograms, rotating disk electrode and rotating ring disk electrode measurements demonstrate that the hierarchical ZnO/rGO hybrid nanomaterial exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity for ORR in alkaline medium, due to the high cathodic current density (9.21 × 10−5 mA/cm2), positive onset potential (−0.22 V), low H2O2 yield (less than 3%), and high electron transfer numbers (4e from O2 to H2O). The proposed catalyst is also compared with commercial Pt/C catalyst, comparable catalytic performance and better stability are obtained. It is expected that the ZnO/rGO hybrid could be used as promising non-precious metal cathode in alkaline fuel cells.

Ni2P(O)/Fe2P(O) Interface Can Boost Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysis

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) plays a paramount role in renewable energy technologies. However, the slow kinetics of OER seriously limits the overall performance and commercialization. Here, we rationally design a metallic Ni2P/Fe2P interface, which can be in situ oxidized to a Ni2P(O)/Fe2P(O) interface to enhance OER efficiency, with active doped oxyhydroxides and phosphates on the surface and conductive phosphide in the bulk. The resulting catalysts require a low overpotential of 179 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA/cm2 (without iR compensation) and can continuously drive OER for 120 h without any obvious degradation, which rivals most reported OER catalysts. These results suggest that we are able to design multicomponent metallic precatalysts to construct most active surface layers and conductive bulks, further boosting OER performance for real-world electrolysis utilization.

Case Study of the Wind Potential and Its Utilisation for Water Pumping

Renewable energy resources (solar, wind and biomass) is one of the most fundamental of natural resources that Sudan must harness in its efforts for rapid economic development. The role of renewable energy technologies in the development process cannot be over – emphasised. The demand for energy in Sudan has increased tremendously over the years and will continue to increase in view of the accelerating pace of population growth, urbanisation and industrialisation. Comprehensive renewable energy resources management is a necessity. Human resource development should be based on education and training programs funded both by the private and public sector. Promotion research and development, demonstration and adaptation of energy resources amongst national, regional, and international organisations which seek clean, pure, safe, and abundant energy sources. Results, suggest that, wind pumps, solar stills, and biogas energy must be encourage, invested, and implemented, but especially for remote rural areas of Sudan.

Smart cooling systems for the urban environment. Using renewable technologies to face the urban climate change

Urban heat island and global warming increase the urban ambient temperature. Increased temperatures have a tremendous effect on the energy demand for cooling, with a great impact on peak and total electricity demand.Renewable technologies in the urban environment have been widely regarded as an increasingly important solution to deal with the climate change challenges and energy security. Significant effort is performed in the integration of photovoltaic panels (PV) and micro turbines in the urban context showing a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions. At the same time attention is drawn to an often-overlooked aspect regarding renewable energy technologies, in that despite having low operating costs their overall benefits are often not well understood and consequently are often evaluated as being less profitable than fossil fuel alternatives, even though they are future proof about energy cost.The aim of the present paper is to describe the role of renewable energy technologies and zero carbon technologies in covering the future increased energy demand for cooling.The integration of photovoltaics in the urban environment through PV facades, pavements, and shading devices are discussed.The role of Information and Computer Technology and smart grids in the efficient management of renewables in urban scale is discussed. The role of smart metering, users ‘integration and demand response capabilities for future zero energy urban neighborhoods is revealed.