Energy Technologies Research Articles

An Introduction to Distributional Consequences of New Energy Technologies and Policies

An Introduction to Distributional Consequences of New Energy Technologies and Policies

Ni substituted aluminum doped zinc titanate (AZNT) nano-particles: synthesis and characterization

We synthesized a series of Nickel-substituted Aluminium doped Zinc Titanate (AZNT) nano-particles using hydrothermal method. The structure of synthesized samples was meticulously analyzed using X-ray diffractometer (XRD) while the lattice parameters, crystallite size and volume were calculated with utmost precision. The morphology was further examined using two advanced microscopy techniques Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). These techniques provide detailed imaging and analysis of nano-scale materials. FESEM involves usage of electron beam to scan the surface of a sample and the sample's grain size was estimated. The study investigated the dielectric properties within a frequency range of 10Hz to 50MHz. The dielectric constants and impedance parameters were analyzed. The physical properties of the samples, as determined through these methods, hold promise for practical applications in super capacitors and energy storage devices, offering a glimpse into a potentially transformative future in energy technology.

Ocean energy enabling a sustainable energy-industry transition for Hawaiʻi

Global transitions to highly sustainable energy-industry systems imply shifts to high shares of variable renewable energy sources. While onshore solar photovoltaics and wind power can be expected to be the lowest cost electricity sources around the world, land-constrained regions and islands may have limited onshore renewable potential. Thus, offshore energy technologies, including floating solar photovoltaics, offshore wind turbines, and wave power, may become essential. Furthermore, for Hawaiʻi, offshore energy may provide increased supply diversity and avoid land conflicts as electricity generation is expected to increase. The LUT Energy System Transition Model was employed to investigate the techno-economic implications of high technological diversity through integration of offshore energy technologies compared to full cost-optimisation under both self-supply and electricity-based fuel import scenarios. Limiting solar electricity leads to 0-2.3 GW of offshore electricity and 0-4.1 GW of wave power by 2050, but at 3.5-28.0% increased system costs. Under self-supply conditions and an 80% solar photovoltaics limit, a novel interaction between the key offshore technologies was identified with 0.6-1.1 GW of offshore floating photovoltaics, which contribute 12.3% of all electricity generation by 2050. Due to the limited land availability in Hawaiʻi and island regions, ocean energy technologies may significantly contribute to energy-industry system defossilisation.

Coordination, hydration, and diffusion of vanadyl cations in negatively charged polymer membranes

Charged polymer membranes that selectively transport ions are crucial for advancing electrochemical technologies for water purification, resource recovery, and energy generation/storage. Recent studies suggest that the ion selectivity trends of such membranes are due to ion dehydration at the membrane/solution interface, where ions that require less energy to shed their hydration can partition more favorably into the membrane. However, direct evidence of ion dehydration in polymer membranes at relevant conditions is scarce, with claims based primarily on correlations between ion hydration energies and membrane transport properties. The objective of this study was to investigate the electronic environment, local coordination, and hydration of vanadyl counter-ion in negatively charged membranes with broadly varying water content via x-ray absorption spectroscopy. The results highlight that vanadyl counter-ions maintain similar oxidation state, electronic state, and coordination number in the membranes as in aqueous solutions of vanadyl sulfate and that vanadyl dehydration is unlikely in these membranes. However, as the membrane water content decreases, the vanadyl diffusion coefficient decreases and the activation energy of diffusion increases. We attribute these significant changes in membrane transport properties to increased Coulombic interactions between vanadyl and the fixed charge groups, resulting from a decreased dielectric constant of the membrane, rather than to ion dehydration at the membrane/solution interface. This study represents significant progress in understanding the mechanisms that govern ion transport in charged polymer membranes over a broad range of water content, highlighting the critical role of Coulombic interactions between the fixed charges and mobile ions.

Synergy between biphenyl mesomorphic structure and organic crystal phenazine for improving the intrinsic thermal conductivity of epoxy

The inherent low intrinsic thermal conductivity of epoxy resin severely restricts its potential application, making it difficult to meet the growing demand of energy, electrical and electronic technologies. The liquid crystal epoxy resin, which is wildly employed to improve the intrinsic thermal conductivity of epoxy resin, is constrained by its complex molecular structure design and synthesis procedures. In this work, the rigid group of 4,4’-dihydroxybiphenyl was introduced into the main chain of epoxy resin by ring-opening polymerization (ROP) to change the molecular structure of epoxy resin. The introduction of biphenyl groups enhances the orderliness of molecular structure and forms hydrogen bonds between molecules, which further enhances the transport of intramolecular phonons. The thermal conductivity of the graft modified epoxy resin (GMR) after DDM curing is 0.30 W·m-1·K-1. After adding of organic crystal phenazine (PNE) to the GMR matrix, the inherent strong crystallization behaviors of PNE can accelerate the regularity arrangement of rigid groups in GMR, and promote the nucleation and crystallization process of GMR/PNE. The thermal conductivity of GMR/PNE after DDM curing can reach 0.33 W·m-1·K-1. It is 165% of the thermal conductivity of traditional epoxy resin, which is 0.2 W·m-1·K-1. This study will provide a new method to improve the intrinsic thermal conductivity of polymer materials.

Energy transition policy, technology innovation and sustainable manufacturing

This study examines the impact of China's New Energy Pilot City Policy (REPCP) on green development in the manufacturing sector, focusing on the role of technological innovation. Using a Difference-in-Differences (DID) approach with firm-level data from 30 Chinese provinces and cities (2000-2021), the research analyzes how the policy affects firms' adoption of sustainable manufacturing practices. The findings reveal that the REPCP significantly promotes green development, particularly in regions with moderate levels of industrial development. Moreover, technological innovation amplifies the policy's positive impact, indicating a synergistic relationship. The analysis also finds that state-owned enterprises are more responsive to the policy than non-SOEs. This study contributes to the understanding of energy transition policies by providing empirical evidence of their efficacy in China's manufacturing sector, highlighting the importance of technological innovation, regional variations, and ownership structures in achieving sustainable manufacturing.

Eco-Friendly ZnO/CuO/Ni Nanocomposites: Enhanced photocatalytic dye adsorption and hydrogen evolution for sustainable energy and water purification

Nanomaterials and nanocomposites, known for their unique properties, are increasingly vital in diverse fields such as energy and environmental remediation. This study presents biogenically synthesized ZnO/CuO/Ni nanocomposites using Mentha Pulegium L. leaf extract. The investigation focuses on their applications in photocatalytic dye adsorption and hydrogen evolution. Characterization via XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, and UV–visible spectroscopy confirms the nanocomposites’ semiconducting nature with a narrow bandgap energy of 2.46 eV. Structural analysis reveals cubic crystal structures with an average crystallite size of 29.1 nm. Under solar irradiation, the nanocomposites exhibit exceptional photocatalytic activity, degrading 99 % of 4-BP and 98 % of TB. Moreover, they achieve a notable hydrogen evolution rate of 5.79 mmol/g over six hours. These results underscore the efficacy of ZnO/CuO/Ni nanocomposites as catalysts for sustainable energy and water purification. Employing Mentha Pulegium L. extract for environmentally friendly synthesis enhances their photocatalytic properties, offering a cost-effective route to sustainable energy and clean water technologies.

Unlocking new export opportunities: An open-source framework for assessing green iron and steel supply chains

Globally traded commodities such as iron and steel are coming under international scrutiny owing to their significant embedded greenhouse emissions. Commodity export-oriented nations must explore opportunities for decarbonising these supply chains or risk losing market share as customers seek cleaner alternatives and as initiatives such as carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAM) come into effect. Here we present an open-source model developed to assist industry and other stakeholders in assessing the costs of potential CO2 abatement pathways in supplying green iron ore, green iron, or green steel to key global markets. Using a case study, we assess the development of a green steel supply chain from major iron ore producers of Australia, Brazil, and Sweden, to key markets in Europe, China, and India. Projected costs of renewable energy and other key technologies are used to estimate possible future costs of different decarbonisation pathways. Our modelling suggests that by 2050, export costs of green iron ore, iron and steel could range from 48 to 150, 370–600 and 540–810 USD/tonne respectively. Access to low-cost renewable energy is the key driver of cost reductions for value added products such as iron and steel, and given their substantial renewable energy potential, in 2050 Australia and Brazil could outcompete Sweden in providing these products, with both even outcompeting Sweden in exporting to the European market. The release of our model as open source allows any and all stakeholders to explore the implications of key technology and market uncertainties over least cost green iron and steel supply chains.

Clean Energy Technology: Hydro-processing of Waste Tyre Pyrolysis oil (WTPO) to Diesel fuel in a continuous reactor using Co/SBA-15 catalyst

The need for sustainable fuel sources and efficient waste management has led researchers to explore innovative methods for converting waste into fuel. One promising avenue is the utilization of 100% tyre oil (TO), which could offer a profitable and environmentally friendly solution for disposing of waste tyres. With rising fossil fuel costs, environmental concerns, and the challenges of waste tyre landfilling, there is increased interest in waste tyre pyrolysis oils (WTPO) as an alternative energy source. This study examines the hydro processed WTPO (HWTPO) was analysed using a metallic catalyst, specifically Co/SBA-15. This method involves hydrolysing WTPO with the metallic catalyst, assessing the physical-chemical properties, formulation efficiency compared to petroleum products, and diesel engine performance like the impact on fuel consumption, combustion, and emissions. The synthetic HWTPO's chemical and physical properties were found to be comparable to European diesel specifications (European standard 590). Under hydroprocessing conditions (80 bar and 375°C), the Co/SBA-15 catalyst produced iso-alkanes, n-alkanes, and aromatics in quantities nearly equivalent to 100% diesel. HWTPO demonstrated the potential to maximize greenhouse gas emissions reduction and enhance the performance of diesel-powered engines. The favourable properties of HWTPO suggest that waste tyre pyrolysis oil could be a viable transportation fuel.

Modeling the co-adoption dynamics of PV and heat pumps in Swiss residential buildings: Implications for policy and sustainability goals

The Swiss energy system is facing a paradigm shift as it strives to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, as well as phase out nuclear electricity production. This entails significant changes in the country’s energy landscape, including increased adoption of renewable energy technologies in the residential sector. To facilitate informed decision-making and planning by policymakers, this study introduces a system-dynamics model for the long-term adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) and heat pump (HP) technologies in Swiss residential buildings. Unlike conventional approaches, this framework considers the feedback loops and correlations between PV and HP adoption, while also accounting for building heterogeneity. Through scenario analyses, the model evaluates the impact of regulatory and financial policy interventions on the transition of the residential energy system. The results highlight the significant influence of policy measures on technology deployment rates, energy demand, and greenhouse gas emissions. They demonstrate that slight adjustments in current policy and regulatory framework could allow to safely reach PV deployment targets, but strong modifications are necessary to completely decarbonize the residential sector. This study contributes to advancing our understanding of the complex dynamics shaping residential energy transitions and offers valuable insights to support the formulation and implementation of effective energy strategies.

Nanophysics Is Boosting Nanotechnology for Clean Renewable Energy.

As nanophysics constitutes the scientific core of nanotechnology, it has a decisive potential for advancing clean renewable energy applications. Starting with a brief foray into the realms of nanophysics' potential, this review manuscript is expected to contribute to understanding why and how this science's eruption is leading to nanotechnological innovations impacting the clean renewable energy economy. Many environmentally friendly energy sources are considered clean since they produce minimal pollution and greenhouse gas emissions; however, not all are renewable. This manuscript focuses on experimental achievements where nanophysics helps reduce the operating costs of clean renewable energy by improving efficiency indicators, thereby ensuring energy sustainability. Improving material properties at the nanoscale, increasing the active surface areas of reactants, achieving precise control of the physical properties of nano-objects, and using advanced nanoscale characterization techniques are the subject of this in-depth analysis. This will allow the reader to understand how nanomaterials can be engineered with specific applications in clean energy technologies. A special emphasis is placed on the role of such signs of progress in hydrogen production and clean storage methods, as green hydrogen technologies are unavoidable in the current panorama of energy sustainability.

Energy forecast for a cogeneration system using dynamic factor models

Cogeneration is used in different sectors of industry and it allows that two types of energy to be efficiently obtained from a single source. Accurate predictions are fundamental to optimize energy production, considering the variability that occurs in the daily market. This study adjusts and predicts cogeneration using real data from a Spanish energy technology center, using dynamic factor analysis methodology and incorporating covariates such as temperature and relative humidity. A comparative analysis is performed to evaluate the improvements achieved by implementing cluster-structured dynamic models versus other methods. Furthermore, a robust interpolation method has been implemented to handle missing data in both the main variable and the covariates.

Unveiling the potential of Au cocatalysts to induce SPR charges on CuO/CdS system for sunlight driven hydrogen production†

Atmospheric pollution and increasing costs of the fossil fuels have compelled the researchers to explore the alternative sources. The objective of current project is to discover the stable catalysts that can drive water splitting reaction with sunlight. To the purpose, visible light active catalysts i.e. CdS, CuO/CdS, and Au@CuO/CdS have been synthesized and evaluated for hydrogen generation activities. Gold cocatalysts have been employed to enhance the surface stability and catalytic efficiencies. Whereas, CuO/CdS heterojunction have been synthesized to improve charge separation ability. The optical characteristics, structural properties, and morphology of catalysts have been evaluated by UV‒Vis/DRS, XRD, Raman, BET, SEM, AFM, PL and FTIR techniques. Chemical compositions, photocurrent or charge transfer have been verified with XPS, EDX and EIS results. Catalytic reactions were performed in photoreactor (150mL/Pyrex), whereas hydrogen production activities were predicted via online GC-TCD (Shimadzu-2010/Japan). Results depict that catalyst with 0.8% of Au on CuO/CdS exhibit relatively higher activity (i.e. 32.13 mmolg‒1h‒1) than the other catalysts of the series. Higher activities were attributed to the presence of Au cocatalysts. It has been predicted that coexistence of gold develops Schottky junctions that progressively rectify the surface charges (i.e. movement of electrons). Additionally, gold induces the SPR charges and enhances activity of electrons. Schottky junctions formed by Au cocatalysts on CuO/CdS system restrict the charge recombination i.e. back reactions. In this study, various factors like temperature, pH, light intensity and dose of catalysts have been assessed and discussed. On the basis of activities, it has been concluded that work reported herein hold promise to replace the conventional catalysts used for hydrogen energy technologies.

Dual active site pathways in cobalt-based bimetallic catalysts enhance oxygen evolution reaction activity: Density functional theory studies

Co single-atom catalysts show significant potential in enhancing oxygen evolution reaction (OER) efficiency, crucial for advancing renewable energy technologies. However, their performance is constrained by a single active site, making it challenging for traditional OER pathways to surpass theoretical overpotential limits. By focusing on dual active sites, this study systematically investigates the structural evolution and catalytic performance of Co based double atom catalysts using density functional theory. Co as the primary metal (M1), pairs with 15 different transition metals (M2) to create bimetallic catalysts. The formation energies, binding energies, and Gibbs free energy changes along four potential OER reaction pathways are calculated to assess the stability and activity of these catalysts. The results show enhanced catalytic performance along path II (H₂O → *OH → *2OH → *OOH → O₂) for Co-Ni, Co-Cu, Co-Pd, and Co-Pt catalysts. This improvement stems from synergistic interactions between metal atoms, bypassing high-energy barriers in traditional pathways. Notably, the d-band centers of Cu, Pd, and Pt near the Fermi level boost electron transfer. Co provides stable adsorption sites, optimizing the conversion of intermediates. This study advances understanding of the reaction mechanism and guides the development of more efficient catalysts.

Strategy towards sustainable energy transition: The effect of policy uncertainty, environmental technology and natural resources rent in the OECD nations

The stupendous increase in environmental pollutants alongside climate alterations are calling for integrated tasks at the global level to meet the Paris Agreements. Energy conversion from fossil fuel to renewable energy sources is an important step to address the adverse effects of extreme climatic conditions. This study explores the key contributors of energy transition in the context of the OECD countries during the period 1991 to 2019. To this end the major determinants chosen include natural resources rents, policy uncertainty, environmental technologies, environmental policies, income and globalization. The quantile regression technique is used to explore heterogeneous role of the contributory factors of energy transition across its different levels. This study applies method of moments quantile regression (hereafter MM-QR) by Machado and Silva (2019) that provides evidence on how the covariates affect the integral conditional distributions of energy transition. The study documents interesting findings. (i) Natural resources rents reduce the pace of the progress of sustainable energy transition in OECD economies. (ii) An escalation in the world uncertainty index leads to an improvement in energy transition index. (iii) Environmental technologies support the transition concerning cleaner and more efficient energy sources. (iv) Finally, as natural resources, uncertainty, environmental technologies, and globalization impacts energy transition differently, their effects need to be rationalized with varying environmental policy instruments. The study concludes that energy transition process requires the task of upgrading the quality of implementation of policies related to energy technology.

First principle insight of CaBS[formula omitted] (B= Sn, Zr and Hf) chalcogenide perovskite as eco-friendly material for photovoltaics

Lead-free perovskite-type materials, renowned for their easy processing and tunable bandgaps, have emerged as a cost-effective alternative for fabricating high-efficiency tandem solar cells. Utilizing density functional theory (DFT) combined with the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method and the modified Becke-Johnson exchange potential (TB-mBJ), this study investigates the potential of CaBS3 (B = Zr, Hf, and Sn) compounds as promising absorbers for next-generation tandem applications. Our results demonstrate that CaBS3 compounds exhibit semiconducting properties with direct bandgaps. This study investigates the unique properties of CaBS3 perovskites, revealing their potential to enhance the efficiency of next-generation photovoltaic devices. Our findings demonstrate that CaZrS3 exhibits a remarkable Seebeck coefficient of up to 3200 μV/K, indicating superior p-type conduction and enhanced thermoelectric efficiency. Furthermore, the direct bandgaps and ambipolar conductive behavior of these materials position them as strong candidates for photovoltaic applications. Notably, a four-terminal tandem solar cell configuration comprising CaZrS3 and CaSnS3 achieves a peak conversion efficiency of 55.5% at an absorber thickness of 500 nm, surpassing the traditional Shockley-Queisser limit. These results underscore the promising capabilities of CaBS3 perovskites in advancing renewable energy technologies, paving the way for innovative designs in solar energy solutions.This investigation lends empirical credence to the optimization of tandem cell designs, thus catalyzing advancements in next-generation photovoltaic technologies.

Design and performance analysis of a novel downhole heat exchanger for deep geothermal wells: Experimental and field tests

This study addresses the challenge of "extracting heat without extracting water" in geothermal energy systems, which is a key requirement for sustainable resource utilization. A novel downhole heat exchanger (NDHE) was designed to increase the heat exchange efficiency in compact geothermal single-well systems. This research employed theoretical analysis, experimental studies, and field tests. The heat exchanger, which incorporates a single-pass flow for geothermal water and a dual-pass flow for ground loop water, achieved a heat transfer coefficient of 2200–3200 W/(m2·K) and a maximum heat extraction power of 32 kW under laboratory conditions. In field applications, the system demonstrated a heat extraction power of 185 kW—38–58 % higher than that of existing technologies—sufficient to meet the 155 kW heating demand for buildings. Under full load, the predicted maximum capacity reached 555 kW, more than quadrupling the performance of current single-well systems. This innovative heat exchanger significantly enhances both heat extraction efficiency and scalability, paving the way for broader adoption of geothermal energy technologies.

The Influence of Urban New Energy Development Orientation on New Energy Technology Innovation in Firms

Unlike existing energy policies that adopt a macro-level perspective, this paper examines the impact of China’s new energy demonstration cities (NEDC) policy on micro-agents. Using longitudinal data covering Chinese publicly listed firms in new energy industries, the empirical results show that the NEDC policy significantly increases firm’s new energy patents in pilot cities compared to those in non-pilot cities. We examine the potential channels via industrial upgrading effect, relative scale effect, direct incentive effect, and factor aggregation effect. In addition, we find that the NEDC policy performs better in areas with more governmental new energy attention and higher infrastructure levels, and state-owned businesses are more proactive.

Aqueous phase Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance based Hydrogen sensing using Mixed colloidal Ag and PdAu nanoparticles

Hydrogen sensing is critical for its role in clean energy technologies. Herein, a colloidal Ag-PdAu ternary system as an efficient Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR)-based sensor is first proposed for H2 sensing in aqueous environments. Upon exposure to H2, the system exhibits a significant LSPR peak shift of 42 nm within just 10 min, with no observable response to N2 under identical conditions.

In situ growth of MnO2 on graphitized cellulose nanocrystal: A novel coaxial heterostructures with unblocked conductive networks as advanced electrode materials for supercapacitor

Manganese dioxide (MnO2) with high theoretical capacitance and natural abundance has attracted great attention but is still challenging for use in supercapacitors, due to the limited conductivity and lower electron and ion migration. Here, a facile in situ growth strategy is developed to prepare heterostructural graphitized cellulose nanocrystal (GCNC)/MnO2 with unblocked conductive networks through a hydrothermal reaction. The GCNC with highly ordered graphitic carbon layers as conductive support framework solves the agglomeration problem of MnO2 and increases effective specific surface areas in contact with electrolyte ions. Meanwhile, the stable connection of MnOC covalent bonds enhances the interface bonding, which effectively reduces the contact resistance at the interface of heterostructural GCNC/MnO2 and enhances the interface firmness. The resulting GCNC/MnO2 electrode shows a remarkable specific capacitance of 528.2 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1. Furthermore, the symmetric supercapacitor based on GCNC/MnO2-15 mM exhibits high rate capability and excellent cycle stability of 100 % capacitance retention after 3000 cycles. This work provides a new path to designing high performance electrode material for sustainable energy technologies.