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☀️ Thin film materials, Residential-size solar panel, and 1st high-temp superconducting tokamak

☀️ Thin film materials, Residential-size solar panel, and 1st high-temp superconducting tokamak

🌍 Step into the eco-sphere with IE for the 8th issue of Sustainability

June 24, 2024

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Welcome back to the eighth edition of Sustainability, a weekly newsletter by Interesting Engineering.

Last week, researchers from the University of Birmingham claimed that concrete nitrogenation could reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 3.4 to 6.9 megatonnes (Mt), representing six to 13 percent of industry-related emissions in 2021. This reduction could potentially lead to economic benefits exceeding $150–160 trillion between 2021 and 2050, in addition to notable health benefits, such as preventing the loss of 75–260 years of healthy life, measured in disability-adjusted life years.

This week, researchers from the Tokyo University of Science developed a new material for films, claiming a breakthrough in anode electrode technology that could pave the way for cleaner energy developments. The material, referred to as BaCe0.4Pr0.4Y0.2O3−δ (BCPY) thin films, was employed as anode electrodes in proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells (PC-SOFCs). These fuel cells could potentially power homes, vehicles, and other industrial applications, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and helping to mitigate climate change.

Heatwaves have begun impacting the world with severe consequences, such as recent deaths in India, and Pakistan last month and the tragic loss of 1,301 lives during Hajj in Saudi Arabia owing to intense heat. In a new study undertaken at China’s Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, scientists are warning people to not consume water from plastic water bottles when it’s exposed to sunlight, especially during heatwaves.

In other developments, Oxford University research spinoff – Oxford PV devised a residential-size solar panel which recorded an efficiency figure of 26.9 percent. The panel enhances the efficiency of traditional silicon-based solar panels by integrating a ‘miracle material’ called perovskite – a calcium titanium oxide mineral composed of calcium titanate. A China-based energy firm – Energy Singularity set a new record by building the world’s first high-temperature superconducting tokamak device called ‘HH70.’ The company claims that the material, Rare Earth Barium Copper Oxide (REBCO) allows the tokamaks to be made at only two percent of the volume of conventional tokamaks.

With that, I, Shubhangi Dua, your author for Sustainability, welcome you to the seventh edition.

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NEWS

🕌 At least 1,301 people died during Hajj - Saudi Arabia At least 1,301 people died during Hajj, Saudi Arabia says, mostly unauthorised pilgrims who walked long distances in intense heat.
☀️ Solar module achieves record-breaking 26.9% power generation efficiency The 17 sq ft double-glass module, utilizing perovskite-on-silicon tandem solar technology, weighs less than 55 pounds.
💦 Scientists crack green hydrogen code with iridium-free electrolyzer design When used in an anode, the catalyst was stable for over 600 hours at high energy density, a record for cathode-based catalyst.
🕳️ World’s 1st high-temperature superconducting tokamak built in China The company plans to make a next-gen tokamak by 2027 and a technology demonstrator by 2030.
🎍 AI-driven tool to help plants adapt to climate change developed The innovation is said to be instrumental in ongoing efforts to enhance the precision in capturing root growth dynamics under diverse plant conditions.
♻️ Mission 2025 group urges governments to set more ambitious climate goals World's biggest firms, finance houses, cities and regions joined forces to urge governments to increase their climate ambition ahead of a February 2025 deadline to deliver their emission-cutting plans to the United Nations.

MUST READ

⚃ Japanese scientists crafted new thin film material that could reduce reliance on fossil fuels

In another stride in renewable technologies, recently, researchers from the Tokyo University of Science developed a new material called BaCe0.4Pr0.4Y0.2O3−δ (BCPY) thin films to be used as anode electrodes in proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells (PC-SOFCs).

Scientists are claiming it is a breakthrough development as the material exhibits high proton–hole mixed conductivity at lower temperatures (300 degrees Celsius), which is a significant improvement over conventional solid oxide fuel cells that require much higher temperatures (over 700 degrees Celsius) to operate.

The material’s ability to operate at lower temperatures enhances the efficiency, durability, and applicability of PC-SOFCs, making them more viable for renewable energy production. This innovation could lead to more efficient and sustainable energy technologies, helping address the ongoing energy and climate crises.

This advancement could make fuel cells more practical for powering homes, vehicles, and industrial applications. It aims to provide a reliable and efficient alternative to fossil fuels as fuel cells can considerably reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on non-renewable energy sources.

The BCPY thin films were prepared on an Al2O3 (0001) substrate using RF magnetron sputtering. In simpler terms, researchers used this special ceramic – BCPY- and coated it on the aluminium substrate. This process involved bombarding a target material with high-energy particles to create a thin film on the substrate. Post-developing the films, researchers examined them via X-ray absorption spectroscopy and defect chemical analysis. This was undertaken to ensure the validity of the conductivity mix needed for fuel cell use.

Scientists said that the films were wet-annealed and demonstrated surface hole-proton mixed conductivity of more than 10−2 S·K/cm at 300 degrees Celsius, making them suitable as new anode electrode materials for medium-temperature PC-SOFCs.

This study is still ongoing, however, the recent findings were published earlier last week on June 18, 2024, in the Journal of the Physical Society of Japan.

OTHER IMPORTANT UPDATES

🔥 Act to shrink your carbon footprint

Credit: Miljan Živković / iStock

While scientists strive for breakthroughs in clean technology to mitigate the climate crisis, here are some recent endeavors and discoveries recommended by these experts. These findings inspire and also emphasize important insights for individuals and businesses alike.

Clouds play decisive role in Earth’s warming

Using satellite data, scientists carried out research at Leipzig University to examine the asymmetrical changes in cloud cover and their implications for Earth's climate. They employed satellite observations and data from CMIP6, covering historical data from 1970 to 2014 and projections up to 2100. They found that clouds play a critical role in regulating Earth's climate. Clouds reflect sunlight during the day (short-wave albedo effect) and trap heat at night (long-wave greenhouse effect). Understanding these dynamics is essential for predicting future climate scenarios and assessing the impact of climate change. The changing cloud cover patterns influenced by factors like greenhouse gas concentrations can amplify global warming. This finding emphasized the urgency of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions to minimize adverse climate impacts.

Avoid drinking water from plastic bottles during heatwaves!

A new study conducted at the Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University examined health risks posed by the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from plastic water bottles when exposed to sunlight. Researchers in China aimed to understand how sunlight exposure transforms plastic water bottles into sources of air pollution by analyzing the VOCs emitted under UV-A and solar irradiation. With heatwaves already impacting parts of the world and El Niño underway, scientists are warning that drinking water from plastic bottles could pose potential health risks when consumed, especially if the concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) increase due to prolonged exposure to sunlight and heat. Additionally, the study also spotlighted the need for consumers to be aware of these risks and to consider safer storage practices for bottled water, such as keeping bottles in shaded or cool environments to minimize VOC emissions.

Festivals – a powerful force of sustainable lifestyle changes

Researchers from the University of Bath recently undertook a study to comprehend the role of collective experiences in providing a supportive environment for vegans. The study centered around how a vegan festival can empower and inspire people to make lifestyle changes for a sustainable future. The findings showed that festivals provide a restorative retreat from the majority, meat-eating society. Attendees felt a sense of community, which helped them feel braver about discussing their veganism and maintaining their activism. The festival environment allowed for friendly conversations, even in typically mundane activities like queuing for food. This social connection encouraged attendees to feel empowered and more engaged in promoting sustainable practices.

More to come in the forthcoming edition of Sustainability.