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NREL sets new world efficiency record for solar hydrogen production: 16.2%

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Scientists at the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recaptured the record for highest efficiency in solar hydrogen production via a photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting process. Structure of an IMM photocathode configured for water splitting with TEM cross-section of the active layers.

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MIT team outlines path to low-cost solar-to-fuels devices; the artificial leaf

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A team of researchers at MIT has described a framework for efficiently coupling the power output of a series-connected string of single-band-gap solar cells to an electrochemical process that produces storable fuels. This process would liberate solar energy for use when the sun isn’t shining, and open up a host of potential new applications.

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Pilot Project Sends Kelp–and Carbon–to the Seafloor

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Last January, in the waters off Cebu City in the Philippines, researchers first deployed a huge flexible ring seeded with seaweed and spanned by spokelike ropes and tubes. Every nightfall, cranks mounted on a floating platform lower the ring 25 meters below the surface to expose the seaweed to cooler, more nutrient-rich water.

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NREL shows graded catalytic-protective layer boosts longevity of high-efficiency photocathodes for renewable hydrogen

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Researchers at the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have developed a method which boosts the longevity of high-efficiency photocathodes in photoelectrochemical water-splitting devices. A PEC cell absorbs sunlight and converts that energy into hydrogen and oxygen by splitting water molecules.

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Researchers Propose Solar-Driven Biomass Gasification Pathway for Synthetic Fuel Production

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Schema of synfuel synthesis through solar-driven biomass gasification. Solar energy produces both heat for gasification and H 2 via electrolysis. High temperature heat for biomass gasification is obtained from a molten-salt system in a solar concentrating tower. The purpose of the concept, said Edgar G.

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Skylab: The Space Station That Fell on Australia

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Skylab’s Failure and Recovery Skylab’s fate was sealed moments after lift-off when the sun shield and main solar panel were severely damaged, making it questionable whether the spacecraft could fulfill its multiple planned missions. The damaged solar panels could not generate enough electricity to power the space station.

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CNRS researchers exploring two-step thermochemical process to split CO2 for upgrading to synthetic fuels

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Researchers at the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), France, are studying a solar thermochemical process for the recycling and upgrading of CO 2 emissions for the production of synthetic fuels. In a paper published online in the ACS journal Energy & Fuels , they describe results from a series of proof-of-concept experiments.

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