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Researchers develop concept for ultra-fast hydrogen sensor; plasmonic metal–polymer hybrid nanomaterial

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In a paper in the journal Nature Materials , the team presents a plasmonic metal–polymer hybrid nanomaterial concept, in which the polymer coating reduces the apparent activation energy for hydrogen transport into and out of the plasmonic nanoparticles, while deactivation resistance is provided via a tailored tandem polymer membrane.

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Audi introduces new CNG A3 Sportback

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Audi is adding a new member to its A3 family: the A3 Sportback 30 g-tron natural gas vehicle. Operation with natural gas or biomethane makes the compact model economical and more climate-friendly with low emissions. With full gas tanks, the car has an NEDC range of up to 495 (307.6 The A3 Sportback 30 g-tron 1.5

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Cornell team suggests engineered bacteria could address current limitations of energy storage technologies

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Raising the penetration of renewable —an intermittent—sources of energy into the grid will require large scale electrical energy storage and retrieval. Adding electrically engineered (synthetic or non-biological) elements could make this approach even more productive and efficient than microbes alone.

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MIT researchers propose mechanism for overcoming bottleneck in electroreduction of CO2

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This article proposes a model that accounts for the modes in which aqueous gas depletion evolves over time and affects the long-term CO 2 electroreduction and the corresponding pH evolution near the electrode’s surface. pH is then suggested as an accurate and indirect means to measure CO 2 concentration in a liquid electrolyte.

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DOE issues Notice of Intent for 2020 advanced vehicle technology research

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Low-cost electric traction drive systems using no heavy rare earth materials. Improved efficiency of medium- and heavy-duty natural gas and propane (LPG) engines. Lightweight and high-performance fiber-reinforced polymer composites for vehicle applications. Transportation and energy analysis.

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DOE announces $139M in funding for 55 projects to advance innovative vehicle technologies

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Structurally and Electrochemically Stabilized Silicon-rich Anodes for Electric Vehicle (EV) Applications. AOI 02: Low Cost Electric Traction Drive Systems Using No Heavy Rare Earth Materials. Low Cost, High-Performance, Heavy Rare Earth-Free 3-In-1 Electric Drive Unit. Enovix Corporation. Group14 Technologies Inc. 2,500,000.

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ARPA-E announces $98M in funding for 40 OPEN projects; two opposed-piston engines projects receive $10M total

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The selected OPEN 2018 projects are in 21 states and fall into 9 technical categories, including transportation, electricity generation and delivery, and energy efficiency. . Electric motor-generators on each crankshaft will improve engine efficiency by modifying the piston dynamics and resulting combustion process.

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