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    Category Chemistry/Nanotechnology

    Using Gelatin and Sugar as Ink to Print 3D Soft Robots

    February 9, 2022, Categories  Physics, Chemistry/Nanotechnology

     Sustainable 3D-printed soft actuators with integrated waveguide sensors.(A) Biodegradable constituents enable a cradle-to-cradle design for soft robotics, where thermoreversibility opens an additional subcycle for multiple usage and extended lifetime. (B) Three-chamber pneumatic actuator with fiber reinforcement and integrated optical sensors. The sensors detect obstacles in the path of the actuator and allow removal of the object. (C) When immersed in water, the gelatin actuator and waveguides swell and dissolve. Complete biodegradation is enabled in sewage or compost. Credit: DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.abk2119

    A team of researchers at Johannes Kepler University Linz has used biodegradable materials as ink to print 3D soft robots...

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    Researchers report Game-Changing Technology to Remove 99% of Carbon Dioxide from Air

    February 7, 2022, Categories  Chemistry/Nanotechnology, Environment/Geology

    University of Delaware researchers have broken new ground that could bring more environmentally friendly fuel cells closer to commercialization. Credit: Graphic illustration by Jeffrey C. Chase

    University of Delaware (UD) engineers have demonstrated a way to effectively capture 99% of carbon dioxide from air using a novel electrochemical system powered by hydrogen.

    It is a significant advance for carbon dioxide capture and could bring more environmentally friendly fuel cells closer to market.

    The research team, led by UD Professor Yushan Yan, reported their method in Nature Energy on Thursday, February 3.

    Fuel cells work by converting fuel chemical energy directly into electricity. They can be used in transportation for things like hybrid or zero-emission vehicles.

    Yan, Hen...

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    Getting Hydrogen out of Banana Peels

    January 27, 2022, Categories  Chemistry/Nanotechnology

    As the world’s energy demands increase, so does our consumption of fossil fuels. The result is a massive rise in greenhouse gases emissions with severely adverse environmental effects. To address this, scientists have been searching for alternative, renewable sources of energy.

    A main candidate is hydrogen produced from organic waste, or biomass, of plants and animals. Biomass also absorbs, removes and stores CO2 from the atmosphere, while biomass decomposition can lead to negative emissions or greenhouse gas removal. But even though biomass heralds a way forward, there is still the question of the best way to maximize its conversion into energy.

    Biomass gasification

    There are currently two main methods for converting biomass into energy: gasification and pyrolysis...

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    New Efficiency Record for Solar Cell Technology

    January 25, 2022, Categories  Physics, Chemistry/Nanotechnology

    Solar cells made using perovskite and organic materials are flexible, light, low cost and ultra-thin. They are ideal for powering vehicles, boats, and more.

    A team of researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has set a new record in the power conversion efficiency of solar cells made using perovskite and organic materials. This technological breakthrough paves the way for flexible, light-weight, low cost and ultra-thin photovoltaic cells which are ideal for powering vehicles, boats, blinds and other applications.

    “Technologies for clean and renewable energy are extremely important for carbon reduction. Solar cells that directly convert solar energy into electricity are among the most promising clean energy technologies...

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