Researchers have created the first fully integrated artificial photosynthesis nanosystem. While “artificial leaf” is the popular term for such a system, the key to this success was an “artificial forest.”

Artificial forest for solar water-splitting: First fully integrated artificial photosynthesis nanosystem

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Using a powerful combination of microanalytic techniques that simultaneously image photoelectric current and chemical reaction rates across a surface on a micrometer scale, researchers have shed new light on what may become a cost-effective way to generate hydrogen gas directly from water and sunlight.

Significant improvement in performance of solar-powered hydrogen generation

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Researchers are helping develop a new generation of photovoltaic cells that produce more power and cost less to manufacture than what’s available today.

Solar panels as inexpensive as paint?

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The sun provides the most abundant source of energy on the planet. However, only a tiny fraction of the solar radiation on Earth is converted into useful energy.

‘Power plants’: How to harvest electricity directly from plants

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Researchers have quantified the significant value that concentrating solar power plants can add to an electric grid.

Value in concentrating solar power to add to electric grid calculated

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Metallurgists used an old microwave oven to produce a nanocrystal semiconductor rapidly using cheap, abundant and less toxic metals than other semiconductors. They hope it will be used for more efficient photovoltaic solar cells and LED lights, biological sensors and systems to convert waste heat to electricity.

Microwave oven cooks up solar cell material

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Scientists have developed an algae removal and treatment system that turns this underused residue into a renewable source of energy: biomass. The process involves several stages of washing, drying and compacting without leaving the beach. The system is cheaper, more efficient and more environmentally friendly than the procedure commonly followed now.

How to clean seaweed from beaches: Dry it and use the biomass for energy

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Researchers have been able to improve the efficiency of solar cells by coating the cell surface with extremely small nanoscale structures. The new technology has been shown to nearly eliminate the reflection losses of solar radiation.

Nanostructures improve the efficiency of solar cells

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Researchers have designed a low-cost, long-life battery that could enable solar and wind energy to become major suppliers to the electrical grid.

New battery design could help solar and wind power the grid

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Smart electronics are taking the world by storm. From techno-textiles to transparent electronic displays, the world of intelligent technology is growing fast and a revolutionary new device has just been added to its ranks. Researchers have developed a new photoelectric device that is both flexible and transparent.

Revolutionary new device joins world of smart electronics: New flexible, transparent, photosensitive device

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