In order to better serve researchers in the field of new energy, the editor collates and summarizes the latest results of new energy materials research worldwide in the past week, in order to provide you with the latest knowledge to cope with the changing world.

　　1, the use of algae to produce biofuels is still difficult

Scientists hope to use algae to produce biofuels. However, this technology still has shortcomings. An article published by JRC listed some major problems, such as: algae has high requirements for nutrients, it is difficult to ensure that the selected species maintain high production efficiency when cultivated outdoors, and the process of producing algae and converting them into biofuels requires high energy input and high cost. Moreover, moving from the laboratory to mass production also requires overcoming some technical difficulties.

　　2. From water bridge to water battery

The phenomenon of "water bridges" was discovered in the 19th century. Now scientists from TU Graz and the Wetsus research Centre have found that water with electric charges is also generated along with the water bridges, and these charges can be maintained for some time.

The water placed in the anode will produce protons. These protons reach the cathode through the water bridge and combine with hydroxyl groups here. Because the movement speed of protons is not very fast, if the circuit is suddenly closed during the experiment, the protons in one container will be abundant and the other will lack protons. The experiment shows that these charges can exist for a week.

　　3. High voltage and low cost cadmium telluride solar cells

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy Laboratory and Washington State University and the University of Tennessee have improved the maximum voltage of the cell with cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells, overcoming practical limitations. CdTe batteries have the advantages of low cost and weather resistance, but are not as efficient as silicon-based batteries. The team used standard processing procedures for cadmium chloride to increase the battery voltage.

This research aims to meet energy needs while protecting the environment and solving complex social problems.

　　4. Molecular graphene architecture helps organic solar cells

Organic solar cells have the potential for large-scale, low-cost power generation, and one challenge to overcome is the differential ordering of the top of the thin-layer electrodes. Researchers from the Department of Physics and Chemistry at the Technical University of Munich and the Planck Institute for Polymer Research have modified dye molecules to let them act as self-assembled molecular network building blocks. Through hydrogen bonds, the atomic-level surface molecules of graphene-coated diamond substrates are self-assembled. When exposed to light, the molecular network generates a photocurrent, forming a highly efficient photovoltaic monolayer of molecules, thus solving the problem of differential ordering.

Related research results published in Nature Communications.

　　5, bio-nano-combination of alternative energy sources

Chemists in the College of Arts and Sciences have created a backup light source that does not require batteries or power. Recently, a team of researchers collaborated with the University of Connecticut to demonstrate energy transfer between highly efficient semiconductor quantum rods. Quantum rods and luciferase are sustainable nanomaterials that produce bioluminescence when properly combined.

The team's goal is to build a nano-biological system with practical applications in the field. Maybe one day we will have nanorods that can be inserted into LED lights.

　　New Adeto RRAM memory life up to 25 years

Last week, Anesto Technologies announced a new addition to its memory family: an ultra-low-power RRAM called Moneta.
RRAM (Resistive RAM) is seen as a potential replacement for NAND flash, said CTO Intrater. "We are trying to build memory devices to solve specific problems." Adisto's new chips are also more energy efficient. Intrater further stated that although companies that want to use the memory may make some adjustments to the design of related products, the new RRAM only needs to work at a lower voltage, so no electric pump is required.

　　7, the United States cadmium telluride solar cell open circuit voltage breakthrough 1 volt

With the cooperation of several research institutions in the United States, the maximum voltage of cadmium telluride solar cells was increased to 1V. The team switched from a standard processing step to using cadmium chloride to boost the battery voltage. They placed many small phosphorus atoms on the tellurium grid to form suitable interfaces between the materials and form solar cells with different atomic distances. This method improves the conductivity and carrier lifetime of cadmium telluride, making the open circuit voltage of cadmium telluride solar cells exceed 1 volt for the first time. This innovative approach makes solar cells more efficient and cost-effective.

　　8. Modern technology: using thermoelectricity to develop clean energy

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in the United States have used thermionic vacuum tube technology to design a new type of generator that can use any dye to produce clean energy. Based on the existing thermionic technology, the researchers used the most advanced materials and manufacturing technology. With the help of advanced microscope technology, they can arbitrarily design the voltage and shape of the thermionic vacuum tube. This technology can not only help developing countries produce electricity, but also help to improve household electricity consumption.