Good Technology
Low Energy Separations
Researchers at the University of Twente in The Netherlands have developed molecular seives that operate at low temperatures (< 150C). This has many applications including those for separations in alcohol production (for drinking or driving), hydrogen production, and other types of filtration processes. It has the benefit of lowering the energy usage in these industrial processes.
Solar
One of the big technological barriers for solar technologies is the efficiency of materials to absorb light. Researchers at McMaster University have developed a nano-wire structure (photo above) using Group III-V materials such as gallium arsenide, indium gallium phosphide, aluminum gallium arsenide, and gallium arsenide phosphide. These nanowires are capable of absorbing as much as 40% of sunlight (as opposed to the mid-teens as seen in commercial solar installations).
What I find most interesting about the photo is that it looks like grass. It seems to me that grass probably has a more efficient means of absorbing sunlight (by its ability to survive and persist) to grow. Perhaps scientists are rediscovering this element to grass’ survival. But what do I know….
…Read the Technology Review Article
Smog Free Building
Architect Vincent Callebaut has designed an Anti-smog pavilion for placement in Paris. It’s not clear that it will ever get built, but it’s ambition is well taken. It’s design features several solar energy saving/utilizing features as well as a green roof / siding…thing that is designed to absorb the smog from the surrounding city.
Photos (from Vincent Callebaut Website):
