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How can the latest technology, such as solar cells, be improved? An international research team led by the University of Göttingen is helping to find answers to questions like this with a new technique. For the first time, the formation of tiny, difficult-to-detect particles—known as dark excitons—can be tracked precisely in time and space. These invisible carriers of energy will play a key role in future solar cells, LEDs and detectors. The results are published in Nature Photonics.

Dark excitons are tiny pairs made up of one electron together with the hole it leaves behind when it is excited. They carry energy but cannot emit light (hence the name “dark”). One way to visualize an is to imagine a balloon (representing the electron) that flies away and leaves behind an empty space (the hole) to which it remains connected by a force known as a Coulomb interaction. Researchers talk about “particle states” that are difficult to detect but are particularly important in atomically thin, two-dimensional structures in special semiconductor compounds.

In an earlier publication, the research group led by Professor Stefan Mathias from the Faculty of Physics at the University of Göttingen was able to show how these dark excitons are created in an unimaginably short time and describe their dynamics with the help of quantum mechanical theory.

“For the First Time Ever: China’s Tiangong Astronauts Create Oxygen & Rocket Fuel in Orbit!”
For the first time, astronauts aboard China’s Tiangong space station have achieved a groundbreaking feat: converting carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and rocket fuel using artificial photosynthesis. This revolutionary technology mimics how plants create energy and has the potential to transform space exploration forever. Imagine astronauts producing breathable air and spacecraft fuel directly in orbit—no more costly resupply missions from Earth! This efficient, sustainable innovation could enable long-term missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, making the dream of a multi-planetary future more achievable than ever. In this video, we’ll explore how this technology works, why it’s so important, and what it means for humanity’s next big leap. Don’t miss out on this exciting update about the future of space exploration!
References:
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3295452/chin…ation-leap.
https://interestingengineering.com/space/china-makes-resourc…ace-travel.
https://www.gasworld.com/story/china-turns-co2-into-oxygen-o…7.article/
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Perovskite solar cells are attracting attention as next-generation solar cells. These cells have high efficiency, are flexible, and can be printed, among other features. However, lead was initially used in their manufacture, and its toxicity has become an environmental issue.

Therefore, a method for replacing lead with tin, which has a low environmental impact, has been proposed. Nevertheless, tin is easily oxidized; consequently, the efficiency and durability of tin are lower than those of lead perovskite solar cells.

To improve the durability of tin perovskite by suppressing tin oxidation, a method that introduces large organic cations into tin perovskite crystals to form a two-dimensional layered structure called Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) tin-based perovskites has been proposed. However, the internal state of this structure and the mechanism by which it improves performance have not been fully elucidated.

Scientists have long sought to understand the exact mechanism behind water splitting by carbon nitride catalysts. For the first time, Dr. Paolo Giusto and his team captured the step-by-step interactions at the interface between carbon nitride and water, detailing the transfer of protons and electrons from water to the catalyst under light.

This discovery lays critical groundwork for optimizing materials for as a renewable energy solution. The findings are published in the journal Nature Communications.

Plants use light to generate fuels through photosynthesis—converting energy from the sun into sugar molecules. With artificial photosynthesis, scientists mimic nature and convert light into high-energy chemicals, in pursuit of sustainable fuels. Carbon nitrides have long been identified as effective catalysts in this ongoing quest. These compounds of carbon and nitrogen use light to break water into its constituent parts, oxygen and hydrogen—with hydrogen representing a promising renewable energy source.

University of Missouri scientists are unlocking the secrets of halide perovskites—a material that’s poised to reshape our future by bringing us closer to a new age of energy-efficient optoelectronics.

Suchi Guha and Gavin King, two physics professors in Mizzou’s College of Arts and Science, are studying the material at the nanoscale: a place where objects are invisible to the naked eye. At this level, the extraordinary properties of halide perovskites come to life, thanks to the material’s unique structure of ultra-thin crystals—making it astonishingly efficient at converting sunlight into energy.

Think that are not only more affordable but also far more effective at powering homes. Or LED lights that burn brighter and last longer while consuming less energy.

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Energy is one of the most important elements to any functioning society, and since our modern era of living uses so much power, the industry is always looking to evolve towards newer and more efficient solutions. Furthermore, given the environmental damage that often comes with many of our modern energy generation practices, people have been thinking outside the box to come up with ideas that are harmonious with mother nature.

Solar panel technology has been around for decades, but there are a few main issues with it. First off, you often need sunlight for it to produce enough on demand and stored energy for daily life. There are many areas in the world where that can be an issue in certain seasons. Secondly, during the night energy can’t be gathered so you’re always dealing with a limited time period where you can generate power for the moment or future use. This prompted inventors to imagine a new “anti-solar panel” that is designed to work both during the day and at night.

Typical solar panels work by gathering visible light from the sun and converting it to usable electricity. This energy can be used as it’s created, or it can be stored into battery cells to be used at a later time. That is to say, it might be a sunny day, you and your family are at work so little power is needed at home. When you return home and you need power, batteries hooked up to your solar panel had been storing the energy collected from the sun during the day, so it’s ready for you to use once you need it even if the sun isn’t out.

A kind of umbilical cord between different quantum states can be found in some materials. Researchers at TU Wien have now shown that this “umbilical cord” is generic to many materials.

It is a basic principle of quantum theory: sometimes certain physical quantities can only assume very specific values; all the values in between are simply not permitted by physics. This fact plays a decisive role in the behavior of materials. Certain energy ranges are possible for the electrons of the material, while others are not. Among other things, this explains the difference between electrically conductive metals and non-conductive insulators.

Sometimes, however, surprising connections can arise between permitted ranges, through which electrons can switch from one range to the other. One such unusual transition region was discovered in 2007 in certain copper-containing materials, known as cuprates.

How will NASA conduct its Mars Sample Return (MSR) Program? This is what the renowned space agency recently discussed as it unveiled two potential landing options for MSR with the goal of determining a final option during the second half of 2026. This comes after NASA tasked a Mars Sample Return Strategic Review team to evaluate 11 proposals in September 2024 for returning samples from Mars to Earth while achieving cost-effectiveness while maximizing mission success.

Both options still call for loading the 30 sample tubes that have been collected and dropped across the Martian surface by NASA’s Perseverance rover during its trek on Mars. However, the Mars Ascent Vehicle, which will lift off from the Martian surface and deliver the samples to the orbiting capsule, will be smaller than previous designs. Additionally, past designs of the landed platform called for solar panels for energy, whereas new designs will incorporate a radioisotope power system for energy needs.

“Pursuing two potential paths forward will ensure that NASA is able to bring these samples back from Mars with significant cost and schedule saving compared to the previous plan,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in a statement. “These samples have the potential to change the way we understand Mars, our universe, and – ultimately – ourselves. I’d like to thank the team at NASA and the strategic review team, led by Dr. Maria Zuber, for their work.”