ロチェスター大学の研究チームは、海水から有害な液体状の濃縮廃水を生じさせることなく、真水を作り出す太陽光利用システムを開発した。この技術は、レーザーで表面加工したパネルを用いて水を蒸発させ、塩分を固体として回収する。
このシステムは、フェムト秒レーザーで処理された黒色の金属パネルを使用しており、日光を吸収して海水を活性表面全体に行き渡らせる。水が蒸発する際、コーヒーリング効果を利用して塩分を受動的な領域へと誘導することで、稼働中の目詰まりを防ぐ。太平洋、大西洋、インド洋の海水サンプルを用いた試験により、継続的な真水の抽出と自己洗浄機能が確認された。
AIによるレポート AIによって生成された画像 事実確認済み
Researchers from India and Singapore report a crystalline membrane made from polyoxometalate clusters whose intrinsic openings are about 1 nanometer wide, enabling unusually sharp molecular separations that could help lower energy use in some industrial purification and water-reuse steps.
Scientists at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed an artificial photosynthesis device that converts sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into formic acid without using batteries. The self-regulating electrolyzer adjusts automatically to changing light levels, simplifying the process and cutting costs.
AIによるレポート
Researchers at Columbia Engineering have developed a new technique to pull lithium from underground brines more quickly and with less environmental harm. The approach uses a temperature-sensitive solvent and avoids the large evaporation ponds common in current production.
Researchers from the University of Michigan have deployed two prototype wave energy devices on Beaver Island in Lake Michigan. The effort aims to generate electricity locally and reduce dependence on vulnerable underwater cables from the mainland.
AIによるレポート
An international research team has developed a device that can direct, switch and store thermal radiation without ongoing power. The breakthrough separates heat absorption from emission, overcoming a long-standing materials science limit known as reciprocity.
Researchers have modified bacteria to manufacture gadusol, a UV-protective substance found in fish eggs. The advance could support development of transparent, eco-friendly sunscreens. The work was led by a team at Jiangnan University in China.
AIによるレポート
The seven states that rely on the Colorado River have submitted a $50 billion wish list of projects to address chronic water shortages. Federal officials are considering desalination plants, cloud seeding, and other supply-boosting measures as negotiations over cuts stall.