The world is on the cusp of a revolution in agriculture and industry, thanks to a groundbreaking discovery by researchers at the University of Sydney. By harnessing the power of human-made lightning, they have developed a more efficient method for generating ammonia – one of the most important chemicals used in fertilizers that account for almost half of all global food production.

Traditionally, ammonia has been produced through the Haber-Bosch process, which requires large amounts of energy and relies on fossil fuels. This not only leaves a huge carbon footprint but also necessitates centralized production and long-distance transportation of the product. In contrast, the new method developed by Professor PJ Cullen and his team is a game-changer.

The plasma-based electrolysis system uses electricity to excite nitrogen and oxygen molecules in the air, which are then converted into ammonia gas through a membrane-based electrolyser. This two-step process has shown promising results, with the researchers successfully producing gaseous ammonia – a major breakthrough that opens up new possibilities for sustainable fertilizers.

The implications of this discovery are vast. Ammonia is not only essential for agriculture but also holds potential as a carbon-free fuel source and an effective means of storing and transporting hydrogen. The shipping industry has taken notice, recognizing the potential of ammonia to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

As the world grapples with climate change and sustainability, this breakthrough provides a beacon of hope for a more environmentally friendly future. With further research and development, it’s clear that green ammonia is on the horizon – and it’s an exciting time for science, industry, and humanity alike.

Professor Cullen and his team are now working tirelessly to refine their method, pushing the energy efficiency of the electrolyzer component to make it more competitive with the Haber-Bosch process. This research has been published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition, a testament to the scientific community’s commitment to innovation and progress.

As we move forward into this new era of sustainable ammonia production, one thing is clear: the future of food, industry, and our planet are intertwined – and this breakthrough is a shining example of humanity’s capacity for innovation and collaboration.

A team of scientists at Linköping University in Sweden has made a groundbreaking discovery in the production of green hydrogen, a promising renewable energy source. By developing a new triple-layer material, they have supercharged the energy yield by an impressive 800%.

Hydrogen produced from water is becoming increasingly important as the world shifts away from fossil fuels. The EU plans to ban new petrol and diesel car sales by 2035, making electric motors more common in vehicles. However, heavy trucks, ships, and aircraft require alternative energy sources, where hydrogen comes into play.

The researchers have previously shown that cubic silicon carbide (3C-SiC) has beneficial properties for facilitating the reaction where water is split into hydrogen and oxygen. Now, they’ve further developed a combined material consisting of three layers: a layer of 3C-SiC, a layer of cobalt oxide, and a catalyst material that helps to split water.

The new material, known as Ni(OH)2/Co3O4/3C-SiC, has demonstrated eight times better performance than pure cubic silicon carbide for splitting water into hydrogen. When sunlight hits the material, electric charges are generated, which are then used to split water. By combining the three layers, the researchers have improved the ability to separate positive and negative charges, making the splitting of water more effective.

The distinction between “grey” and “green” hydrogen is crucial in this context. Almost all hydrogen present on the market is “grey” hydrogen produced from fossil fuels, with significant environmental consequences. In contrast, “green” hydrogen is produced using renewable electricity as a source of energy.

Linköping University researchers aim to utilize only solar energy to drive the photochemical reaction to produce “green” hydrogen. Currently, materials under development have an efficiency of between 1 and 3 per cent, but for commercialization, the target is 10% efficiency. The research team estimates that it may take around five to ten years to develop materials that reach this coveted limit.

The study has been funded by several organizations, including the Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education (STINT), the Olle Engkvists Stiftelse, the ÅForsk Foundation, the Carl Tryggers Stiftelse, and through the Swedish Government Strategic Research Area in Advanced Functional Materials (AFM) at Linköping University.

This breakthrough has the potential to significantly impact the renewable energy landscape, making green hydrogen production more efficient and cost-effective. As researchers continue to push the boundaries of this technology, we can expect even more exciting developments in the future.

The increasing number of electric vehicles on roads has led to concerns about their safety signals. A recent study from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden has found that one of the most common signal types is difficult for humans to locate, especially when multiple similar vehicles are moving simultaneously.

Researchers conducted a study involving 52 test subjects who were placed at the center of anechoic chambers and surrounded by loudspeakers. Three types of simulated vehicle sounds were played on the loudspeakers, corresponding to signals from one, two or more electric and hybrid vehicles, plus an internal combustion engine. The test subjects had to mark the direction they thought the sound was coming from as quickly as possible.

The results showed that all signal types were harder to locate than the sound of an internal combustion engine. One type of signal, which consisted of two tones, was particularly difficult for the test subjects to distinguish, with many unable to determine whether it was one or multiple vehicles emitting the sound.

This study highlights a hidden flaw in electric vehicle safety and emphasizes the need for further research into how people react in traffic situations involving electric vehicles. The researchers suggest that new signal types may be needed to improve detection and localization, while minimizing negative impacts on non-road users.

The study’s findings have implications for policymakers and car manufacturers, who must balance the need for effective safety signals with the potential consequences of noisy environments.

As the number of electric vehicles on roads continues to grow, it is essential that safety considerations are prioritized. This study serves as a reminder of the importance of continued research into the acoustic properties of electric vehicle safety signals.