Study unveils details of how a widely used catalyst splits water
“Gold standard” material for generating oxygen from water divulges its molecular mechanisms.
Deep cuts in greenhouse emissions are tough but doable, experts say
Speakers at MIT climate symposium outline the steps needed to achieve global carbon neutrality by midcentury.
New electrode design may lead to more powerful batteries
An MIT team has devised a lithium metal anode that could improve the longevity and energy density of future batteries.
Powering the planet
Fikile Brushett and his team are designing electrochemical technology to secure the planet’s energy future.
Zeroing in on decarbonization
Wielding complex algorithms, nuclear science and engineering doctoral candidate Nestor Sepulveda spins out scenarios for combating climate change.
The race to develop renewable energy technologies
Mechanical engineers rush to develop energy conversion and storage technologies from renewable sources such as wind, wave, solar, and thermal.
Getting the carbon out of the electricity sector
MIT symposium looks at the role of advances in storage, solar, nuclear, EVs and more in cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Understanding the impact of deep-sea mining
Mining materials from the sea floor could help secure a low-carbon future, but researchers are racing to understand the environmental effects.
A new mathematical approach to understanding zeolites
Study of minerals widely used in industrial processes could lead to discovery of new materials for catalysis and filtering.
New type of electrolyte could enhance supercapacitor performance
Novel class of “ionic liquids” may store more energy than conventional electrolytes — with less risk of catching fire.
New approach could boost energy capacity of lithium batteries
“Hybrid” cathodes could provide more power for a given weight and volume.
Tackling greenhouse gases
Faculty in the Department of Mechanical Engineering are developing technologies that store, capture, convert, and minimize greenhouse gas emissions.
Saving heat until you need it
A new concept for thermal energy storage involves a material that absorbs heat as it melts and releases it as it resolidifies — but only when triggered by light.
Opportunities for materials innovation abound
Faculty researchers share insights into new capabilities at the annual Industrial Liaison Program Research and Development Conference.
“Sun in a box” would store renewable energy for the grid
Design for system that provides solar- or wind-generated power on demand should be cheaper than other leading options.