Solar panels capture more sunlight with capsaicin - the chemical that makes chili peppers spicy
Chemicals found in food and solar cell technology have an interesting history – as my own research shows.
Jon Major, Research Fellow, Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy, University of Liverpool •
conversation
Jan. 13, 2021 • ~6 min
Jan. 13, 2021 • ~6 min
perovskite food solar-power materials-science solar-panels solar-energy capsaicin pepper spice
Designing batteries for easier recycling could avert a looming e-waste crisis
Batteries power much of modern life, from electric and hybrid cars to computers, medical devices and cellphones. But unless they're made easier and cheaper to recycle, a battery waste crisis looms.
Darren H. S. Tan, PhD Candidate in Chemical Engineering, University of California San Diego •
conversation
Oct. 22, 2020 • ~10 min
Oct. 22, 2020 • ~10 min
chemistry electronics recycling materials-science electric-vehicles renewable-energy toxic-waste batteries energy-storage municipal-solid-waste e-waste green-design lithium-batteries
Cool touch shirts can make you feel cool on hot days, but which materials work best?
More companies are selling products that claim to keep you cool on hot days. But it turns out that common materials used in sports clothing may not always be the best.
Susan L. Sokolowski, Director & Associate Professor of Sports Product Design, University of Oregon •
conversation
Aug. 28, 2020 • ~7 min
Aug. 28, 2020 • ~7 min
materials-science heat hot-weather athletics sports clothing basketball
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