Hard X-ray flash breaks speed record

Reactions in solar panels, catalytic converters, and other devices are governed by the quick motion of electrons. To capture the movement of these electrons, scientists use pulses of extremely high energy x-rays. The challenge ...

Slow 'hot electrons' could improve solar cell efficiency

Photons with energy higher than the band gap of the semiconductor absorbing them give rise to what are known as hot electrons. The extra energy in respect to the band gap is lost very fast, as it is converted into heat and ...

Solar is a rapidly growing energy source

"The sun is a solution," concluded Prof. Arno Smets in his inaugural address given at TU Delft on Wednesday, 28 September. Smets and his group at TU Delft envisage all energy provision being based on sustainable energy sources ...

Exploring the mystery of how enzymes work via simulations

Enzymes play a crucial role in most biological processes—controlling energy transduction, as well as the transcription and translation of genetic information and signaling. They possess a remarkable capacity to accelerate ...

Detailed insight into radiation damage caused by slow electrons

Scientists can only offer a partial explanation of how radioactivity damages biological cells. The current research focuses on the effect of so-called secondary particles. When radiation penetrates the body, it knocks out ...

Blue-green algae efficient in 'harvesting' light

Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, have an ingenious system to prepare themselves for the coming daylight when it is dark by setting up a large 'antenna'. This antenna helps them capture light energy in an efficient ...

India worries it compromised too much on climate treaty

As the world celebrates reaching an unprecedented global climate treaty, India is praising nations' willingness to compromise for the good of the planet. But many in the country—which had been among the most strident during ...

Obama makes case for renewable energy

US President Barack Obama made a full-throated defense of renewable energy, hitting coal-championing critics as free market hypocrites.

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