🧅 Onion dye film boosts solar cell durability, China perfects 620mph hyperloop vision, chemist taps billion-year-old reactions

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Researchers have developed a bio-based ultraviolet (UV) protection film that can potentially replace conventional petroleum-derived materials in solar cells.

The research was conducted by the University of Turku, Finland, in collaboration with Aalto University and Wageningen University. Solar cells are highly susceptible to UV-induced degradation, necessitating protective films to extend their operational lifespan.

The study represents the first comprehensive analysis comparing the long-term efficacy of different bio-based UV filters. Dive deeper into this Must-Read.

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🧅 1,000-hour test proves onion dye film boosts solar cell durability

In the pursuit of sustainable alternatives, researchers have turned to nanocellulose, a nanoscale biopolymer. By modifying it with specific compounds, they aim to improve UV protection while maintaining transparency.

This study has demonstrated that nanocellulose films infused with red onion skin extract exhibit superior UV-blocking properties. These bio-based films achieved 99.9% UV absorption up to 400 nanometers, outperforming the PET-based UV filters used as industry benchmarks in the study.

“Nanocellulose films treated with red onion dye are a promising option in applications where the protective material should be bio-based,” stated Doctoral Researcher Rustem Nizamov from the University of Turku.

🚆 China perfects 620mph hyperloop vision that Musk couldn’t deliver

In 2013, Elon Musk talked about the Hyperloop. A futuristic transport system built around near-vacuum tubes designed to whisk passengers between cities at speeds of up to 1,000 km/h (621 mph).

Though Musk has succeeded in electric cars and reusable rockets, Hyperloop languished under immense engineering and financial obstacles, spanning airtight seals, massive temperature shifts, and the complexities of integrating high-speed maglev into everyday infrastructure.

A remarkable test project in China shows that Hyperloop-like travel may have a future.

🧪 US chemist taps billion-year-old reactions for effective carbon capture

Scientists are drawing inspiration from Earth’s ancient past to find solutions to the planet’s climate crisis. MIT Associate Professor Daniel Suess is honing in on ancient evolutionary reactions.

During the early evolution of life, cells started transferring electrons from one atom to another. This helped them build carbon and nitrogen-containing compounds. By studying these reactions, Suess hopes to develop new carbon capture methods, and possibly even alternative fuels.

Ultimately, ancient natural reactions, predating even the advent of photosynthesis, may go some way to restoring the natural world’s balance.

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