Development of Fe-N-C Electrocatalysts Enhances ORR Performance

US-based researchers have reported a strategy using multiligand coordination self-assembly to synthesize a novel metal-organic framework precursor (FeZn-PBMI). This approach produced the coexistence of FeNx sites and FexC atomic clusters, decorating N-doped carbon nanotubes (FexC@FeNCNTs). The resultant composite exhibits superior oxygen reduction reaction performance, with a half-wave potential of 0.87 V, surpassing commercial Pt/C. Furthermore, it shows long-term stability in Zn-air batteries over 1000 cycles, highlighting its potential for various energy-related technologies.

Zinc-Doped Copper Sulfide Materials for Supercapacitors

China has synthesized zinc-doped CuS materials using a hydrothermal method for use as positive electrode materials in supercapacitors. The study demonstrated that at a current density of 4 mA cm−2, the specific capacitance could reach 3980 mF cm−2, while at 20 mA cm−2, the capacitance retention rate is 85% after 5000 cycles. Moreover, the hybrid supercapacitor maintained a capacitance retention rate of 78% after 4000 cycles at the same current density.

Driving a Greener Future: The Role of Sustainability in Business and Society

Sustainability has become a cornerstone of modern business strategies as organizations increasingly adopt sustainable practices to protect natural resources and combat climate change. The article discusses real-world applications exemplifying sustainability efforts, such as Patagonia's use of recycled materials and IKEA's commitment to sourcing renewable and recycled materials by 2030. Tesla is highlighted for redefining the automotive industry with electric vehicles, while Carbonmark simplifies carbon offsetting by connecting businesses to verified environmental projects.

Efficient Carrier Separation Enhances Photocatalytic Activity in Cu2O/T-N S-scheme

This study presents a practical method for improving the redox capacity of photocatalysts using a Cu2O/T-N S-scheme heterojunction. The research reveals that the anchored amino molecular layer converts the p-n junction into an S-scheme heterojunction, significantly enhancing the redox ability of photogenerated carriers. This optimization led to impressive photocatalytic performance, achieving 41.85 mmol g-1 for hydrogen evolution, 64 times higher than pure titanium dioxide, and 18 mmol gCu2O-1 h-1 for nitrogen fixation. The enhanced carrier transfer pathway also mitigated photocorrosion, maintaining stable catalytic activity for up to 50 hours.

Fluorescent probe for heavy metal ion detection in environmental monitoring

This work presents a novel fluorescent probe designed for the detection of heavy metal ions, capable of identifying concentrations below hygienic standards for drinking water. The probe functions through the fold/unfold conformational transition of Aggregation-Induced Emission (AIE) molecular modules in response to heavy metal ion coordination, making it suitable for both environmental and biomedical monitoring applications.

Household Responses to Energy Price Increases During Crisis

Finnish households adjusted their energy usage in response to the 2022 European Energy Crisis, particularly high- and middle-income groups, who reduced electricity use while increasing earnings. Low-income households faced significant financial distress, including defaults and reduction in other expenditures. Anticipation of energy price increases led some households to adjust their electricity use in advance, mitigating the overall impact of the price shock. The study also quantifies the potential effects of a hypothetical carbon price.

U.S. Gold Corp. receives BBB rating for CK Gold Project

US-based U.S. Gold Corp. announced the results of an independent assessment by Digbee Limited, achieving a BBB rating for its CK Gold Project in Wyoming. This rating reflects the company's commitment to sustainability and responsible development, as it approaches financing activities. The assessment evaluates governance, environmental, and social factors, confirming that U.S. Gold is on track to meet lender criteria. The company has received permits for the CK Gold Project and aims to secure project financing by addressing potential risks.

The UK Climate Change Committee (CCC) has presented a new pathway to decarbonise the UK by 2050, aiming for an 87% reduction in emissions by 2040 compared to 1990 levels. The plan emphasizes electrification, which accounts for 60% of emissions reductions, and highlights the need for investment in clean energy, expected to reach $2 trillion globally by 2024. The CCC projects that by 2050, household energy bills could be £700 cheaper annually. The report also stresses the importance of private sector investment, estimating that it will cover 65-90% of the financing requirement from 2025 to 2050. The CCC's recommendations include making electricity cheaper, removing barriers to low-carbon technology adoption, and supporting households and businesses in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

UK-based CBI responded to the Climate Change Committee's 7th Carbon Budget, emphasizing the UK's leadership in energy transition and economic transformation. Tania Kumar, Net Zero Director at CBI, highlighted the need for proactive government decision-making to support private sector investment in decarbonization. The upcoming spending review is seen as crucial for establishing policy frameworks to achieve carbon budget targets.

The UK-based Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) commented on the Climate Change Committee's Seventh Carbon Budget, emphasizing the importance of net zero emissions to combat climate change. Jess Ralston highlighted the need to phase out gas boilers in favor of electric heat pumps for energy independence. Tom Lancaster stressed the urgency of addressing emissions from farming and land use to ensure food security. Colin Walker discussed the potential of frequent flyer levies to manage aviation emissions. Professor Hugh Montgomery advocated for dietary changes to improve health and reduce emissions.

US-based Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) launched the RISE PA program, a $396 million initiative aimed at reducing energy costs and air pollution from industrial facilities. The program is expected to create up to 6,000 jobs in construction and manufacturing. Funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, RISE PA offers grants to companies for projects that reduce pollution and improve energy efficiency. The initiative supports Pennsylvania's legacy as a national energy leader by promoting innovation and job creation.

China has pledged to collaborate globally to tackle climate change challenges, as stated by Chen Zhenlin, head of the China Meteorological Administration, at the 62nd session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in Hangzhou. The China Meteorological Administration has enhanced its monitoring capabilities and developed climate models to address climate change. The IPCC meeting in Hangzhou aims to finalize the outlines for the "Seventh Assessment Report" and the "Methodology Report on Carbon Dioxide Removal Technologies, Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage." Liu Zhenmin, China's special envoy for climate change, highlighted the significant contributions of Chinese scientists to the IPCC reports, which have advanced global climate governance.

Development of Recyclable Biomass-Based Materials

The research confirmed the reversible exchange ability of dithioacetal bonds through model compounds exchange reactions. Crosslinked polydithioacetal (PDTA) was developed from biomass benzaldehyde and a tetra-thiol monomer via solvent-free polycondensation. This innovative material demonstrated self-healing capabilities and multiple recycling methods, including mechanical reprocessing and chemical recycling. The PDTA showed great potential for medical applications, especially vascular stents, thanks to its tunable activation temperature and excellent biocompatibility, marking it as a promising environmentally-friendly biomaterial.

Bioinspired design of hierarchical twisted hydrogel electrolytes for zinc-ion batteries

US-based researchers have developed a bioinspired design of hierarchical twisted hydrogel electrolytes (HTHEs) to improve the performance of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). This innovative design enhances the Zn2+ transference number to 0.9 and extends the electrochemical stability window to 2.61 V. The pouch cells exhibit an ultra-long cycle life of nearly 10000 cycles, maintaining over 80% capacity retention, and demonstrate remarkable flexibility and impact resistance, able to withstand extreme mechanical stresses. This advancement signifies a substantial leap towards the potential for next-generation energy storage applications.

Safety Management at Construction Sites under the Construction Technology Promotion Act

South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has implemented a variety of management practices in accordance with the Construction Technology Promotion Act to ensure safety at construction sites. Additionally, the ministry works with organizations such as the National Safety Management Agency to inspect approximately 22,000 construction sites annually and imposes fines and penalties for violations. Starting from March 4 to April 14, 2025, the ministry will conduct intensive checks on about 1,700 construction sites to prevent damages caused by thawing and freezing ground conditions.

How MISO Determines Capacity Accreditation for Resources

US-based MISO has implemented a rigorous capacity accreditation process to assess how different resources contribute to meeting peak demand. This includes thermal generation, renewables like wind and solar, demand response, and storage. MISO utilizes methodologies such as Effective Load Carrying Capability (ELCC) studies for evaluating the capacity of intermittent resources. This ensures that capacity auctions reflect actual resource reliability, facilitating a transition towards a cleaner energy mix and supporting long-term resource adequacy planning.

Understanding the RPM Capacity Auction Cap in PJM

US-based PJM has established the Reliability Pricing Model (RPM) to ensure resource adequacy in its capacity market. The RPM capacity auction cap sets the maximum price that resources can offer in RPM auctions, adjusted based on the cost of new entry (CONE). This mechanism helps maintain competitive prices while supporting participation from diverse energy sources, including renewable energy. Recent changes include the introduction of the Capacity Performance (CP) framework, improving reliability and resource performance during peak demand periods.

Japan's Leadership in Climate Action Opportunity

Japan has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to virtually zero by 2050, formulating long-term strategies to achieve this goal. As the U.S. adopts a more isolationist approach under the Trump administration, Japan is presented with an opportunity to take a leading role in global climate change initiatives. The country has a proven track record of providing high-quality aid, gaining the trust of many developing nations, especially in Asia, where it is expected to lead climate change countermeasures.

How Wildfires in California Impact Resource Adequacy in CAISO

US-based California Independent System Operator (CAISO) has developed several strategies to address the challenges posed by wildfires, including procurement adjustments, emergency reliability measures, and public safety power shutoffs (PSPS). As wildfires have increased frequency and severity, CAISO now requires detailed Resource Adequacy plans that must account for wildfire-related risks. The organization has also updated its outage management protocols to minimize the impact of fires on energy supply and transmission.

Power Trading in MISO: How It Works & How It Compares to Other ISOs

The MISO (Midcontinent Independent System Operator) facilitates power trading through structured day-ahead and real-time markets. This process includes participants submitting bids to manage supply and demand while maintaining grid reliability. The model involves Financial Transmission Rights (FTRs) used to mitigate congestion costs and a two-settlement system for price stabilization across regions. MISO's competitive approach particularly emphasizes congestion management compared to ISOs such as PJM and ERCOT.