All posts tagged: Uni

Uni of Birmingham unveils perovskite catalyst for low-temperature hydrogen production

Uni of Birmingham unveils perovskite catalyst for low-temperature hydrogen production

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a lower-temperature method for hydrogen production that could significantly reshape how clean fuel is generated. Led by Yulong Ding, the team demonstrated a new approach to water splitting using a perovskite catalyst, cutting operating temperatures by as much as 500°C. The study shows that hydrogen can now be produced at temperatures between 150°C and 500°C, far below those of conventional thermochemical processes. The result is a more energy-efficient system that can integrate with industrial waste heat, opening the door to decentralised hydrogen production. Published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, the research suggests this method could also lower production costs compared to existing green and blue hydrogen pathways, particularly in regions with lower renewable energy costs. A shift in how hydrogen is made Hydrogen is widely seen as a cornerstone of the low-carbon transition. It produces only water when used as a fuel and can power fuel cells or be burned for heat. Yet the reality is less clean: around 95% of global hydrogen production still …

Northumbria Uni secures £4m to decode Earth’s radiation belts

Northumbria Uni secures £4m to decode Earth’s radiation belts

Researchers at Northumbria University have been awarded £4 million to investigate one of space science’s most persistent mysteries: why Earth’s radiation belts behave so erratically. The five-year project aims to improve forecasting of space weather and strengthen protections for satellites that underpin modern life. Leader of the project, Professor of Space Physics Clare Watt, explained its importance: “Despite decades of research and sophisticated NASA missions that have sampled these harsh environments directly, the radiation belts have remained frustratingly unpredictable. “This project will help us understand whether that’s because we don’t fully grasp the physics involved, or because parts of the system are inherently chaotic and sensitive to tiny changes in conditions.” Understanding radiation belts Radiation belts are zones encircling Earth where charged particles become trapped by the planet’s magnetic field. Within these regions, particles can accelerate to near-light speeds, creating a hostile environment for spacecraft. For operators of satellite systems, the stakes are high. Fluctuations in radiation belts can damage electronics, degrade solar panels, and disrupt services such as GPS navigation, telecommunications, and weather monitoring. Yet despite …