KAUST researchers found that sulfate ions reduce free water in aqueous batteries, mitigating parasitic reactions that degrade the anode and shorten battery life. Adding zinc sulfate increased battery lifespan by more than ten times. Sulfate salts stabilize the bonds of free water, acting as a "water glue" to reduce parasitic reactions. Why it matters: This finding provides a cheap and scalable approach to improve the viability of aqueous batteries for sustainable energy storage, particularly for integrating renewable energy sources.
Researchers at KAUST, USTC, and SUSTech have developed a method for carbon capture and storage using guanidinium sulfate salt to create clathrate structures that trap CO2 molecules. This salt-based structure mimics methane hydrate activity and captures CO2 through physisorption, without water or nitrogen interference. The method allows CO2 to be carried as a solid powder at ambient temperature and pressure, offering a less energy-intensive alternative to traditional methods. Why it matters: This innovation introduces a new, energy-efficient way to store and transport CO2 as a solid, potentially revolutionizing carbon capture and storage technologies in the region and beyond.
KAUST researchers have discovered that the bacterium Enterobacter sp. SA187, found in desert plants, enhances plant salt tolerance by triggering sulfur metabolism. Salt stress prompts the bacteria to release sulfur metabolites, which then generate the antioxidant glutathione in the plant, protecting it from salt-induced damage. A KAUST startup aims to commercialize SA187 as a probiotic treatment for seeds and crops. Why it matters: This research offers a biotechnological approach to enable saline agriculture, which is crucial for water-scarce regions like Saudi Arabia that rely on energy-intensive desalination.
KAUST's Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies (CREST) hosted a seminar on rechargeable hydrogen gas batteries. Professor Wei Chen from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) presented the seminar. The talk covered aqueous nickel-hydrogen gas, proton-hydrogen gas, halogen-hydrogen gas, and nonaqueous lithium-hydrogen gas batteries, along with applications like self-charging batteries. Why it matters: Hydrogen gas batteries represent a promising avenue for large-scale energy storage, particularly for integrating renewable energy sources into electric grids.
Five KAUST professors (Mohamed Eddaoudi, Omar F. Mohammed, Nivine Khashab, Osman Bakr, and Yu Han) have been elected as Fellows of the Royal Society of Chemistry for their work in materials science. Eddaoudi's work focuses on developing functional porous materials like KAUST-7 for carbon capture, aiming to reduce carbon emissions. Mohammed's group studies charge carrier dynamics at material surfaces. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's growing influence in advanced materials research and its contributions to addressing global challenges such as carbon capture and energy efficiency.
KAUST researchers have developed a passive cooling system that uses solar energy to evaporate water and regenerate salt for reuse, achieving temperatures as low as 3.6 degrees Celsius. The system uses ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) due to its high solubility and low cost. The crystallized salt stores solar energy and can be reused for cooling when needed. Why it matters: This off-grid design offers a sustainable and inexpensive cooling solution for communities in hot regions with limited electricity access, addressing a critical need exacerbated by climate change.
KAUST researchers in the Functional Materials Design, Discovery & Development group have discovered a minimal edge transitive net with high connectivity. This net was used as a blueprint for the design and construction of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Specifically, a new rare earth nonanuclear carboxylate-based cluster was used as an 18-connected MBB to form gea-MOF-1. Why it matters: This work contributes to the advancement of solid-state materials design, which could have broad implications for energy and environmental sustainability in the region.
This article discusses KAUST's presence at the 252nd American Chemical Society Meeting & Exposition in Philadelphia, PA. A KAUST team consisting of staff, students, and faculty attended the event. The article includes a photo from the event and standard KAUST copyright information. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's efforts to engage with the international scientific community and showcase its research and educational programs.