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Germanium is a low-cost alternative to the highly expensive III-V semiconductors commonly used on thermophotovoltaic (TPV) devices. Despite efficiencies up to 16.5 % having been theorized in previous works, no experimental efficiencies have been reported so far for germanium-based devices. In this work, we present the first experimental germanium TPV cell efficiency measured under high view factor and high temperature irradiance conditions. Efficiencies and electric power densities up to 11.2 % and 1.43 W/cm2 have been obtained using a graphite emitter heated at 1440ºC.

Conflict framing-the emphasis on clashing political positions, or the reproach of one actor to another-is central in political coverage and politics. This chapter discusses its conceptualization and the subsequent consequences for citizens' political attitudes and behavior. Previous research on conflict framing has yielded mixed results, showcasing conflicts' potential to inform and engage citizens alongside fostering cynicism and polarization. In this chapter, we argue that, to understand these divergent findings, it is necessary to distinguish between different types of conflicts. To address the fragmented literature on conflict and negativity, we propose a typology of various conflict types. This typology is exemplified through a hypothetical conflict scenario centered around climate change. We evaluate the moral, political, and epistemic implications of distinct conflict frames and propose conditions under which conflicts can positively contribute to deliberative democracy. Our typology provides a starting point for further investigations into the effects of conflict frames.

Grid parity is considered the tipping point of economic competitiveness of PV systems. However, accurately determining when grid parity is achieved hinges on the reliability and precision of the methodologies and data employed. This paper systematically reviews existing methods for assessing PV grid parity, proposes a structured three-step framework for grid parity assessment, and identifies the potential enhancements for more accurate evaluation outcomes. The framework begins with the calculation of PV costs using the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) method, continues with predicting PV cost trends through learning curves, and is completed by benchmarking PV costs against electricity prices. Our findings reveal that most current PV cost calculations for grid parity primarily rely on the LCOE method, which can be enhanced by incorporating modifications for integration costs, revenues, PV performance metrics, regional-specific characteristics, and uncertainties. Moreover, learning curve models used to predict PV cost trends can be refined by tailoring learning rates and model formulations to reflect specific stages of technological development and regional differences. Additionally, the results suggest that electricity prices used in grid parity assessment can be adjusted to reflect the impact of policies and market dynamics. This comprehensive review provides a robust framework for assessing grid parity and serves as an essential reference for conducting more precise techno-economic feasibility assessment of PV systems.

The authors regret that the link to the supplementary documention was inadvertedly not included in the paper. The link to the supplementary documention is now included in this corrigendum. The authors would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Biogas is mostly composed by CH4 and CO2 generated in the anaerobic digestion of organic matter. However, other compounds present in lower amounts should be also taken into consideration during biogas exploitation since they may cause operational problems. This is the case of siloxanes, which decompose at high temperature generating silicates and SiO2, causing abrasion and leading to the failure of equipment. Thus, biogas cleaning and upgrading constitutes the key challenge of the biogas supply chain. Chemical Looping Combustion (CLC) would allow direct use of biogas without prior cleaning, with significant energy and economic advantages. In CLC, the oxygen required for combustion is supplied by an oxygen carrier (metal oxide) that circulates between two reactors. In the reduction reactor, the fuel is supplied and oxidized to CO2 and H2O while the oxygen carrier is reduced. In the oxidation reactor, the reduced oxygen carrier is re-oxidized in air. Thus, CO2 capture is intrinsic to the process. The objective of the present work was to analyse the possible effects of siloxanes in biogas CLC processes by studying the reactivity and physicochemical changes of selected oxygen carriers during combustion in a batch fluidized bed reactor. Two representative oxygen carriers based on CuO and Fe2O3 were chosen considering the high reactivity in the combustion of methane of Cu-based oxygen carriers and the resistance to sulphur deactivation of Fe-based oxygen carriers. Hexamethyldisiloxane (L2) was selected as siloxane model compound. It was found that siloxane decompose to produce a gaseous fraction and Si-based particles that interact with the oxygen carrier. Part of the Si in these particles was concentrated in the surface of the oxygen carrier particles in the form of SiO2 and silicates/aluminosilicates. This may have some implications on the reactivity of the carriers and their fluidization properties; however, no operation problems would be expected for the oxygen carriers tested in this work in a continuous combustion CLC unit operated with real siloxane concentration. This work was supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the program "Programa Operativo FEDER Aragón 2014-2020 - Construyendo Europa desde Aragón. Proyecto BiosinCO2 (LMP180_18), and by the CO2SPLIT project, Grant PID2020-113131RB-I00, funded by MICIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033. 3 figures, 4 tables.-- Work presented at the Fluidized Bed Conversion Conference - FBC2024, 8-11th May 2022, Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden). Peer reviewed

Climate change is a defining challenge of our time, and it disproportionally impacts young people. This poses a call to action for developmental science. How does climate change shape youth’s psychological development and well-being? Can we use our expertise to empower youth to cope with and help mitigate climate change? The emerging field of research on climate change and youth development addresses these timely questions. Here I provide a concise perspective on the field, highlighting lines of research and ideas, including our own, that have begun to develop in recent years. Climate change threatens our global society, which means that our research should be global as well. I call for coordinated, international, and cross-cultural investigation to address the big questions ahead of us and empower young people from across the globe to respond to the challenges of a warming world.

Premio extraordinario de Trabajo Fin de Máster curso 2023/2024. Máster Universitario en Tecnologías Avanzadas de Materiales para la Construcción Sostenible. The construction industry faces a growing challenge in balancing resource consumption with environmental sustainability. This research investigates the potential of utilising biomass bottom ash (BBA), a by-product of renewable biomass energy generation, as a partial replacement for sand and cement in construction mortars. By incorporating BBA, this study aims to achieve a threefold benefit: reducing reliance on natural resources like virgin sand, mitigating CO2 emissions associated with cement production, and diverting waste from landfill sites. This study explores the use of olive and eucalyptus BBA as a partial replacement material at percentages of 25% and 50% for sand and 25% for cement in mortars. Additionally, the influence of a carbonation treatment on the properties of BBA and its subsequent effect on the mechanical performance of the resulting mortars is investigated. The research employs a combination of material physical and chemical characterisation techniques, mechanical testing, and leaching analysis to assess the suitability of BBA for sustainable construction applications. The findings demonstrate that BBA can achieve acceptable mechanical performance of mortars in some cases. However, limitations have been identified, requiring further research to optimise its use. Overall, the results suggest that BBA has promising potential as a sustainable construction material, although factors like biomass type and replacement ratio need careful consideration. The research also highlights the potential benefits of carbonation treatment, though its effectiveness appears to be dependent on both BBA type and replacement level. This study contributes to the development of sustainable construction practices by promoting the utilisation of by-products and reducing the environmental impact of the industry. By overcoming current limitations and fostering further research, BBA has the potential to play a significant role in transitioning the construction sector towards a more environmentally friendly future. La industria de la construcción se enfrenta a un creciente desafío para equilibrar el consumo de recursos con la sostenibilidad ambiental. Esta investigación analiza el potencial del uso de cenizas de fondo de biomasa (CFB), un subproducto de la generación de energía a partir de biomasa renovable, como reemplazo parcial de la arena y el cemento en morteros de construcción. Al incorporar CFB, este estudio apunta a lograr un triple beneficio: reducir la dependencia de recursos naturales como la arena natural, mitigar las emisiones de CO2 asociadas con la producción de cemento y desviar residuos de los vertederos. Este estudio explora el uso de CFB de olivo y eucalipto como material de reemplazo parcial en porcentajes de 25% y 50% para arena y 25% para cemento en morteros. Además, se investiga la influencia de un tratamiento de carbonatación en las propiedades de la CFB y su efecto posterior sobre el comportamiento mecánico de los morteros resultantes. La investigación emplea una combinación de técnicas de caracterización física y química de materiales, ensayos mecánicos y análisis de lixiviación para evaluar la idoneidad de la CFB para aplicaciones de construcción sostenible. Los resultados demuestran que la CFB puede lograr un comportamiento mecánico aceptable de los morteros en algunos casos. Sin embargo, se han identificado limitaciones que requieren investigaciones adicionales para optimizar su uso. En general, los resultados sugieren que la CFB tiene un potencial prometedor como material de construcción sostenible, aunque factores como el tipo de biomasa y el porcentaje de sustitución deben considerarse cuidadosamente. La investigación también destaca los posibles beneficios del tratamiento de carbonatación, aunque su efectividad parece depender tanto del tipo de CFB como del nivel de sustitución. Este estudio contribuye al desarrollo de prácticas de construcción sostenible fomentando la utilización de subproductos y reduciendo el impacto ambiental de la industria. Al superar las limitaciones actuales y fomentar la investigación adicional, la CFB tiene el potencial de desempeñar un papel importante en la transición del sector de la construcción hacia un futuro más ecológico.

This study develops a multidimensional framework to assess cumulative exposure to climaterelated risks across Europe, integrating health, energy, transport, and socioeconomic conditions. By mapping risk distribution across regions and measuring dependence, we capture the interconnectedness of exposures and identify key socioeconomic drivers. Our findings reveal a substantial variation in risk distribution, with no clear geographical patterns. Unsurprisingly, household income emerges as the strongest determinant of exposure. We extend this analysis by projecting cumulative exposure to 2050, applying climate scenarios. The results suggest gradual rather than sharp change in exposure over time, with some areas exhibiting sharp rises; however, average risks are expected to rise across the entire continent.

To address the challenges posed by climate change and global warming, there is a pressing need to utilise renewable materials that can be obtained in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. The utilisation of biomass as a source of chemicals represents a revolutionary methodology with the potential to overcome humanity's reliance on fossil resources. Electrochemical technologies are advantageous in synthesising value-added products from biomass at atmospheric temperature and pressure, utilising water as a solvent and concurrently as a source of oxygen and hydrogen atoms and regulating chemical reactions through the application of electrical potential. In this study, inexpensive materials such as Cu and graphite, with slight modifications of catalytic metals such as Pd, Ag, Ni, were used for the electrochemical production of compounds that are used to produce polymeric materials, biofuels, pharmaceutical industry, etc. Compendi d'articles, Doctorat internacional Programa de Doctorat en Ciències

The GRAPHERGIA project collaborated to release a new scientific publication in a journal, a contribution led by our partner ESYCOM, a laboratory attached to the Université Gustave Eiffel. This paper, "Power management technologies for triboelectric nanogenerators” was published in MRS BULLETIN | VOLUME 50 • MARCH 2025. It shares research on the GRAPHERGIA project’s Work Package 4 ‘Advanced electrical modelling and efficient power management of TENGs for energy harvesting and self-powered sensing IoT applications. GRAPHERGIA’s Scientific Paper Abstract A triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is a device that utilizes contact electrification and electrostatic induction to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. It enables self-powering of electronic devices by harvesting mechanical energy from the environment. Its applications include biomedical devices, wearable electronics, and Internet-of-Things (IoT) sensors. Extracting electrical energy from TENG remains challenging due to its time-varying nature and low internal capacitance. Effective power-management techniques are essential for TENG energy-harvesting systems, yet research on dedicated integrated power-conversion methods is currently limited. Given the growing interest in TENG, a comprehensive exploration of energy-harvesting systems is critically necessary. This article synthesizes and compares current advancements in triboelectric energy-harvesting systems, emphasizing strategies to enhance output power through various power-conversion techniques. Additionally, it explores techniques employed in other energy-harvesting systems to inspire innovative approaches in TENG system design. About the authors A team of researchers from France, the Netherlands and China authored this publication. These authors are: Sijun Du (Corresponding author), Delft University of Technology, Delft, Department of Microelectronics, The Netherlands Philippe Basset, ESYCOM Lab, Univ Gustave Eiffel, CNRS, Marne‑la‑Vallée, France Hengyu Guo, Chongqing University, College of Physics, Chongqing, China Dimitri Galayko, LIP6 Laboratory, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France Armine Karami, ESYCOM Lab, UnivGustave Eiffel, CNRS, Marne‑la‑Vallée, France