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Abstract Three-dimensional (3D) metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have a power conversion efficiency that is now comparable with conventional silicon solar cells. For PSC applications to succeed in the market, long-term reliability under open-air conditions is essential. Recent experiments have shown that two-dimensional (2D) perovskites seem to exhibit good stability due to the presence of hydrophobic organic spacers, but 2D PSCs are incapable of generating and transporting a large amount of charge due to their extended optical bandgaps. Mixed dimensional perovskites with dimension lies between 2D and 3D recently became a promising candidate to sustain long-term stability and high performances concurrently to address this obstacle. The current research article presents the finding of simulation-based studies performed on novel device architecture consisting of ITO/Nb-Ti2O3/3D Perovskite/2D Perovskite/Spiro-OMeTAD/Au. Using optical simulation features of SCAPS, absorption of light is computed in the proposed device. The computational results show that the thickness of the 2D perovskite layer badly affects the solar cell parameters. A thin 2D perovskite behaves as a capped coating that avoids the deterioration of 3D perovskite in open-air environments. The effect of a multivalent defect in the 3D perovskite layer is mathematically modelled, and their impact on overall performance parameters are analyzed. The findings are compared to the same configuration results, except where the absorber layer’s multivalent defect has been substituted by a neutral defect of the same defect density of about (1011 cm−3). Results show that the multivalent defect leads to an underestimation of the efficiency by 4.2%.

Abstract Background The aim of this paper is to reconsider the necessity for the green transition and the key preconditions for the implementation of a circular economy in Western Balkan countries. With the objective of the research in mind, the method of analysis and synthesis was applied to determine (1) regulatory and institutional prerequisites for the green transition; (2) the need for the Western Balkan countries to redefine the model of sustainable economic growth towards the green transition; (3) the development opportunities for recovery defined in the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans; and (4) the possibility of implementing the circular economy in the Western Balkans. Main text The main findings of the research indicate that: (1) the countries of the Western Balkan region, following the example of the EU, should define a national strategic approach to the green transition with an accompanying action plan and regulatory framework; (2) the biggest challenge of the green transition is the reform of the energy sector and the restructuring of the energy-intensive economy; (3) the countries have untapped potential in renewable energy sources and report the improvement of energy efficiency; (4) the circular economy can boost the green transition, because the countries of the region have a five-time lower value of resource productivity than the average of the EU, while the generation of waste (excluding major mineral wastes) per GDP unit is lower compared to the EU; (5) cross-sectoral governance should be more coordinated. Conclusions The green transition might be a development opportunity for the Western Balkans, which should enable sustainable economic growth as well as energy security and environmental protection. However, the implementation of the Green Agenda is not easy, because the region faces the problem of underdeveloped regulatory and institutional capacities that might provide not only the base for long-term planning but also financial resources for the efficient implementation of projects. In addition, it is essential to understand the principles of the Green Agenda and the interaction of all activities that should enable the achievement of defined goals.

In this paper, we compare 2015 satellite-derived natural gas (gas) flaring data with the greenhouse gas reduction targets presented by those countries in their nationally determined contributions (NDC) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Paris Agreement. Converting from flaring to utilization is an attractive option for reducing emissions. The analysis rates the potential role of reduction of gas flaring in meeting country-specific NDC targets. The analysis includes three categories of flaring: upstream in oil and gas production areas, downstream at refineries and transport facilities, and industrial (e.g., coal mines, landfills, water treatment plants, etc.). Upstream flaring dominates with 90.6% of all flaring. Global flaring represents less than 2% of the NDC reduction target. However, most gas flaring is concentrated in a limited set of countries, leaving the possibility that flaring reduction could contribute a sizeable portion of the NDC targets for specific countries. States that could fully meet their NDC targets through gas flaring reductions include: Yemen (240%), Algeria (197%), and Iraq (136%). Countries which could meet a substantial portion of their NDC targets with gas flaring reductions include: Gabon (94%), Algeria (48%), Venezuela (47%), Iran (34%), and Sudan (33%). On the other hand, several countries with large flared gas volumes could only meet a small portion of their NDC targets from gas flaring reductions, including the Russian Federation (2.4%) and the USA (0.1%). These findings may be useful in guiding national level efforts to meet NDC greenhouse gas reduction targets. Keywords: VIIRS, Gas flaring, Nightfire, Nationally determined contributions, UN climate agreement

Fuel-flexible solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technologies are presently under study in a Vietnam-Japan international joint research project. The purpose of this project is to develop and demonstrate an SOFC-incorporated energy circulation system for the sustainable development of the Mekong Delta region. Lab-scale methane fermentation experiments in this study with a mixture of biomass feedstock collected in the Mekong Delta (shrimp pond sludge, bagasse, and molasses from sugar production) recorded biogas production yield over 400 L kgVS−1 with H2S concentration below 50 ppm level. This real biogas was directly supplied to an SOFC without any fuel processing such as desulfurization, methane enrichment and pre-reforming, and stable power generation was achieved by applying paper-structured catalyst (PSC) technology.

Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, an important medicinal and food fungus, is well known in East Asia. Due to growing market demand, long cultivation period, and consumption of pine trunk during cultivation, developing alternative methods for producing P. cocos and/or its active components is of interest. In the present study, the effects of different culture methods on biomass and accumulation of four triterpenoids were investigated. The ethanol extract of fermented mycelium (EFM) was orally administered to rats. Urine output and concentrations of electrolytes (Na+, K+, and Cl-) were measured. Our results showed that mycelia grew better under continuous shaking culture condition (7.5 g DW·L-1), and higher triterpenoid levels were accumulated in two-stage culture (112 mg·L-1, 2.03%). The optimal starting time of static culture for triterpenoid yield was 4th d after shaking culture. Single administration of middle and high dose of EFM significantly increased urine output, Na+ and Cl- excretion, and Na+/K+ ratio. These results suggested that ethanol extract of cultured mycelia showed significant diuretic activity in rats and two-stage culture of P. cocos could be an alternative way to produce mycelia and triterpenoids.

Land use changes from cropland to orchards in Eastern China have raised serious concerns about the regional nitrogen (N) cycle and greenhouse gas balance. We measured soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions and methane (CH4) uptake using manual static chambers in an apple orchard. The primary aims were to assess the effect of N fertilizer application on gas fluxes and quantify the site-specific N2O emission factor (EFd). Field experiments were arranged in a randomized block design with three N input rates (0, 800 and 2600/2000 kg N ha−1 year−1). We found that orchard soils were a negligible CH4 sink (−1.1 to −0.4 kg C ha−1 year−1). Annual N2O emissions responded positively to N input rates, ranging from 34.1 to 60.3 kg N ha−1 year−1. EFd ranged from 1.00% to 1.65% with a mean of 1.34%. The extremely large background emissions of N2O (34.1–34.3 kg N ha−1 year−1) most likely originated from nitrate accumulation in the soil profile because of historical overuse of N fertilizer. We conclude that (1) site-specific EFd is suitable for assessing regional direct N2O emissions from upland orchards; and (2) conventional fertilization regimes must be avoided, and reduced N input rates are recommended in the study region.

The phenomena of climate change transcend all national and regional boundaries. To address this complex challenge, we must determine the areas of the country of interest, in this case, Greece, that have been most adversely affected by climate. Greece is surrounded by water, and a significant part of its GDP is derived from the marine and maritime industries, including tourism. Since the start of the IntelComp project, a Preparatory Living Lab (PLL) has been planned and delivered, feeding into the development of the IntelComp platform and the Living Lab on Climate Change Adaptation. The study's results lead to the conclusion that one of the most important challenges in tackling climate change is the decarbonisation challenge, specifically the shift to renewable energy sources and the investments that must be made. Several EU and national policy frameworks, including the European Green Deal, the Climate Law, the National Long-term Strategy for 2050 (on the Climate and Energy), highlight the decarbonisation as one of the major challenges in the climate change pledge. This will be the primary subject of the IntelComp climate change case study. PLLs also led to the identification of policy questions and useful data sources to aid the IntelComp project's launch. While previous research on co-production has primarily focused on involving citizens through public participation processes in order to gain their support, trust, and insights in structured decision-making processes, our approach opens a new channel for incorporating external knowledge into problem-solving processes. The IntelComp project will aid in policy development by providing pertinent tools co-developed with the final users that will provide insights and analysis in the field of STI (Science, Technology, Innovation) encompassing all of the Energy areas mentioned above.

Abstract Egg yolk-derived P and N dual doped nano carbon capsules (PNCCs) have been synthesized and used as lithium ion battery anodes. The application of egg yolk as the carbon source is a new and environmental-friendly approach for biomass recycling. The reversible capacity of half cells made of PNCCs is as high as ~770 mA h g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1 with considerable rate capacity and cycling stability. PNCCs show a capsule-like structure, which provide extra edges and active sites for lithium intercalation. The heteroatom doping also introduce defects and disorder, which increases the electrochemical activity and creates more active sites for lithium insertion.