Researchers at MIT and Boston College have developed a low-cost, nanotechnology technique that could lead to significant energy conservation. The scientists have improved a semiconductor alloy to promote thermoelectric efficiency. The alloy can be produced in bulk to make a range of products run more cleanly, including car exhaust systems. The alloy would enable products to consume less energy and use energy that would otherwise be wasted.Details of the technique used to develop the inexpensive, environmentally friendly alloy were published Thursday in the journal Science. According to MIT and Boston College, the technique is "a key milestone in the quest to harness the thermoelectric effect, which has both enticed and frustrated scientists since its discovery in the early 19th century."
This has been a good week for MIT. Earlier this week, an MIT team successfully tested a new reactor that takes a new approach to nuclear fusion. If scientists can use the reactor to create sustained fusion--by using the right materials in the right temperature, pressure, and density conditions--it could become a safe and vast source of energy, sans carbon emissions.
Both projects are funded by the Dept. of Energy.
Maybe government is the solution to some of our problems after all...
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