Blog Layout

Chemistry for Better Energy Management

Jun 14, 2021

Chemistry for Better Energy Management


Energy is definitely the driving force behind modern societies, their growth but also their development.


The world has become a machine that moves forward using electricity delivered to it by high voltage lines. Some analysts have predicted that the watt could become our next monetary unit. This analysis is debatable because if energy is day more at the heart of economic and societal issues, the comparison must be refined because just as there are several monetary currencies, there are several sources of a watt, and tomorrow. The strongest watt will be the one that requires the least currency. Such a scenario justifies a growing need for the conversion and storage of energy in order to facilitate the use of renewable energies and to promote electric transport. Whatever the current energy storage/conversion systems (fuel cells, batteries, photovoltaic cells), they have in common to suffer from the lack of adequate materials for their production. That is, they are all dependent on the vagaries of chemistry not to provide high-performance materials on request.


The chemists were able to partially meet this demand with the development of Li-ion technology, which is the most advanced electrochemical xx th century.


In just twenty years, this technology has given birth to a thriving industry. It has conquered the portable electronics market and has become the best choice for electric vehicles, and even for network applications.


Unfortunately, like many technologies, it will not be able to satisfy all the hopes based on it. Estimates of the known limited lithium reserves highlight the limits of the use of this technology on a very large scale. To cope with the possible lithium shortage that many newspapers, admittedly too alarmist, have not ceased to mention recently, chemists are currently giving new life to sodium chemistry through the development of new open-frame materials capable of ‘reversibly insert sodium ions.


Energy news is obviously sustainable development, a context which adds another constraint, even an opportunity, for chemists. Technological breakthroughs and not incremental improvements are needed. To do this, we have to turn away from the beaten track and encourage the chemist to move towards innovative synthesis methods, to explore new avenues, and even to develop new concepts.


One of the most fascinating avenues is to turn to primitive organisms (viruses, unicellular algae, bacteria) capable of producing nanometric minerals by bio-mineralization which brings into play very efficient catalysts (enzymes), an approach likely to ” give new life to materials neglected or of limited interest for energy applications. In the same vein, although they are preliminary, the current work on batteries based on renewable organic electrodes prepared according to the concepts of “green chemistry” could revolutionize in the future the way we store energy. All living energy processes are based on redox couples involving organic molecules (Krebs cycle for example). Why, we chemists, Could we not ensure that one day they also serve to power our domestic appliances as well as that of our cars? Without dreams, the vocation of chemist cannot exist.


What will tomorrow’s chemistry be like in terms of energy?


Due to the limited timescale in which we work, it will need to be guided by predictive studies. The progress made in theoretical calculations aimed at creating a “genome of materials” is encouraging. However, the researcher’s intuition, curiosity, and green thumb will remain essential for any future adventure. It is also certain that the increase in trans-disciplinarily will facilitate new advances. Also, in all likelihood, the next discoveries will be made at the borders of several disciplines, between biology, chemistry, and physics, hence the need to unite various communities and create melting pots of scientific culture.


Chemistry has definitely revolutionized our life expectancy, our means of living and our lifestyles. For this, it drew on the mineral and plant reserves of our planet. Without fossil materials and petrochemicals, our synthetic chemistry would be orphaned. Without the ores and the associated chemistry of materials (association between a chemical compound and its production process) which allow them to be endowed with special magnetic, electronic and optical properties, today we would not have such a variety of devices. performers on which humanity becomes dependent.


We depend on a planet from which we have consumed in a few decades, if not a few centuries, the ingredients that it took billions of years to produce.


Chemists, let us unite to disseminate this message and ensure that this year of chemistry makes us aware of this fact and, by the same token, makes us sanction the beginning of another chemistry already called “Chemistry of reincarnation”.


It is chemistry centered on recycling and aims to give a second life to chemical elements in the process of exhaustion. Recycling is certainly not a chic word for our community which too often relies on fashion or advertising effects; however, this activity will become essential in the decades to come. May the chemist remains humble and creative, may he know how to serve as a messenger and guardian of deontology and ethics vis-à-vis our society, the year of chemistry will be all the more beautiful.

You might also like

22 Mar, 2024
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Industry The adoption of Industry 4.0 Technologies brings numerous benefits to the economy, such as bolstering job creation and enhancing production efficiency, ultimately resulting in a broader range of affordable goods and services. Industries spearhead technological progress and innovation, catalyzing advancements across sectors like healthcare, transportation, and communication. Nevertheless, drawbacks include environmental degradation, the exhaustion of natural resources, and the risk of exacerbating inequality and displacing workers as automation and industrial consolidation take hold. 5 Advantages of Industrial Revolution Increased Production Efficiency: The Industrial Revolution introduced machinery and automation, which significantly boosted production rates. Factories could produce goods on a scale previously unimaginable, leading to greater availability and variety of products. Economic Growth: Industrialization spurred economic expansion, creating new industries and job opportunities. This growth contributed to the rise of a more prosperous middle class and an overall increase in the standard of living for many people. Technological Innovation: The Industrial Revolution was a hotbed of innovation, leading to the development of new technologies and machinery. These advancements not only improved industrial production but also had applications in various other sectors, driving progress across the board. Urbanization and Infrastructure Development: Industrialization led to urbanization, as people moved to cities in search of work, prompting the development of better infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public transport systems, to support the growing urban populations. Globalization: The Industrial Revolution laid the groundwork for globalization, as it facilitated international trade. The production surplus drove the need for expanded markets, leading to increased trade relations between nations and the establishment of a more interconnected global economy. Industry 5.0 Principles Industry 5.0 emphasizes the collaboration between humans and smart systems, focusing on the integration of human ingenuity and creativity with the technical efficiency and precision of AI and robotics. It prioritizes sustainability and environmental responsibility, aiming to create industrial processes that are not only efficient but also environmentally friendly and resource-efficient. Another core principle of Industry 5.0 is personalization and customization, enabling industries to produce goods and services that are tailored to individual preferences and needs, enhancing customer satisfaction. Industry 5.0 Advantages and Disadvantages Industry 5.0 offers advantages such as enhanced human-machine interaction, increased customization, and the promotion of sustainable manufacturing practices, leading to improved job satisfaction and product quality. However, the transition to Industry 5.0 poses challenges, including the need for significant investment in new technologies and training, as well as potential resistance to change within organizations. Balancing technological advancement with ethical considerations and ensuring the equitable distribution of benefits is crucial to addressing the potential socio-economic disparities that Industry 5.0 might bring.
22 Mar, 2024
What is Automation Automation refers to the technology by which a process or procedure is performed with minimal human assistance, often involving the use of various control systems for operating equipment such as machinery, processes in factories, and other applications to increase efficiency and reliability. In the broader sense, automation encompasses everything from mechanical devices to sophisticated software systems that perform tasks autonomously, reducing the need for manual intervention. Automation is applied across various domains, including manufacturing, transportation, service industries, and home applications, enhancing productivity, accuracy, and safety. Benefits of Automation Automation significantly enhances efficiency and productivity by allowing tasks to be performed faster and more consistently than would be possible with human labor, leading to increased output and operational cost savings. It improves quality and reliability, as automated processes are less prone to errors compared to manual operations, ensuring consistent product quality and adherence to standards. Automation also enhances safety in working environments by handling dangerous tasks, reducing the risk of injury to human workers, and contributing to overall workplace safety. Industrial Automation Industrial automation involves the use of control systems, such as computers or robots, and information technologies for handling different processes and types of machinery in an industry to replace a human being. It plays a crucial role in improving productivity and efficiency, while reducing human error in the manufacturing process, involving applications ranging from small control systems to large-scale industrial networks. Industrial automation is pivotal in industries due to its ability to perform tasks that are beyond human capabilities in terms of speed, size, and endurance, and can significantly enhance the quality and flexibility of manufacturing. History of Automation The history of automation dates back to ancient civilizations, with early examples including the use of water clocks and automata, but it significantly progressed during the Industrial Revolution with the introduction of mechanical looms and assembly lines. The 20th century saw major advancements with the development of electronics and computers, leading to more complex automation systems in manufacturing and beyond. The evolution of automation has been marked by the integration of digital technologies, particularly with the advent of computers and robotics, transforming industries and everyday life, and setting the stage for future innovations in the field. What is Automation Used For Automation is used to streamline processes across various industries, enhancing efficiency, reducing human error, and increasing productivity by allowing machines and software to perform repetitive or complex tasks. In the manufacturing sector, automation is utilized to control machinery and industrial processes, optimizing production flow and improving product quality while minimizing labor costs and human intervention. Beyond industrial applications, automation finds use in everyday life, from automated billing systems in finance to smart home devices that manage lighting and temperature, demonstrating its versatility and widespread impact.
20 Mar, 2024
What is Management Console in AWS The AWS Management Console is a web-based interface that provides users with a graphical way to interact with and manage AWS services and resources. It allows users to create, configure, and monitor their AWS resources from a central location, simplifying the complexities of cloud management. The console offers an intuitive layout where users can access various AWS services, view their account details, and set up billing alerts, among other functionalities. Microsoft Management Console Microsoft Management Console (MMC) is a Windows utility that provides a unified interface for hosting administrative tools, known as snap-ins, which are used to manage hardware, software, and network components in a Windows environment. MMC allows users to customize their management interface by adding or removing snap-ins according to their needs, enabling a flexible and user-specific experience for system administration tasks. Commonly used snap-ins within MMC include Device Manager, Disk Management, Event Viewer, and Group Policy Editor, each offering specialized tools for managing different aspects of the Windows operating system. How to Open Microsoft Management Console To open Microsoft Management Console (MMC), you can press the Windows key, type "mmc" into the search bar, and press Enter, or you can run "mmc.exe" from the Run dialog box (Windows key + R). Microsoft Management Console is a framework that provides a common user interface for hosting management tools, known as snap-ins, which are used to administer network and computer resources. Users can customize the MMC by adding or removing snap-ins, depending on their management requirements, making it a versatile tool for system administration. Microsoft Management Console Download The Microsoft Management Console (MMC) comes pre-installed with Windows operating systems, eliminating the need for a separate download, as it's a standard component of the Windows administrative toolkit. If you need to access MMC and it's not appearing on your system, you might need to repair your Windows installation, as the MMC should be available by default on Windows systems without requiring a separate download. Users looking to enhance their MMC experience can download additional snap-ins or administrative tools from Microsoft's website or through the Windows Features dialog, depending on their specific management needs, or to extend the functionality of the existing console.
More Posts

Free Connectivity Assessment

Submit the form below to see if you qualify for a FREE connectivity assessment!

Share by: