News

Miniature grinding mill closes in on the details of ‘green’ chemical reactions

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a new approach for observing mechanochemical reactions — where simple ingredients are ground up to make new chemical compounds and materials that can be used in anything from the pharmaceutical to the metallurgical, cement and mineral industries. The study led by...

Films of cellulose nanocrystals prepared by the team can be made at scale using roll-to-roll processes like those used to make paper from wood pulp. This is the first time these materials have been fabricated at industrial scale.

Sustainable, biodegradable glitter – from your fruit bowl

Cambridge researchers have developed a sustainable, plastic-free glitter for use in the cosmetics industry – made from the cellulose found in plants, fruits, vegetables and wood pulp. Beyond its general annoyance factor, glitter is made of toxic and unsustainable materials, and contributes to plastic pollution. Now...

Mystery of high-performing solar cell materials revealed in stunning clarity

Researchers have visualised, for the first time, why perovskites – materials which could replace silicon in next-generation solar cells - are seemingly so tolerant of defects in their structure. The findings, led by researchers from the University of Cambridge, are published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology. The most...

UN Secretary-General António Guterres awarded an honorary degree

3 November 2021 - The University of Cambridge held a special Congregation of its Regent House, for its Chancellor, Lord Sainsbury of Turville, to confer the honorary degree of Doctor of Law on His Excellency António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations. In an address to the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor...

International group of citizens and scientists creates feasible visions of a resilient, net zero future

As part of COP26, we asked people in six regions to imagine a globally net zero, climate-resilient future. Here’s what they came up with. To create a globally net zero, climate-resilient world by 2050, there are two things we need to know: what solutions are feasible, and what is desirable. The COP26 Futures We Want...

Rapid transition to a net zero world When? Now. How? Like this.

The opportunity to make real and lasting change has never been greater. But we all need to act, and act now. As if it weren’t clear enough, 2021 has given us plenty of reasons to act. Dramatic flooding in the UK, Germany, Uganda and Bangladesh, wildfires in Greece and Australia, extreme heat in the northwest United States...

Solar batteries without the charger? We’re working on that

Professor Michael De Volder tells us how a Friday afternoon experiment led to research on a new low-cost battery design that can be charged directly by light without a separate solar cell or power converter. “One area we have made clear progress in is improving the stability of the batteries as they are charged and...

Countdown to COP26 - University of Cambridge research

Countdown to COP26 What will it take to make the high-stakes climate summit a success?

COP26 - the United Nations climate conference - starts in Glasgow in just a few days. The Office of External Affairs and Communications spoke with some of the University's researchers and asked them what they want to see at COP26, what some of the biggest challenges are in getting to zero carbon, and what gives them hope...

University of Cambridge researchers have identified a key mechanism responsible for the lower efficiencies of organic solar cells and shown a way that this hurdle might be overcome.

Researchers identify and clear efficiency hurdle for organic solar cells

Researchers have identified a key mechanism responsible for the lower efficiencies of organic solar cells and shown a way that this hurdle might be overcome. The researchers, led by the University of Cambridge, identified a loss pathway in organic solar cells which makes them less efficient than silicon-based cells at...

Cambridge researchers elected Fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering

Four researchers from the University of Cambridge are among the leading figures in engineering and technology elected as Fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering. Professors Holger Babinsky, Andrea Ferrari, Rob Miller and Rachel Oliver have been elected in this year’s intake, which consists of 60 Fellows, four...