New clean energy technology

Pic/Rice University

Rice University engineers have achieved a ground-breaking advancement in clean energy technology by developing a device capable of converting sunlight into hydrogen with record-breaking efficiency. The device combines cutting-edge halide perovskite semiconductors with electrocatalysts in a single, durable, cost-effective, scalable design.

The integrated photoreactor utilises an anticorrosion barrier to insulate the semiconductor from water without hindering electron transfer. This technology achieved an impressive 20.8 per cent solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency, significantly improving over previous photoelectrochemical cells.

AI tool can select the right colour

Pic/iStock

A team of computer scientists and designers from the University of Waterloo has developed a ground-breaking tool called De-Stijl to assist people in using colour effectively in graphic design.

De-Stijl suggests intuitive colour palettes for novice designers and inexperienced users, leveraging powerful machine-learning technology. It combines and enhances the functionalities of existing tools like Figma, Pixlr, and Coolor, allowing users to select theme colours and visualise their impact on designs quickly.

The tool employs an innovative 2D colour palette, developed with input from expert graphic designers, which suggests colours and demonstrates their impact in different arrangements.