Results
- Showing results for:
- Reset all filters
Search results
-
Journal articleDuarte RPM, Rao R, Ryan MP, et al., 2026,
Beyond activity: a perspective on diagnosing instability of reversible O₂ catalysts for metal-air batteries
, EES Catalysis, Vol: 4, Pages: 55-76, ISSN: 2753-801XZinc–air redox flow batteries have high potential to penetrate the stationary energy storage market, due to the abundancy, and low cost of active species – oxygen and zinc. However, their technological fruition is limited by the development of reversible O2 electrodes operating at potentials between 0.6 VRHE to 1.7 VRHE, under which no catalyst material has been shown to be stable over long durations. Despite heavy research on the topic of reversible O2 catalysis, little is known about the parameters controlling the stability of the bifunctional catalyst. Several research accounts assess the activity of reversible O2 catalysts, but only a small portion cover degradation mechanism over such a large potential window. In this perspective, we summarize our current understanding of material challenges for Zn–air batteries, reversible O2 catalyst integration strategies, and electrochemical behaviour, with a particular focus on catalyst stability. Nickel cobalt oxide (NiCo2O4), a promising yet understudied system, is used as an example material for investigations at potentials of both the O2 reduction (ORR) and evolution (OER) reactions. We also report original data employing ex situ X-ray diffraction, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, as well as electrochemical measurements to study the activity of NiCo2O4. Furthermore, electrochemical accelerated stress tests are coupled with post-mortem transmission electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to study the dissolution, compositional changes and amorphization of the top surface 5 nm of the catalyst surface. In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy revealed irreversible oxidation of Co centres in NiCo2O4 during OER, which explains the reduction in activity of the ORR after the catalyst was exposed to anodic OER potentials. This methodology provides a broader method to screen reversible O2 catalyst stability and enables us to sum
-
Journal articleLi M, Toumi R, 2026,
Can tropical cyclones exist near the Equator?
, Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society, Vol: 152, ISSN: 0035-9009Tropical cyclones (TCs) rarely form within about 5 degrees of latitude of theEquator due to the weak Coriolis force, yet it is not clear how a weak Coriolisforce would affect an already developed TC vortex. In this study, a set of Cori-olis parameter (f ) sensitivity experiments are applied to a well-developed TCvortex in idealized simulations by decreasing f to zero, both abruptly and grad-ually. The simulated TCs weaken due to the reduction of f . However, dependingon the initial intensity, it can take several days for the TC to decay to a tropicalstorm. Both radial inflow and outflow strengthen throughout the cyclone depth,because of decreasing inertial stability and increasing agradient force associ-ated with reduced f . This further causes a deeper inflow layer and strengtheneddowndrafts associated with convection in the outer rainbands. The downdraftentrainment of mid-level dry air into the deeper inflow layer stabilizes theboundary layer and suppresses deep convection, ultimately resulting in theweakening of TCs. Although TCs are not formed readily near the Equator, if theyare steered there they could potentially exist long enough to cause damage.
-
Journal articleLau KH, Toumi R, 2026,
Does vertical wind shear increase tropical cyclone rain?
, Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society, ISSN: 0035-9009Changes in tropical cyclone (TC) rain induced by vertical wind shear (VWS) have significant implications. Using a 26-year state-of-the-art precipitation dataset, this study provides a systematic analysis of the responses of TC rain to VWS. Results reveal an unexpected VWS-induced rain volume enhancement despite reduced TC intensity, with rain volume up to 23% higher in high- versus low-shear conditions. The responses are spatially asymmetric: rainfall increases in the outer region but decreases in the inner core, and enhancements downshear generally outweigh suppressions upshear, yielding a net increase in rain production. Beyond the mean response, VWS also modifies rainfall extremes and storm structure. It reduces the maximum azimuthal mean rain rate, whereas the maximum local rain rate remains largely unchanged and even intensifies slightly in the strongest TCs. The radii of rainfall maxima expand outward with shear, and the peak local rain rate tends to converge with the azimuthal mean maximum at high shear. When adjusted by storm intensity, stronger shear enables higher rain rates, larger rain areas, and greater rain volumes for the same TC intensity. These results challenge the conventional view of shear as purely detrimental to TCs, revealing a dual role: VWS weakens winds but enhances rainfall, potentially mitigating wind damage while amplifying flood risk. This trade-off underscores the need to account for shear-induced hydrological impacts in TC hazard assessment and prediction.
-
Journal articleWang J, Chen R, Huang C, et al., 2026,
Mapping innovations in direct air capture: A systematic patent review and literature comparison
, RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS, Vol: 226, ISSN: 1364-0321 -
Journal articleDietz S, Setzer J, Higham C, et al., 2026,
Translating climate science into legal standards: Lessons from the <i>Milieudefensie</i> v. <i>Shell</i> case
, Science, Vol: 391, Pages: 26-29, ISSN: 0036-8075<jats:p>Courts struggle with applying results of integrated assessment models to individual companies</jats:p>
-
Journal articleLiu S, Li S, Cao XE, et al., 2025,
An ultra-fast and eco-friendly recycling process for spent LIBs using deep eutectic solvents: mechanism and life-cycle insight
, Green Chemistry, Vol: 27, Pages: 14648-14657, ISSN: 1463-9262The accumulation of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) highlights the need for an efficient and environmentally friendly recycling process. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have gained significant attention due to their benefits of being green and economical; however, the environmental impact of processes using DESs has not been widely studied yet. In this context, a rapid leaching method using a green choline chloride (ChCl)–maleic acid (MA) DES was applied to LIBs leaching, which showed much enhanced kinetics compared with most of the DESs and achieved high leaching efficiencies of 84.53% for Li and 80.04% for Co from LCO within 10 min at 140 °C. The ChCl–MA DES can serve both as a lixiviant and a reducing agent, with a reducing ability comparable to that of the traditional hydrometallurgy reductant H<inf>2</inf>O<inf>2</inf>. The ChCl–MA DES presented good reusability and adaptability which can be reused for 5 times with performance remained unchanged and suitable for multiple LIBs include LMO, LFP and NMC. Through density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the leaching mechanism was analyzed: the carboxyl group of MA reduced Co(iii) to Co(ii), making it soluble, and Cl<sup>−</sup> within the DES formed stable [LiCl<inf>2</inf>]<sup>−</sup> and [CoCl<inf>4</inf>]<sup>2−</sup> complexes with Li and Co, respectively. Moreover, based on a life cycle assessment (LCA), the environmental impact of the DES leaching process was assessed and it was validated as being effective and eco-friendly for recycling spent LIBs, compared with an ethylene glycol DES, a urea DES, and the same DES with different molar ratios. This study eliminated the use of corrosive acids and mitigated the typically severe conditions of DES leaching, offering a practical approach for recovering spent LIBs.
-
ReportWestbury P, Arlinghaus J, Bateman I, et al., 2025,
The UKRI Strategic Priorities Fund Greenhouse Gas Removal Demonstrators (GGR-D) Programme: an overview of key research insights and cross-cutting lessons
, Publisher: Grantham Institute for Climate Change -
Journal articleHatton L, Staffell I, Oluleye G, et al., 2025,
Historical and future projected costs of capital for ten energy technologies across 176 countries
, Scientific Data, Vol: 12, ISSN: 2052-4463Accelerating the deployment of clean generation technologies will be key to achieving global climate targets, yet accurately modelling the financial conditions they face is challenging. The cost of capital (or discount rate) is a key input for energy system models, which are used widely to explore future decarbonisation scenarios. Despite its importance, data on the cost of capital is typically outdated, closed-source and geographically concentrated. Even for countries with substantial technology deployment, accessing empirical data can be difficult, leading to the use of standard assumptions in modelling which can substantially bias results (due to the high capital intensity of clean technologies). Here, we provide estimates of the cost of capital for 10 generation technologies at a national level (including solar, wind, bioenergy, and natural gas with carbon capture) for 176 countries, for 2015 to 2030 spanning 27,640 data points. An interactive web tool available at wacc-forecaster.streamlit.app has also been produced to visualise estimates for given years, countries and technologies, making results more accessible to a range of audiences.
-
Journal articleLi X, Liu C, Cao XE, et al., 2025,
Powering chemical hydrogen storage with photothermochemical catalysis
, MATTER, Vol: 8, ISSN: 2590-2393 -
Journal articleDavids D, Grant N, Mittal S, et al., 2025,
Combined warming index energy system analysis framework for methane leakage rate and carbon capture rate uncertainty
, MethodsX, Vol: 15, ISSN: 2215-0161Fossil fuels dominate the production of hydrogen and will continue to contribute in a decarbonised future. Blue hydrogen production from natural gas with carbon capture and storage technology applied is seen as the major route for natural gas in a future Hydrogen Economy. Methane leakage rate in natural gas supply chains and carbon capture rate are two critical parameters for the success of blue hydrogen. Despite this, the linked effect of the variables are difficult to identify, especially in terms of their impacts on decarbonisation metrics within the energy system. We formulate a new Combined Warming Index (CWI) measure and develop a framework for analysing the influence of methane leakage rate and carbon capture rate on blue hydrogen viability and other relevant energy system characteristics.Framework outline:• Investigate energy system scenarios within a range of methane leakage rates and carbon capture rates (varying Combined Warming Indices [CWI]) on blue hydrogen.• Analyse important energy system dynamic parameter indicators versus the Combined Warming Index (CWI).• Resultant energy system trends for methane leakage rates and carbon capture rates analysed against Combined Warming Index (CWI) establish unique property envelopes that reveal the state of the energy system at conditions and periods of interest.
-
Journal articleLi S, Du Z, Wang J, et al., 2025,
Direct air capture-assisted sustainable fuel solution in maritime sector: a carbon footprint perspective
, Carbon Research, Vol: 4Carbon emissions reduction within the maritime sector is pivotal for realizing zero-carbon goals and mitigating climate impacts. Adopting renewable carbon fuels presents a potent strategy. It is necessary to have a comprehensive understanding of its negative carbon attributes and enduring contributions to future development based on carbon footprint assessment. By using the CO<inf>2</inf> captured through direct air capture (DAC) technology and the H<inf>2</inf> obtained via water electrolysis as feedstock, electro-methanol (e-methanol) can be produced under renewable energy-driven conditions. Owing to the environmental benefits and economic feasibility of e-methanol, we highlight its potential as a practical alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based technical scenarios. A quantitative analysis of this integrated system from a carbon footprint perspective allows for an environmental sustainability assessment. According to predictions, scaled-up usage of the system can reduce the maritime sector's contribution to global carbon emissions by half by 2050.
-
Journal articleMoss B, Liang C, Carpenter A, et al., 2025,
Operando ultraviolet-visible optical spectroelectrochemistry of surfaces
, NATURE REVIEWS METHODS PRIMERS, Vol: 5 -
Journal articleChen J, Kang Y, Toumi R, et al., 2025,
Increasing Temporal Variability of Global Tropical Cyclone Near-Storm Rainfall Under Global Warming: Insights From CMIP6 HighResMIP Simulations
, JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-ATMOSPHERES, Vol: 130, ISSN: 2169-897X -
Journal articleSibug-Torres SM, Niihori M, Wyatt E, et al., 2025,
Transient Au-Cl adlayers modulate the surface chemistry of gold nanoparticles during redox reactions
, NATURE CHEMISTRY, ISSN: 1755-4330- Cite
- Citations: 1
-
ReportClarke B, Barnes C, Keeping T, et al., 2025,
Climate change enhanced intensity of Hurricane Melissa, testing limits of adaptation in Jamaica and eastern Cuba
-
ReportRogelj J, Lamboll R, Jennifer B, 2025,
Pledges and policies: are we on track to meet climate goals?
, Publisher: Grantham Institute, Imperial College LondonKey points:• Current pledges and policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions put the world on a high-risk climate track, towards warming levels of 2.8°C by the end of this century.• In the most optimistic assessment, where all current climate pledges and policies aredelivered, temperatures are projected to be kept to 1.9°C over the 21st century.
-
Journal articleWang J, Chen M, Cao XE, et al., 2025,
24-h Bidirectional Thermal Energy Harvesting: From Light to Darkness
, ADVANCED MATERIALS, ISSN: 0935-9648 -
Journal articleSparks N, Toumi R, 2025,
The impact of global warming on U.S. hurricane landfall: a storyline approach
, Environmental Research Letters, Vol: 20, ISSN: 1748-9326The projection of hurricane activity under climate change is challenging. The Imperial College Storm Model (IRIS) was used to analyse the impact of global warming on North Atlantic hurricane landfall through a storyline approach. The storyline assumes increases of potential intensity (PI) as the cause of change with no changes to tracks or basin frequency. This allows study of both recenttrends and projections for the first time in a consistent way. The observed hurricane intensification is simulated but underestimated. For a +2◦C global warming scenario hurricanes of intensity Category 4 and above become 62% more likely in the basin and nearly twice (92%) more likely at landfall. The future number of hurricanes, their decay and tracks are uncertain and their impact is examined by sensitivity studies. Reduction of the basin count offsets warming driven landfall frequency increases only for weaker hurricanes. The increased frequency and fraction of the most damaging landfalling hurricanes is controlled by changes in PI.
-
Journal articleKonstantinoudis G, Hauser A, Riou J, 2025,
Ensemble Bayesian modelling with dynamic population to estimate excess deaths due to extreme temperatures
, SPATIAL AND SPATIO-TEMPORAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, Vol: 55, ISSN: 1877-5845 -
ReportMccall M, 2025,
Climate change impacts on mental health in the UK: Current evidence and opportunities for intervention
-
Journal articleKonstantinoudis G, Atilola G, Jephcote C, et al., 2025,
Long-term exposure to aircraft noise and cardiovascular disease hospitalization and mortality near major airports in the UK, 2006–2015 – a small area study
, Environment International, ISSN: 0160-4120The environmental disease burden from transport noise in Europe is considered second only to air pollution, but the majority of epidemiological studies relate to road noise. We examined associations between annual average day-evening-night (Lden) and night-time (Lnight) aircraft noise in 2006 and 2011 and cardiovascular disease (CVD) hospitalization and mortality. We used a small area design covering a population of 3.1 million living near London Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester international airports in 2006–2015. Statistical analysis used Bayesian Poisson regression in linear and categorical analyses. We observed strong evidence of associations between aircraft noise and hospital admissions; for coronary heart disease admissions near London Heathrow, we found an increased risk of 0.44 % (95 % CrI 0.16 %, 0.73 %) and for all-CVD admissions near other airports an increased risk of 0.34 % (95 % CrI 0.04 %, 0.64 %) per 5 dB Lden for noise levels above 50 dB Lden (the cut-off level for available data). However, results were not fully consistent across airports and no associations were seen with stroke hospitalisation and mortality, nor with CVD or CHD mortality. Associations were smaller and less clear than our previous Heathrow study of similar design during 2001–5. Differences over time are likely to relate to changes in population, therefore population confounder structure, over time, as well as reductions in population aircraft noise exposure. Given the increasing evidence base showing associations between noise and cardiovascular disease, we recommend use of large cohorts with better control of confounding at individual-level to provide quantification of exposure–response relationships.
-
ReportJennings N, Sudall E, Brandmayr C, et al., 2025,
Delivering for climate and health: insights from UK decision-makers
, Publisher: Grantham Institute – Climate Change and the Environment, Imperial College LondonAction to tackle climate change can provide a range of benefits to public health including through reducing exposure to air pollution, improving the quality of homes or promoting physical activity.These co-benefits are not only popular with the public, but ensuring climate action delivers for public health would also help reduce costs to the NHS and the UK economy, and help government funding go further by multi-problem solving.Through interviews with UK decision-makers from local to national government, this report investigates how the health benefits of climate action are currently considered in the decision-making process to highlight examples of good practice and areas for improvement.
-
Journal articleShi Y, Sun J, Wang R, et al., 2025,
Collaborative Design of Light-Absorbing Shell Wrapping and Inner Thermal Conductivity Enhancing for Ca-Based Thermochemical Heat Storage Pellets
, ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, ISSN: 1616-301X -
Journal articleQuintin-Baxendale R, Sokolikova M, Tao Y, et al., 2025,
Crystal-phase engineering of nanowires and platelets of KxIrO2 for efficient water oxidation
, ACS Materials Au, ISSN: 2694-2461IrO2 is one of the most widely investigated electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction in an acidic environment. Increasing the mass activity is an effective way of decreasing the loading of Ir, to ultimately reduce costs. Here, we demonstrate the crystal-phase engineering of two different potassium iridate polymorphs obtained by designing a selective solid-state synthesis of either one-dimensional K0.25IrO2 nanowires with a hollandite crystal structure or two-dimensional KIrO2 hexagonal platelets. Both structures present increased specific and mass electrocatalytic activities for the water oxidation reaction in acidic media compared to commercial rutile IrO2 of up to 40%, with the 1D nanowires outperforming the 2D platelets. XANES, extended X-ray absorption fine structure, and X-ray diffraction investigations prove the structural stability of these two different allotropes of KxIrO2 compounds upon electrocatalytic testing. These low-dimensional nanostructured 1D and 2D KxIrO2 compounds with superior mass activity to commercial IrO2 can pave the way toward the design of new electrocatalyst architectures with reduced Ir loading content for proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer (PEMWE) anodes.
-
Journal articleMikaelsson MA, Jennings NR, Lawrance EL, 2025,
Systems-level risks of the climate crisis are currently missed: A mental health lens
, PLOS CLIMATE, Vol: 4 -
Journal articleTsui EYL, Toumi R, 2025,
Re‐intensification of seafalling tropical cyclones
, Atmospheric Science Letters, Vol: 26, ISSN: 1530-261XThe study of tropical cyclones re-entering the ocean or making ‘seafall’ has been limited. Here, idealised simulations are used to study the re-intensification of seafalling tropical cyclones. They follow a two-stage fast-slow process driven predominately by a change in surface friction initially and then by heating. The previous land decay causes seafalling tropical cyclones to be larger and intensify more slowly with milder inner-core contraction than in ocean-only cases. Nonetheless, they reach the same intensity but with almost twice the integrated kinetic energy, so that the second landfall made by seafalling tropical cyclones can cause more damage due to their larger footprint of destructive wind.
-
ReportBarnes C, Konstantinoudis G, Masselot P, et al., 2025,
Summer heat deaths in 854 European cities more than tripled due to climate change
, Publisher: Grantham Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineFocusing on 854 European cities, this study found climate change was responsible for 68% of the 24,400estimated heat deaths this summer by increasing temperatures by up to 3.6°C.The analysis was led by researchers at Imperial College London and London School of Hygiene & TropicalMedicine, who warn the result is only a snapshot of the death toll linked to extreme heat as the cities studiedrepresent about 30% of Europe’s population. It follows a study by the same team which found climatechange could have tripled the death toll of a July heatwave in Europe.
-
Journal articleQi W, Yong B, Ritchie EA, et al., 2025,
Global increase of tropical cyclone precipitation rate toward coasts
, Geophysical Research Letters, Vol: 52, ISSN: 0094-8276Tropical cyclones (TCs) induced precipitation poses a critical threat to coastal regions. In the context of global warming and humidification, it remains to be clarified whether coastal exposure to TC-induced precipitation has a detectable response. Based on multi-source data sets in the past four decades, this study investigates the coastward trends of global TC-induced precipitation changes. We find that the TC lifetime maximum precipitation intensities show a statistically significant landward migration, moving about 30 km per decade. Furthermore, the precipitation intensities of TCs exhibit faster growth in coastal areas, with a concurrent rapid expansion of the land coverage of TC-induced precipitation. A consistent pattern of change is demonstrated between intensifying TC-induced precipitation and the warming-humidifying ambient environment, with higher significance in coastal areas. Our findings suggest that the spatial heterogeneity in global climate change may have contributed to the modulation of coastal TC-induced precipitation.
-
Journal articleDavids D, Grant N, Mittal S, et al., 2025,
Impact of methane leakage rate and carbon capture rate on blue hydrogen sustainability using combined warming index
, Applied Energy, Vol: 394, ISSN: 0306-2619Blue hydrogen may become important to achieve decarbonisation targets. Yet, the uncertainty and aggregated impact of methane leakage rate and carbon dioxide capture rate on the value of blue hydrogen from a whole systems perspective has not been investigated. Our study focuses on the impact of the dual influence of these variables in an energy system model of the United Kingdom (UK). We incorporate practical ranges for methane leakage rate and carbon capture rate and analyse their impact by formulating a novel parameter, termed the Combined Warming Index (CWI). The CWI can be used to assess decarbonisation scenario outputs from energy system models giving insights into their effects on the dynamics of energy system and decarbonisation parameters. Our results suggest that sustainable deployment of blue hydrogen becomes threatened at a carbon capture rate of 85 % and across the range of methane leakage rates of 0.125 %, 0.5 %, 1 %, 1.5 % and 2.5 %. At a carbon capture rate of 90 %, and methane leakage rates at 1 %, 1.5 % and 2.5 %, blue hydrogen is not significantly deployed to 2050. Methane leakage rate and carbon capture rate are key parameters for the success of blue hydrogen as a low-carbon hydrogen option, and although carbon capture rate is the more critical parameter, methane leakage rate is also important but becomes a secondary concern in natural gas supply chains with low fugitive emissions. The outcome of our research can contribute to framing relevant policy for the application of CCS technology as society seeks to attain low-carbon economy aims.
-
ReportLowe C, 2025,
Accelerating innovation in building retrofit for a net zero future
, Publisher: Grantham Institute, Imperial College LondonMany UK homes and other buildings are poorly insulated, expensive to heat, and rely on fossil fuels for heating and cooking. Upgrades through retrofit can help deliver comfortable, climate-resilient, low-carbon dwellings, but challenges such as the scale of disruption and limited options for suitable products put many people off. This background briefing, which shares insights from the Better Futures Retrofit Accelerator programme, showcases some of the ways in which innovation in the building retrofit sector can help overcome these challenges and how targeted support for innovators can help get these products to market, benefitting households and helping to build a thriving UK retrofit sector.
This data is extracted from the Web of Science and reproduced under a licence from Thomson Reuters. You may not copy or re-distribute this data in whole or in part without the written consent of the Science business of Thomson Reuters.
View publications by:
Topic
Climate Science
Earth and Life Sciences
Energy and Low-Carbon Futures
Resources and Pollution
Economics and Finance
Health
View all publications and browse by year
Publication type
Briefing papers and Briefing notes
Grantham Institute Outlooks
Evidence & submission papers
Infographics
Institute reports and analytics notes
Grantham notes
Collaborative publications
Discussion papers
Institute event overviews
Working papers