We obtain non-vanishing of group $L^p$-cohomology of Lie groups for $p$ large and when the degree is equal to the rank of the group. This applies both to semisimple and to some suitable solvable groups. In particular, it confirms that Gromovs questio
n on vanishing below the rank is formulated optimally. To achieve this, some complementary vanishings are combined with the use of spectral sequences. To deduce the semisimple case from the solvable one, we also need comparison results between various theories for $L^p$-cohomology, allowing the use of quasi-isometry invariance.
We study quasi-isometry invariants of Gromov hyperbolic spaces, focussing on the l_p-cohomology and closely related invariants such as the conformal dimension, combinatorial modulus, and the Combinatorial Loewner Property. We give new constructions o
f continuous l_p-cohomology, thereby obtaining information about the l_p-equivalence relation, as well as critical exponents associated with l_p-cohomology. As an application, we provide a flexible construction of hyperbolic groups which do not have the Combinatorial Loewner Property, extending and complementing earlier examples. Another consequence is the existence of hyperbolic groups with Sierpinski carpet boundary which have conformal dimension arbitrarily close to 1. In particular, we answer questions of Mario Bonk and John Mackay.
