Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Team finds major storage capacity in water-based batteries

Texas A&M researchers have found a significant increase in energy storage capacity of water-based battery electrodes, paving the way for safer and more stable batteries. The discovery could provide an alternative to lithium-ion batteries, which are facing material shortages and price increases.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 3, 2023

Turning vegetable oil industry waste into power: innovative electrode modification improves bio-electrochemical treatment of wastewater

Researchers have developed a novel and cost-effective anode catalyst that can improve and stabilize power generation performance of MFCs treating vegetable oil industry wastewater. The study investigates modification of electrodes to increase bacterial adhesion and efficient electron transfer.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology·DateMar 13, 2023
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Crab shells could help power the next generation of rechargeable batteries

Researchers have used crab shells to create anode materials for sodium-ion batteries, which could lead to more sustainable battery technologies. The team found that the porous structure of the crab carbon provided a large surface area, enhancing its conductivity and ability to transport ions efficiently.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateMar 13, 2023

Speeding up extreme fast charging capability in lithium-ion batteries

A team of Japanese researchers has developed a novel approach to enhance the fast-charging ability of lithium-ion batteries using a binder material that promotes Li-ion intercalation of active material. This results in high conductivity, low impedance, and good stability, reducing the concentration polarization of Li+ ions.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalACS Materials Letters·DateMar 3, 2023

Progress toward fast-charging lithium-metal batteries

Researchers have made progress toward fast-charging lithium-metal batteries by growing uniform lithium crystals on a lithiophobic nanocomposite surface. This approach enables charging in about an hour, competitive with today's lithium-ion batteries and overcoming a significant roadblock to widespread use.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Controllable ‘defects’ improve performance of lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at North Carolina State University used a new laser technique to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries. The technique creates tiny defects in graphite material, which can enhance battery performance, increase current capacity by up to 20%, and reduce the risk of fires. However, excessive defects can lead to probl...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalCarbon·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Metal-free batteries raise hope for more sustainable and economical grids

Researchers at KAUST developed a high-efficiency metal-free battery using ammonium cations as charge carriers, outperforming existing analogues with a record operation voltage of 2.75 volts. This breakthrough provides potential for lowering battery costs and enabling large-scale applications.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 10, 2023

Pusan National University researchers develop efficient sodium-ion battery anode for energy storage

Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a highly efficient sodium-ion battery anode using quinacridones, exhibiting high rate capability and excellent cycle stability. The new material is cost-effective and sustainable, offering a promising alternative to traditional graphite anodes.

SourcePusan National University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2023

Researchers zoom in on battery wear and tear

Researchers at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have used a combination of electron microscopy and computational modeling to understand how lithium-ion batteries degrade. They found that variation between areas of the battery, particularly electrolyte corrosion, leads to faster degradation.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalJoule·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 22, 2022

Rice flashes new life into lithium-ion anodes

Researchers have developed a new process to recycle and recondition graphite anodes in lithium-ion batteries, reducing environmental impact. The 'flash' Joule heating process recovers critical metals and enhances the performance of recycled anodes.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Crystalline diamond nanotherad from biomass materials

Researchers at HPSTAR have successfully synthesized a three-dimensional crystalline carbon nanothread (CNTh) from 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), a biomass precursor. The resulting CNTh shows excellent electrochemical performance as an anode material for lithium batteries.

SourceCenter for High Pressure Science & Technology Advanced Research·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 28, 2022

NTU Singapore scientists convert waste paper into battery parts for smartphones and electric vehicles

Researchers at Nanyang Technological University have developed a technique to convert waste paper into lithium-ion battery electrodes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing durability. The new method uses carbonisation and laser cutting to create reusable batteries with superior properties.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2022

The answer is in the sheets: 2D nanosheets as anodes in Li-ion batteries

Researchers from Japan and India developed hierarchical nanosheets of titanium diboride as anode material for lithium-ion batteries, achieving high discharge capacities and fast charging rates. The breakthrough showcases the potential of nano-scaling bulk materials to attain promising properties in energy storage.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateOct 31, 2022

Tapping into seawater's energetic potential

A KAUST-led team creates selective anode catalysts for stable and efficient hydrogen evolution in seawater splitting. The nanoreactors exhibited high electrocatalytic activity and stability due to their unique structure, isolating the electrolysis from side reactions.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalChem Catalysis·DateOct 30, 2022
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Rice lab advances water-splitting catalysts

Engineers at Rice University have discovered a method to make oxygen evolution catalysis in acids more economical and practical. They replaced rare and expensive iridium with ruthenium, a far more abundant precious metal, as the positive-electrode catalyst in a reactor that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2022

The battery that runs 630 km on a single charge

A POSTECH research team developed an anode-free lithium battery with a volumetric energy density of 977Wh/L, enabling 630km long battery life on a single charge. The new technology uses an ion conductive substrate to minimize swelling and increase battery capacity.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 6, 2022

Novel method helps quantify reversibility and irreversibility of practical li metal batteries

A research group has developed an innovative methodology to quantify the electrochemical reversibility of a lithium metal anode in practical lithium battery systems. The method enables the precise quantification of active and inactive lithium, allowing for a better understanding of the degradation and failure of Li metal batteries.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Energy·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 2, 2022

Super-fast electric car charging, with a tailor-made touch

Researchers have designed superfast charging methods tailored to power different types of electric vehicle batteries in 10 minutes or less without harm. By incorporating charging data into machine learning analysis, the team identified and optimized new protocols that significantly increase energy storage while minimizing battery damage.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 22, 2022

Brushing thin films onto electrodes preserves batteries

Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to create a thin film coating on lithium anodes using powder brushing, which improves battery life and capacity. The coated anodes retained 70% more capacity after 340 charge-discharge cycles than off-the-shelf batteries.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Researchers discover innovative approach to make novel lithium-ion battery materials

A new technique discovered by Boise State University researchers can create novel lithium-ion battery materials with exceptional Li storage and fast cycling. The process starts from an amorphous material, like niobium oxide, which is cycled with lithium to induce a transformation to a crystalline material.

SourceBoise State University College of Engineering·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2022

Amping up battery performance with black glasses grafted on micron silicon

Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a novel anode material consisting of black glasses grafted silicon microparticles, which shows great promise in enhancing lithium-ion battery performance and energy storage. The material exhibits high lithium diffusion ability, reduced internal resistance,...

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateAug 7, 2022

Lithiophilic seeds and rigid arrays synergistic induced dendrite-free and stable Li anode towards long-life lithium-oxygen batteries

Researchers prepared lithiophilic aluminum oxide nanoparticles to enhance rigidity of carbon nanotube arrays, inhibiting dendrite growth and stabilizing the SEI film. The resulting battery exhibited enhanced redox kinetics and long cycle life.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of Energy Chemistry·DateJul 20, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Researchers propose dual-plating strategy to rapidly construct microbatteries

A joint research team proposes a dual-plating strategy to rapidly construct new zinc-bromine microbatteries with ultrahigh areal energy density and polarity-switchable functionality. The method eliminates the synthesis of active materials and avoids mass matching, resulting in record-high areal capacity and energy density.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 14, 2022

Longer lasting sodium-ion batteries on the horizon

Researchers at PNNL have developed a sodium-ion battery with greatly extended longevity in laboratory tests. The new electrolyte recipe stabilizes the protective film on the anode and generates an ultra-thin protective layer, providing long cycle life and stability. This technology has potential for applications in light-duty electric ...

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2022

Lithium-ion batteries that last longer in extreme cold

Researchers developed a bumpy carbon-based material that maintains rechargeable storage capacity down to -31 F, improving lithium-ion batteries' performance in freezing temperatures. The new material enables electric cars to drive longer and reduces the risk of battery failure in extreme cold.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateJun 8, 2022
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Novel strategy to make fast-charging solid-state batteries

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science discovered that microscopic voids in lithium anodes cause dendrite formation in solid-state batteries. By adding a thin layer of refractory metals to the electrolyte surface, they delayed dendrite growth and extended battery life.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 2, 2022

A candlelight-like glow from a flexible organic LED

Scientists create a bendable organic LED with a mica backing that produces soft, warm light similar to candlelight, with minimal blue wavelength emissions. This device offers a potential solution for sleep-friendly lighting alternatives.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Electronic Materials·DateMay 24, 2022

Charging a green future: Latest advancement in lithium-ion batteries could make them ubiquitous

Researchers have developed a polymer composite binder that improves the performance of silicon anodes in lithium-ion batteries. The binder, consisting of P-BIAN and PAA polymers, stabilizes the silicon particles and maintains a thin solid-electrolyte interface layer, resulting in improved discharge capacity and structural integrity.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateMay 19, 2022
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Self-standing mesoporous Si film can power lithium-ion batteries

A self-standing mesoporous Si film anode has been developed for lithium-ion batteries, exhibiting excellent performance without the need for additives or binders. The film's pore characteristics show a strong correlation with electrode performance.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateMar 31, 2022

Easing oxygen's evolution

Researchers at KAUST have developed a low-cost method to generate carbon-free fuels by coating a metal foam with iron and cobalt nanomaterials. The device splits water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen, a potential green fuel, using renewable electricity.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2022

Clues to better batteries emerge from tracking lithium

Researchers used x-rays to track lithium deposition and removal from a battery anode during cycling, identifying irregularities that lead to reduced capacity and lifespan. Incomplete lithium stripping causes dead spots on the anode, reducing cell capacity and electron flow.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateFeb 28, 2022

Separator key when it comes to ‘stable’ vs. ‘safe’ battery

Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis have discovered that the pore size of a battery separator plays a crucial role in determining the stability and safety of a battery. The study reveals that smaller pores can lead to localized metal ion penetration and increased risk of short circuits.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Power at sea: towards high-performance seawater batteries

A team of scientists from Korea Maritime and Ocean University has developed a novel synthesis route to produce a high-performance co-doped anode material for rechargeable seawater batteries. This breakthrough enables the creation of efficient and sustainable maritime applications, including emergency power supply for coastal nuclear pl...

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalCarbon·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

Fast and durable batteries to come: A promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries that can enable extremely fast charging. The material, made from a bio-based polymer, showed enhanced lithium-ion kinetics and durability, retaining up to 90% of its capacity after 3,000 charge-discharge...

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalChemical Communications·DateDec 20, 2021

Sodium-based material yields stable alternative to lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a new sodium-based battery material that overcomes the dendrite problem in earlier sodium batteries. The new material recharges as quickly as a traditional lithium-ion battery and has a higher energy capacity than existing sodium-ion batteries.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

New scalable method resolves materials joining in solid-state batteries

Scientists at ORNL developed a scalable, low-cost method to improve materials joining in solid-state batteries, resolving one of the big challenges in commercial development. The electrochemical pulse method increases contact at the interface without detrimental effects, enabling an all-solid-state architecture.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2021

Researchers determine optimum pressure to improve the performance of lithium metal batteries

The study found that a stack pressure of 350 kilo Pascal increases lithium particle deposition in neat columns, improving stability and reducing the risk of short circuits. Additionally, partial discharge during cycling can also boost performance without affecting the solid electrolyte interphase structure.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

Scientists get closer to creating an efficient solid-state lithium battery

Researchers at Ural Federal University successfully experimentally determined the optimal thickness of an aluminum layer in a fully solid-state lithium power source. The results will be used to create high-energy batteries with increased operational safety and lower production costs.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalSolid State Ionics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021

Silicon anodes muscle in on battery technology

Researchers have observed for the first time how silicon anodes degrade in lithium-ion batteries due to swelling and electrolyte infiltration. This degradation leads to reduced battery capacity and charging speed, but scientists are exploring ways to protect silicon from these effects.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 5, 2021
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Green hydrogen: Why do certain catalysts improve in operation?

Researchers discovered that certain catalyst materials, such as erythrite, improve in performance over time due to restructuring. This process increases the surface area of the material, allowing for more reactions to occur, resulting in higher oxygen yields and doubled electrical current generation.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateAug 9, 2021

'Wrapping' anodes in 3D carbon nanosheets: The next big thing in li-ion battery technology

Researchers developed a new anode material that prevents volume change in lithium-ion batteries, leading to improved cycle stability and rate capabilities. The material, composed of manganese selenide nanoparticles anchored in three-dimensional porous carbon nanosheet matrix, demonstrates superior electrochemical properties.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateJul 22, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Hybrid membrane doubles the lifetime of rechargeable batteries

Researchers from the University of Jena have developed a hybrid membrane that prevents lithium dendrites and doubles the battery's lifetime. The membrane uses tiny pores to reduce ion transport, preventing dendrite nucleation.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJun 17, 2021
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Making batteries live longer with ultrathin lithium

Researchers at DGIST have developed a novel approach to creating stable, long-lasting lithium metal batteries using ultrathin lithium particles pre-planted with LiNO3. The resulting batteries showed excellent cycling performance, retaining 87% capacity over 450 cycles and outperforming comparable cells.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJun 1, 2021

A long-lasting, stable solid-state lithium battery

Harvard researchers develop a stable solid-state lithium battery that can be charged and discharged at least 10,000 times, increasing the lifetime of electric vehicles to 10-15 years. The battery's multilayer design prevents dendrite growth, allowing for high current density and quick charging.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·DateMay 12, 2021

Bai lab develops stable, efficient, anode-free sodium battery

Bai lab creates a stable, efficient anode-free sodium battery that achieves high performance while eliminating the need for a traditional anode material. The new design uses a thin layer of copper foil as the current collector, resulting in significant improvements in size and cost compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAdvanced Science·DateMay 3, 2021
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

New batteries give jolt to renewables, energy storage

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new type of battery that uses aluminum, offering up to 10,000 error-free cycles and potentially replacing lithium-ion batteries. This innovative technology could provide a safer and more sustainable alternative for energy storage, addressing the challenges of intermittent solar energy.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Energy·DateApr 5, 2021

First closeups of how a lithium-metal electrode ages

Lithium-metal batteries, used in next-gen electronics and electric vehicles, suffer from calendar aging, losing charge even when turned off. The nature of the battery electrolyte significantly impacts aging, with different electrolytes causing varying levels of corrosion and efficiency loss.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 22, 2021

UNIST to develop new electrolyte additives for high-energy-density LIBs

A UNIST research team has developed a novel electrolyte additive that enables long lifespan and fast chargeability of high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries. The additive tackles the shortcomings of conventional materials, such as poor mechanical strength and chemical stability.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 18, 2021