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Built to last: New copolymer binder to extend the life of lithium ion batteries

Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology developed a novel binder material that protects graphite anodes from degradation, leading to improved battery performance. The new binder outperforms traditional PVDF in terms of mechanical stability, conductivity, and resistance.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateMar 5, 2021

Getting the lead in

Scientists from Argonne National Laboratory have developed a new anode material using lead and carbon that outperforms current graphite anodes with twice the energy storage capacity. The new design enables stable performance during cycling and improves overall battery efficiency.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 16, 2021

Silicon anode structure generates new potential for lithium-ion batteries

Scientists at OIST have developed a new nanostructure that improves the silicon anode in lithium-ion batteries, increasing its charge capacity and lifespan. The vaulted structure formed by depositing silicon atoms on metallic nanoparticles increases the strength and structural integrity of the anode.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCommunications Materials·DateFeb 5, 2021
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.

Chemists settle battery debate, propel research forward

Scientists have identified lithium hydride and a new form of lithium fluoride in the interphase of lithium metal anodes using ultrabright x-rays. This finding is a major step towards developing smaller, lighter, and less expensive batteries for electric vehicles.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 28, 2021

Charged up: revolutionizing rechargeable sodium-ion batteries with 'doped' carbon anodes

Researchers at Korea Maritime and Ocean University developed a new anode material for sodium-ion batteries by doping carbon with different atoms, improving electrochemical performance and reversible capacity. The findings have significant implications for the engineering of sustainable, inexpensive, high-performance batteries.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateJan 25, 2021
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Researchers make domestic high-performance bipolar membranes possible

Researchers have created a stable and efficient membrane using an in-situ growth idea, addressing the challenges of large-scale production. The new membrane outperforms existing commercial membranes in terms of starting voltage, stability, and hydrolysis ability.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 21, 2021

How short circuits in lithium metal batteries can be prevented

Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology have developed concrete guidelines for charging and operating lithium metal batteries to minimize the risk of short circuits. By optimizing charge parameters, the team aims to create safer and more efficient batteries with higher energy density.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJan 19, 2021

Can sodium-ion batteries replace trusty lithium-ion ones?

Researchers have discovered a promising material for sodium-ion batteries, offering enhanced electrochemical performance and reduced capacity loss. The study provides new insights into the sodium storage behavior of electron-rich element-doped amorphous carbon, paving the way for large-scale sodium-ion battery development.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateJan 12, 2021

A safer, less expensive and fast charging aqueous battery

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new 3D zinc-manganese nano-alloy anode that allows for fast charging and is stable without degrading. The anode uses seawater as an electrolyte, lowering battery cost, and has been tested to last up to 1,000 hours under high current density.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 11, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Construction of carbon-based cell-like-spheres for robust potassium anode

Researchers at Hunan University and Clemson University have developed a new type of electrode material inspired by biological cells. The material, called biomimetic carbon cells, improves the cycling stability of potassium-ion batteries and allows for longer continuous operation.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJan 9, 2021

The road to cheaper electric vehicles

UD Prof. Koffi Pierre Yao receives a $1 million grant to create a next-generation battery that will power devices longer, making them more affordable and accessible. The new anode material can store up to 10 times the energy of current batteries.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateSep 14, 2020

New anode material could lead to safer fast-charging batteries

Scientists at UC San Diego have developed a new anode material that enables safer, faster lithium-ion battery charging. The Li3V2O5 disordered rocksalt offers improved safety and energy density, with the potential to replace graphite and lithium titanate anodes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateSep 2, 2020
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.

CU scientists create batteries that could make it easier to explore Mars

Researchers created silicon-based batteries with improved stability and capacity, allowing for faster charging times and increased efficiency. The breakthrough could enable the use of lighter batteries in spacesuits and satellites, reducing mission costs and increasing energy storage capabilities.

SourceClemson University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateAug 31, 2020

Battery life for wearable electronic devices could be improved

Asymmetric stresses within electrodes used in wearable electronic devices can lead to improved durability and lifespan of batteries. Researchers from the University of Warwick have found that varying coating properties on each side of double-sided coated electrodes can help mitigate high bending stress and improve mechanical resilience.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateAug 25, 2020

Thin layer protects battery, allows cold charging

A self-assembling monolayer of electrochemically active molecules protects the surface of the lithium anode, preventing dendritic growth and increasing cycle life. This technology enables cold charging and quick-charging capabilities in lithium metal batteries.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Energy·DateAug 25, 2020
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Semitransparent photovoltaics

Researchers developed a semitransparent photovoltaic cell with high power conversion efficiency and visible transparency, opening possibilities for power-generating windows and solar energy applications. The study showcases the potential of organic photovoltaics in serving as color-neutral, transparent power sources.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2020

Anode material for safe batteries with a long cycle life

Researchers at KIT and Jilin University developed lithium lanthanum titanate (LLTO) as a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries. LLTO enables higher energy density, power density, and charging rate while improving safety and cycle life.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 6, 2020

Russian scientists identified energy storage mechanism of sodium-ion battery anode

Researchers from Skoltech and MSU discovered the type of electrochemical reaction associated with charge storage in the anode material for sodium-ion batteries. They also developed a method to produce hard carbon with high capacity comparable to graphite, a crucial step towards commercializing SIB.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalElectrochimica Acta·DateJul 21, 2020

A look inside a battery

Scientists at Oldenburg University have developed a new technique to observe chemical processes during battery operation. The team used scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) to track changes on the lithium anode's surface, revealing how dendrites form and limit durability.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalChemElectroChem·DateJul 20, 2020
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.

New lithium battery charges faster, reduces risk of device explosions

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new anode design for lithium batteries using carbon nanotubes that enables safe storage of lithium ions and boosts charging speed. The technology prevents dendrite formation, reducing the risk of device explosions and improving battery performance.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 14, 2020

Tale of the tape: Sticky bits make better batteries

Rice chemist James Tour and his team use adhesive tape to create a silicon oxide film that replaces troublesome anodes in lithium metal batteries. The new coating triples the battery lifetimes of other zero-excess lithium metal batteries, delivering better performance and longer lifespan.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 14, 2020

Preventing lithium loss for high-capacity lithium-ion batteries

A novel pretreatment strategy has been developed to resolve the issue of silicon anode materials in lithium-ion batteries. The technology enables simple and safe processing for large-scale production, resulting in high initial battery efficiency and increased energy density.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 22, 2020
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.

Two-dimensional carbon networks

Researchers have developed a simple bottom-up synthesis method for graphdiyne, a two-dimensional carbon network with adjustable electronic properties. The material demonstrates excellent lithium-storage capacity and stability, making it suitable for electrochemical applications.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 18, 2020

Spontaneous formation of nanoscale hollow structures could boost battery storage

Researchers discovered that nanometer-scale antimony crystals form hollow structures during charging, allowing more ion flow and improving battery performance. The self-hollowing structures could also be used in sodium-ion and potassium-ion batteries, expanding material options for the next generation of lithium-ion batteries.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 8, 2020

A leap in using silicon for battery anodes

Scientists developed a unique nanostructure that limits silicon's expansion while fortifying it with carbon, enabling it to hold twice the charge of traditional graphite anodes. The porous silicon structure exhibits remarkable mechanical strength, making it suitable for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 28, 2020

Researchers tackle a new opportunity to develop high-energy batteries

Army researchers have developed a new electrolyte design for lithium-ion batteries that improves anode capacity by more than five times compared to traditional methods. The new design increases the number of possible cycles with little degradation, extending the lifespan of next-generation lithium-ion batteries.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateApr 28, 2020
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.

High-performance electrolyte solves battery puzzle

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a new electrolyte that forms a protective layer on silicon anodes, stabilizing their structure and preventing degradation. This breakthrough enables the use of micro-sized alloy anodes, significantly enhancing energy density and paving the way for high-energy batteries.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Energy·DateApr 21, 2020

Wetting property of Li metal with graphite

Graphite has been found to be intrinsically lithiophilic at 500K, contradicting previous conclusions that it was lithiophobic. The study uses ab initio molecular dynamics simulation and shows that surface chemistry plays a key role in the wetting performance of Li metal on graphite.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMar 10, 2020
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.

Potassium metal battery emerges as a rival to lithium-ion technology

Researchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a potassium metal battery that performs nearly as well as a lithium-ion battery, but relies on potassium for a more abundant and less expensive element. The battery solves the persistent problem of dendrites, which can cause short circuits and fires.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 2, 2020

Researchers show advance in next-generation lithium metal batteries

A WSU research team has developed a unique protective layer around lithium anode, protecting batteries from degradation and allowing them to work longer under typical conditions. The innovation could make high-energy batteries more viable for next-generation energy storage.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNano Energy·DateFeb 18, 2020

Less may be more in next-gen batteries

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a mechanism that protects cathodes from degrading in lithium-ion batteries by applying a thin layer of alumina, which also accelerates charging speed. This breakthrough could lead to more stable and efficient batteries for electric cars and grid storage.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateJan 21, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

High-performance anode for all-solid-state Li batteries is made of Si nanoparticles

A new study by NIMS researchers reveals that a Si anode composed of commercial Si nanoparticles in solid electrolytes exhibits excellent electrode performance, approaching that of film electrodes. This breakthrough enables low-cost and large-scale production of high-capacity anodes for all-solid-state Li batteries.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateDec 23, 2019

Interfacial chemistry improves rechargeability of Zn batteries

Researchers have proposed new concepts for in situ formed and artificial SEIs to fundamentally modulate the electrochemical characteristics of zinc. The interfacial design enables reversible and dendrite-free Zn plating/stripping, resulting in excellent cycling stability with negligible capacity loss.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2019
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

New electrolyte stops rapid performance decline of next-generation lithium battery

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a new electrolyte mixture and additive that can stabilize silicon anodes during cycling, improving long-term cycling and calendar life. The new electrolyte mixtures, called MESA, show increased surface and bulk stabilities, outperforming comparable cells with graphite chemistry.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 10, 2019

Battery with a twist

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a flexible thin-film battery that can be bent, stretched and twisted without disrupting power supply. The new battery features a water-based gel electrolyte that is environmentally friendly and non-toxic.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 24, 2019

Study identifies main culprit behind lithium metal battery failure

A study led by UC San Diego researchers identifies the root cause of lithium metal battery failure as bits of lithium metal deposits that break off from the anode during discharging. These deposits get trapped in the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, lowering Coulombic efficiency and causing batteries to fail. The findings coul...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateAug 21, 2019
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.

Leap toward robust binder-less metal phosphide electrodes for Li-ion batteries

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology have successfully fabricated a binder-less tin phosphide/carbon composite film electrode for lithium-ion batteries via aerosol deposition. The electrode exhibits improved charging and discharging cycling stabilities, enabling advanced Li-ion batteries with higher capacity.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalNanomaterials·DateJul 30, 2019

An air-stable and waterproof lithium metal anode

Researchers have developed a wax-based composite coating that protects lithium metal anodes from air and water, achieving high capacity retention rates. The coating prevents dendrite growth and maintains electrochemical performance under humid conditions.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateJul 19, 2019

A cold-tolerant electrolyte for lithium-metal batteries emerges in San Diego

Researchers at the University of California - San Diego have developed a new cold-tolerant electrolyte for lithium-metal batteries, improving cycling efficiency and reducing dendrite growth. The breakthrough could lead to lighter batteries capable of storing more charge, extending electric vehicle range and lowering battery costs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJoule·DateJul 1, 2019

Expanding the temperature range of lithium-ion batteries

Researchers developed new electrolytes containing multiple additives to improve lithium-ion battery performance across a wider temperature range. The optimized combination enhanced discharging performance and long-term stability at low temperatures, while also improving cycling stability at higher temperatures.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 19, 2019
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.

A step for a promising new battery to store clean energy

A team from Ohio State University has built a more efficient and reliable potassium-oxygen battery that can store excess energy from renewable sources. The battery can be charged at least 125 times, making it a potential solution for long-lasting energy storage in the power grid and cell phones.

SourceOhio State University·JournalBatteries & Supercaps·DateMay 13, 2019

A close look at lithium batteries

A novel fluorescence probe technique reveals the distribution of active lithium on lithium metal anodes, enabling differentiation between dendrites and dead lithium. This technique aids in understanding battery malfunctions and optimizing new battery structures.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 24, 2019

Study: Reducing energy required to convert CO2 waste into valuable resources

University of Illinois researchers have developed a new electrolysis technology that uses glycerol to reduce the energy consumption of converting CO2 waste into valuable resources. The process reduces energy requirements by 53% and has potential for carbon neutrality or negativity, depending on grid setup.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Energy·DateApr 22, 2019
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.