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Upcycling plastic bags into battery parts (video)

Scientists have developed a method to upcycle polyethylene from plastic bags into pure carbon, which can be used as anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The new approach creates a cost-effective and efficient way to convert plastic waste into useful energy-storing materials.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateFeb 13, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Lithium-matrix anode protected by a solid electrolyte layer for stable lithium metal batteries

Researchers have developed a novel Li anode design featuring a solid electrolyte layer and housed framework to mitigate dendrite growth and volume expansion. The resulting batteries exhibit excellent capacity retention and stability, paving the way for next-generation rechargeable battery development. This innovative approach has signi...

SourceScience China Press·JournalJournal of Energy Chemistry·DateJan 9, 2019

Whiskers, surface growth and dendrites in lithium batteries

Scientists have discovered three distinct growth modes in lithium metal anodes: whiskers, surface growth, and dendrites. These growths are influenced by competing reactions between the electrolyte and metal deposits. The study's findings suggest that controlling these growth modes is crucial for building reliable batteries.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJoule·DateOct 25, 2018

A new carbon material with Na storage capacity over 400mAh/g

A new carbon material has been discovered with a high Na storage capacity of over 400mAh/g, outperforming current hard carbon materials. The bi-honeycomb-like architecture shows an 85% plateau capacity at low voltage, potentially increasing energy density in sodium-ion batteries.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateSep 19, 2018
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.

A novel approach of improving battery performance

Researchers have developed a novel technology to improve lithium metal battery performance by coating the anode with a lithium silicide layer. The new approach overcomes dendritic growth issues, leading to improved rate capability and cycle stability.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 17, 2018

Lasers write better anodes

Researchers at KAUST have developed a laser-based process to create three-dimensional hard carbon anodes with improved conductivity and capacity for sodium-ion batteries. This breakthrough enables the mass production of high-performance anodes, paving the way for widespread adoption of sodium-ion batteries in energy storage applications.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJul 30, 2018

BNAs improve performance of Li-ion batteries

Researchers from Northeastern University developed hierarchical Bi2MoO6 nanosheet arrays (BNAs) on 3D Ni foam, which exhibit a super high reversible discharge capacity of 2311.7 μAh/cm² and excellent cycle stability. The BNAs-integrated electrodes improve the cycle stability and capacity of lithium-ion batteries.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalNANO·DateJun 27, 2018

A lightweight carbon nanofiber-based collector

Researchers have developed a lightweight carbon nanofiber-based collector that can restrain dendrite growth and achieve uniform lithium deposition. The collector, made with high nitrogen-doping levels, improves energy density by up to 2489.7 mAh/g, enabling the practical use of lithium metal anodes.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateJun 20, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Turbocharge for lithium batteries

Scientists have developed a new anode material for lithium-ion batteries that can store more energy and charge faster. The hybrid material combines tin oxide nanoparticles with antimony on a graphene base, improving stability and conductivity.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 11, 2018

Better, faster, stronger: Building batteries that don't go boom

Michigan Tech researchers explore lithium's mechanical properties to improve battery storage capacity and safety. Their findings highlight the importance of lithium's orientation-dependent elastic properties in controlling battery performance.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalJournal of Materials Research·DateMay 29, 2018

3D batteries pack power into tiny footprints

Researchers have developed a powerful 3D lithium ion battery with an area footprint smaller than 0.09 square centimeters, achieving an energy density of 5.2 milli-watt-hours per square centimeter. This design uses a conformal electrolyte and semiconductor processing to overcome previous limitations in 3D battery technology.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateMay 3, 2018

KAIST develops sodium ion batteries using copper sulfide

A KAIST research team developed a new anode material using copper sulfide, exhibiting 1.5 times better cyclability and 40% reduced cost compared to existing materials. The discovery may contribute to the commercialization of sodium ion batteries and reduce battery costs in consumer electronics.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 17, 2018

Ultra-powerful batteries made safer, more efficient

Researchers at the University of Delaware have made a breakthrough in mitigating dendrite formation in lithium metal batteries, enabling them to be used for electric vehicles. The new method uses porous materials to suppress dendrite growth, resulting in improved battery performance and safety.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 9, 2018
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 design produces true lithium-air battery

Researchers at UIC and Argonne National Laboratory designed a new lithium-air battery that can operate in a natural-air environment without oxidation or buildup of undesirable byproducts. The battery achieved record-breaking 750 charge/discharge cycles, surpassing previous experimental designs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature·DateMar 21, 2018

Lithium-related discovery could extend battery life and improve safety

Researchers at Arizona State University have made a significant breakthrough in lithium-metal batteries, discovering a way to mitigate dendrite growth that can reduce energy density and cause fires or explosions. The new solution involves using a 3D layer of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as the substrate for lithium metal anode.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 6, 2018

Aqueous storage device needs only 20 seconds to go

Researchers at KAIST developed a hybrid energy storage device that can be charged in less than half a minute using aqueous electrolytes and graphene. The device facilitates rapid charging and high energy density, making it suitable for portable electronic devices.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateFeb 28, 2018
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.

High-efficiency and low-cost catalyst for water electrolysis

Researchers have created an alternative and cheapest anode material for excellent and ultra-stable alkaline water electrolysis. The new core-shell nanostructured electrocatalyst replaces precious metals, achieving highly efficient oxygen evolution activity and ultrastability.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateFeb 13, 2018

Using crumpled graphene balls to make better batteries

Northwestern University researchers have created a new battery using crumpled graphene balls, which can accommodate fluctuation of lithium as it cycles between the anode and cathode. This approach avoids lithium dendrite growth, increasing battery performance and capacity.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJoule·DateJan 18, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Flipping the electron spin

Researchers at TUM and Jülich Institute have developed a novel EPR spectroscopy process to investigate lithium plating in lithium-ion batteries. This allows for the detection of metallic lithium deposits on anodes, which can reduce battery capacity and lifespan.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalMaterials Today·DateDec 6, 2017

Working in the cold

Scientists at Fudan University have designed a high-rate and long-life lithium-ion battery with improved low-temperature performance. The battery system features a cold-enduring hard-carbon anode and a powerful lithium-rich cathode, with the initial lithiation step integrated.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 5, 2017

Batteries with better performance and improved safety

Researchers from Empa and UNIGE have developed a new battery prototype that stores more energy while maintaining high safety levels. The battery uses a solid electrolyte and metallic sodium, which enables faster charging and increased storage capacity.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateNov 27, 2017
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.

New batteries with better performance and improved safety

The new battery prototype uses a solid electrolyte and metal anode, enabling the storage of more energy while maintaining high safety levels. The researchers have tested the battery over 250 cycles, with 85% of its energy capacity still functional after that period.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateNov 23, 2017

Low-cost battery from waste graphite

Researchers developed a low-cost battery using waste graphite, offering high safety and simplicity in production. The battery features a unique cathode material and can withstand thousands of charging cycles.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 11, 2017

'Air-breathing' battery could cut costs of renewable energy storage

Researchers at MIT have developed an 'air-breathing' battery that can store electricity for months, reducing costs to around $20-$30 per kilowatt hour. The battery uses sulfur and oxygen to generate charge, making it a potential solution for widespread renewable energy integration.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJoule·DateOct 11, 2017

Better rechargeable batteries coming soon?

Researchers have developed a novel coating that prevents side-reactions and promotes uniform lithium deposition, leading to improved battery performance. The new indium-lithium hybrid electrodes showed stability over 250 cycles with high capacity retention.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 21, 2017

Solar-to-fuel system recycles CO2 to make ethanol and ethylene

Scientists at Berkeley Lab have successfully demonstrated the efficient conversion of carbon dioxide to fuels and alcohols using artificial photosynthesis. The system achieved efficiencies rivaling natural counterparts, producing ethanol and ethylene with high energy conversion rates.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateSep 18, 2017
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.

Army, UMD researchers develop water-based lithium-ion batteries that don't explode

Researchers at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory and the University of Maryland have developed a water-salt solution-based lithium-ion battery that reaches 4.0 volts without the fire risks associated with non-aqueous batteries. The new technology provides identical energy density as SOA Li-ion batteries while maintaining safety.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalJoule·DateSep 6, 2017

Water-based lithium-ion batteries without explosive risks now a reality

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a water-based lithium-ion battery that reaches 4.0 volts and achieves high energy density while maintaining safety. The new gel polymer electrolyte coating prevents water from decomposing and forms a stable interphase, protecting the anode and preventing fires or explosions.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateSep 6, 2017

Supercharging silicon batteries

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) scientists have designed a novel silicon-based anode to provide lithium batteries with increased power and better stability. The new anode, featuring nanostructured layers of silicon, improves the battery's ability to charge and deliver energy over time.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateSep 6, 2017

Silicon solves problems for next-generation battery technology

Researchers have discovered a way to improve Li-ion battery technology by replacing graphite with silicon, quadrupling anode capacity. The new material has been found to be more suitable when particles are sized between 10-20 micrometres and have the right porosity.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 30, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Molecular 'pulleys' help boost battery performance

Researchers used polyrotaxane to create a silicon anode that expands and contracts more easily, boosting battery performance. The technique allows for high volumetric and energy densities similar to commercialized lithium-ion batteries.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 20, 2017

Battery breakthrough using 2016 Nobel Prize molecule

A KAIST research team developed molecular pulley binders for high-capacity silicon anodes in lithium ion batteries, improving charge-discharge cycles. The innovative binding system, inspired by the 'mechanical bond' concept, enhances electrode stability and capacity retention.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience·DateJul 20, 2017

New hydrocarbon fuel cells with high efficiency and low cost

Researchers at UNIST have successfully developed a new anode material for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) that can operate on hydrocarbon fuels, offering improved stability and reduced production costs. The breakthrough enhances the potential for commercialization of SOFCs, which could achieve efficiency higher than 90%.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 17, 2017
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.

Conducting shell for bacteria

Scientists have successfully coated live bacteria with a conducting polymer to improve their conductivity, resulting in a 23 times smaller resistance and a fivefold increase in electricity generation. This coating scheme has the potential to revolutionize microbial fuel cell technology and wastewater treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 27, 2017

Inexpensive organic material gives safe batteries a longer life

Researchers at the University of Houston have discovered a new class of material that addresses many battery concerns, including fire risk, cold weather performance, and lifespan. The quinones-based anode is inexpensive, chemically stable, and allows batteries to work across temperature ranges.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 19, 2017

Graphene-nanotube hybrid boosts lithium metal batteries

Rice researchers develop a graphene-nanotube hybrid anode that stores 3,351 milliamp hours per gram of lithium, close to the theoretical maximum and 10 times that of lithium-ion batteries. The anode material suppresses dendrite growth, allowing for efficient lithium storage.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 18, 2017
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.

Stabilizing molecule could pave way for lithium-air fuel cell

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new stabilizing molecule that could improve the efficiency of lithium-air fuel cells, addressing issues such as poor rechargeability and high overpotentials. The molecule protects electrodes from degradation and promotes ion transport, paving the way for more sustainable energy solutions.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 26, 2017

Electrochemical performance of lithium-ion capacitors

Researchers developed a novel approach to lithium-ion capacitors using internal short-circuiting, achieving high energy storage capacity. The pre-lithiated multiwalled carbon nanotube anode showed improved performance, enabling the devices to store approximately 5 times more energy than conventional EDLCs.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalNANO·DateApr 21, 2017

Making batteries from waste glass bottles

Researchers at UCR's Bourns College of Engineering turned waste glass bottles into nanosilicon anodes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries. The new battery technology stores more energy, charges faster, and is more stable than commercial coin cell batteries.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 19, 2017

New battery coating could improve smart phones and electric vehicles

Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered a new battery coating that stabilizes performance, eliminates dendrite growth, and increases the lifetime of lithium-metal anodes. The coating, made with methyl viologen, can enhance battery performance by three times compared to current standards.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateApr 17, 2017
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.

Tweaking electrolyte makes better lithium-metal batteries

Researchers found that adding a small amount of lithium hexafluorophosphate to an electrolyte makes rechargeable lithium-metal batteries stable, charge quickly, and have high voltage. The additive also helps create a protective layer on the battery's anode, preventing unwanted side reactions.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 1, 2017

Waste silicon sawdust recycled into anode for lithium-ion battery

Scientists have developed a method to recycle unwanted Si sawdust into high-capacity and durable LIBs with capacities up to 3.3 times larger than conventional graphite. The proposed recycling process has the potential to be mass-produced at a reasonably low cost.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2017

Making sodium-ion batteries that last

Researchers have created a high-performance anode material for sodium-ion batteries, enabling them to operate at 83% capacity over 900 cycles. The breakthrough could lead to safer and more cost-effective large-scale energy storage solutions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 15, 2017

Battery research reaching out to higher voltages

Researchers have developed a new battery test cell allowing them to investigate anionic and cationic reactions separately. This innovation could lead to the creation of high-voltage lithium-ion batteries with improved energy density, reducing the need for multiple charging cycles and minimizing gas formation.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateDec 13, 2016

New anode material set to boost lithium-ion battery capacity

Researchers developed a new type of anode material that improves lithium-ion battery capacity and lifespan by addressing structural issues with conventional graphite anodes. The new material, using silicon-nanolayer-embedded graphite/carbon, shows superior battery performances and is mass-producible.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Energy·DateDec 12, 2016
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

High-storage sodium ion batteries

KAUST researchers have developed a process for two-dimensional anodes made from tin selenide, which stores sodium ions through a dual mechanism involving conversion and alloying reactions. This results in the highest reported energy density of any transition metal selenide.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateOct 26, 2016

From ancient fossils to future cars

Researchers have created a low-cost, high-energy lithium-ion battery anode material using diatomaceous earth, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient electric vehicle batteries. The discovery could lead to improved adoption of electric vehicles by reducing costs and increasing energy storage capacity.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 20, 2016

A novel battery design for making dual-ion batteries efficient

A novel 3D porous aluminum-graphite battery exhibits excellent long-term cycling stability of over 1000 cycles with 89.4% capacity retention at 2C current rate. The design features a uniform carbon layer, alleviating mechanical stress and surface reactions.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 10, 2016