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University of Toronto chemists create vitamin-driven battery

Researchers at University of Toronto have created a biologically-derived battery that stores energy in flavin from vitamin B2, a green alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries. The battery has high capacity and high voltage, making it suitable for powering next-generation consumer electronics.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 3, 2016

Next generation anode to improve lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at UCR developed a silicon-tin nanocomposite anode that triples charge capacity and extends battery life. The new material enables longer-lasting rechargeable batteries with improved performance and scalability.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 3, 2016

WSU researchers determine key improvement for fuel cells

Researchers improved understanding of the process that stops reactions in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), a clean energy technology that has struggled to gain wide acceptance. The study found that an electric field can prevent failures and improve system performance by capturing the complexity of the triple-phase boundary.

SourceWashington State University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateJul 18, 2016
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.

Graphene-based transparent electrodes for highly efficient flexible OLEDS

A Korean research team developed a graphene-based transparent electrode structure, achieving high efficiency and flexibility in flexible OLEDs. The new device architecture maximizes the efficiency of graphene-based OLEDs by inducing a synergistic collaboration between high- and low-index layers.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2016

From allergens to anodes: Pollen derived battery electrodes

Purdue University researchers have discovered that pollen-derived carbon architectures can be used as anodes in lithium-ion batteries. The study found that the cattail pollen-based carbon performed better than bee pollen, with a higher theoretical capacity of 200 milliamp hours per gram.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 5, 2016
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.

Perpetual youth for batteries?

Researchers at Technical University of Munich identify key mechanisms behind lithium ion battery capacity loss due to aging. The study reveals that a pacifying layer on the anode consumes active lithium and protects the electrolyte from decomposition.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateNov 17, 2015

Wall-less Hall thruster may power future deep space missions

Researchers have optimized a novel wall-less Hall thruster design, suitable for long-duration deep space missions. The new design enables scientists to observe hidden plasma regions, facilitating investigation of plasma instability and anomalous electron transport.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 27, 2015
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.

Discovery about new battery overturns decades of false assumptions

A new discovery at Oregon State University has shown that potassium can work effectively with graphite in a potassium-ion battery, potentially posing a challenge to the widely-used lithium-ion battery. The findings could lead to a more sustainable and cost-effective energy storage solution.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 6, 2015

Extending a battery's lifetime with heat

Researchers from California Institute of Technology found that heat can shorten dendrites by up to 36% and possibly extend battery lifetimes. By analyzing the effect of temperature on individual lithium atoms, they discovered that increased temperatures trigger atomic motion, leading to the breakdown of dendrite structures.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateOct 1, 2015

Making batteries with portabella mushrooms

A team of engineers at the University of California, Riverside has developed a new type of lithium-ion battery anode made from portabella mushrooms. The mushroom-based material is highly porous and allows for increased electrolyte-active material over time, making it a potential replacement for traditional graphite anodes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 29, 2015

Nano-mechanical study offers new assessment of silicon for next-gen batteries

Researchers have reported surprisingly high damage tolerance in electrochemically-lithiated silicon materials, suggesting all-silicon anodes may be commercially viable. The study found that above a certain concentration of lithium, the material becomes more tolerant to damage, making it possible to design durable silicon-based batteries.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 24, 2015

Novel battery uses light to produce power (video)

Scientists have developed a novel battery that uses light to produce power, utilizing titanium nitride for the anode. The 'photo battery' demonstrated high stability and safety, discharging electric current within 30 seconds under normal indoor lighting.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateJun 17, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers develop new approach that combines biomass conversion, solar energy conversion

Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison developed a novel approach to combine biomass conversion and solar energy conversion, enabling more efficient hydrogen production and creating a valuable byproduct. This breakthrough could significantly increase the efficiency and utility of solar-fuel-producing photoelectrochemical cells.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 10, 2015
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.

Stressed out: Research sheds new light on why rechargeable batteries fail

Researchers at Michigan Technological University have discovered that lithium ions cause local stress and phase transitions in anodes during charging and discharging, leading to their eventual failure. This 'atomic shuffling' phenomenon helps explain why layered materials are prone to degradation.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 1, 2014

Live from inside a battery

Lithium-ion battery researchers observed the phenomenon of 'lithium plating' during charging, which can cause short-circuits and reduce battery performance. The study used neutron diffraction to investigate the mechanism at work, shedding light on how lithium plating occurs and potentially paving the way for faster-charging batteries.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateSep 3, 2014

Rubber meets the road with new ORNL carbon, battery technologies

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have created a more efficient anode for lithium-ion batteries using recycled tire-derived carbon black, with improved capacity and stability. The novel method could lead to cheaper, environmentally friendly batteries for various applications.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalRSC Advances·DateAug 27, 2014
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.

Stanford team achieves 'holy grail' of battery design: A stable lithium anode

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a protective layer of interconnected carbon nanospheres to protect the unstable lithium from drawbacks, enabling the design of a pure lithium anode. The breakthrough could lead to more efficient and longer-lasting rechargeable batteries with improved capacity and reduced safety risks.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 27, 2014

Charging portable electronics in 10 minutes

UC Riverside researchers create three-dimensional silicon-decorated carbon-nanotube clusters architecture for high reversible capacity and excellent cycling stability. The innovative design enables rapid charging times, nearly 16 times faster than conventional graphite-based anodes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalSmall·DateJun 10, 2014

Silly Putty material inspires better batteries

Researchers at UC Riverside have developed a new lithium-ion battery material with over three times the energy storage capacity of current carbon-based anodes. This innovation has significant implications for industries like electronics and electric vehicles.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 15, 2014
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.

Tiny power generator runs on spit

Researchers have developed a saliva-powered, micro-sized microbial fuel cell that produces nearly 1 microwatt of power. The device uses graphene and bacteria from the natural environment to create energy, paving the way for portable biomedical devices with built-in power sources.

SourcePenn State·JournalNPG Asia Materials·DateApr 3, 2014
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.

Antimony nanocrystals for batteries

Scientists from ETH Zurich have synthesized uniform antimony nanocrystals, which can store both lithium and sodium ions, making them prime candidates for anode materials in both lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. The researchers found that the optimal size-performance relationship of these nanocrystals is between 20-100 nanometres.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 18, 2014

Battery development may extend range of electric cars

A new anode design for lithium-sulfur batteries quadruples their lifespan, bringing them closer to commercial use. The hybrid anode's development could enable longer electric car drives and cheaper storage of renewable wind energy.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 9, 2014

Exposing the roots of the lithium battery problem

Berkeley Lab researchers find that microscopic fibers of lithium form in the electrolyte during cycling, causing short circuits and overheating. The team discovered subsurface structures underneath dendrites, revealing a clear path forward for enabling widespread use of lithium anodes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 17, 2013
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.

Working together: Bacteria join forces to produce electricity

Researchers at Arizona State University's Biodesign Institute demonstrate that light-responsive Chlorobium can act in tandem with Geobacter to produce electricity. The two bacteria work together to generate current when Chlorobium transfers electrons to Geobacter, which then produces electricity.

SourceArizona State University·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·DateOct 8, 2013

Battery design gets boost from aligned carbon nanotubes

Researchers at North Carolina State University have created a new flexible nano-scaffold using aligned carbon nanotubes to improve the stability of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The design shows promise in increasing battery capacity and reducing pulverization, a significant challenge in using silicon as an electrode material.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 6, 2013

The best of 2 worlds: Solar hydrogen production breakthrough

Researchers have developed a highly efficient solar fuel device that can produce hydrogen from sunlight, with a potential to store energy for later use. The device uses a metal oxide photo anode and a cobalt phosphate catalyst to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 2013

Air Force support for a new generation of lithium-ion batteries

Researchers have developed a new graphene technique that significantly increases lithium-ion battery storage capacity by combining graphene nanoribbons with tin oxide. The resulting prototype battery retains more than double the capacity of standard graphite anodes after repeated charge-discharge cycles.

SourceAir Force Office of Scientific Research·JournalIEEE Spectrum·DateJul 15, 2013

Eavesdropping on lithium ions

Scientists have created a device that allows researchers to observe individual lithium ions in lithium-ion batteries, providing new insights into the complex processes involved. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient battery designs with increased power density and longer lifetimes.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 8, 2013
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.

Analytical theory may bring improvements to lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a theoretical framework to control dendrite growth in lithium-ion batteries, which can cause internal shorts and fires. The new approach could lead to faster charging times and improved safety.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateMar 5, 2013

Cheap, strong lithium-ion battery developed at USC

Researchers at USC have created a new lithium-ion battery design that uses silicon nanoparticles to improve capacity and recharge more quickly. The batteries hold three times as much energy as comparable graphite-based designs and can recharge within 10 minutes.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNano Research·DateFeb 12, 2013

ORNL research paves way for larger, safer lithium ion batteries

Scientists at ORNL developed a high-performance, nanostructured solid electrolyte for more energy-dense lithium ion batteries, overcoming safety concerns and size constraints. The ability to use pure lithium metal as an anode could yield batteries five to ten times more powerful than current versions.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 23, 2013
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.

Waste not, power up

Researchers have developed a method to make flexible lithium-ion battery components from discarded silicon, which can prolong their usefulness. The new material is made by creating nanowires from high-value but hard-to-recycle silicon and then encasing them in an electrically conducting copper and ion-conducting polymer electrolyte.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 4, 2012

Self-charging power cell converts and stores energy in a single unit

Researchers developed a self-charging power cell that converts mechanical energy into chemical energy, eliminating the need for separate generators and batteries. The device can harness mechanical energy from walking or other sources, generating enough current to power small electronic devices.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 21, 2012

Waste to watts: Improving microbial fuel cells

Researchers at Arizona State University improved microbial fuel cell efficiency by modifying cathode materials and adjusting pH levels. By enhancing hydroxide ion transport, they increased power densities and reduced losses in MFC performance.

SourceArizona State University·JournalChemSusChem·DateJul 10, 2012

New fuel cell keeps going after the hydrogen runs out

Materials scientists at Harvard University have developed a solid-oxide fuel cell that can store electrochemical energy like a battery, allowing it to continue producing power for a short time after its fuel has run out. This innovation has significant implications for small-scale, portable energy applications, such as unmanned aerial ...

SourceHarvard University·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 29, 2012
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Better batteries

Researchers at Northwestern University have created an electrode that allows lithium-ion batteries to hold a charge up to 10 times greater than current technology. The new technology can also charge 10 times faster, paving the way for more efficient and smaller batteries for electric cars.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateNov 14, 2011

National labs leading charge on building better batteries

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have made significant improvements to lithium battery anodes, leading to faster charging times and increased capacity. The new designs could enable the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.

SourceDOE/US Department of Energy·DateSep 27, 2011

Better lithium-ion batteries are on the way from Berkeley Lab

Researchers have designed a new conducting polymer that enables the use of silicon as a next-generation lithium-ion battery anode, storing eight times more energy than current designs. The material maintains its capacity after over a year of testing, with potential applications in electric cars and consumer electronics.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 23, 2011
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Powered by seaweed: Polymer from algae may improve battery performance

Researchers at Clemson University have identified a promising new binder material for lithium-ion battery electrodes extracted from common brown algae. The alginate has helped boost energy storage and output for both graphite-based and silicon-based electrodes, addressing challenges in existing batteries.

SourceClemson University·JournalScience·DateSep 8, 2011

Self-cleaning anodes could facilitate cost-effective coal-powered fuel cells

The new technique uses barium oxide nanoparticles to adsorb moisture, initiating a water-based chemical reaction that oxidizes carbon deposits, keeping nickel electrode surfaces clean. This allows solid oxide fuel cells to be powered directly by coal gas at low temperatures, reducing carbon emissions and increasing efficiency.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 21, 2011

'Nanoscoops' could spark new generation of electric automobile batteries

The new nanoscoop material can withstand extremely high rates of charge and discharge, making it ideal for high-power rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for electric automobiles. The technology could potentially be ramped up to suit the demanding needs of batteries for electric vehicles.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 4, 2011

World's smallest battery created at CINT nanotechnology center

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have created the world's smallest battery using a single tin oxide nanowire anode, which nearly doubles in length during charging. The discovery provides new insights into lithium batteries and could improve power and energy density.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalScience·DateDec 9, 2010

Nanotech coatings produce 20 times more electricity from sewage

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a technology that uses nanotech coatings to produce electricity from sewage, increasing output 20 times. The new approach could clean biowaste while producing useful levels of electricity, promoting sustainable wastewater treatment and renewable energy.

SourceOregon State University·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateJul 21, 2010
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Microbe power as a green means to hydrogen production

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method for enhancing the efficiency of microbial electrochemical cells (MXCs) using specialized bacteria. By creating a mutual relationship between homo-acetogens and anode bacteria, they can improve electron flow and increase hydrogen production, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

SourceArizona State University·JournalBioresource Technology·DateJun 1, 2010

Scientists home in on lithium battery safety flaws

Researchers at Cambridge have developed a way to visualize chemistry in lithium-ion batteries using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. This technique could help identify the formation of dendrites, which cause short circuits and fires, enabling the development of safer battery technologies.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 16, 2010

Lithium-ion anode uses self-assembled nanocomposite materials to increase capacity

A new high-performance anode structure based on silicon-carbon nanocomposite materials has been developed, significantly improving the performance of lithium-ion batteries. The self-assembly technique creates rigid spheres with open internal channels that allow for rapid entry of lithium ions and accommodate expansion without cracking.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 14, 2010
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.