Researchers have deciphered the key pathways of the sulfur reduction reaction in lithium-sulfur batteries, identifying dominant molecular pathways and critical roles of electrocatalysis. This breakthrough could lead to improved battery performance, reduced costs, and increased energy storage capacity.
Researchers have developed a new polymeric binder that enhances the mechanical strength and stability of sulfide solid electrolyte membranes. This breakthrough improves the energy density of all-solid-state lithium batteries, enabling longer cycle life and higher performance.
Researchers have successfully induced and controlled polarization states within metals using flexoelectric fields. This method has the potential to mitigate power losses attributed to semiconductors and extend battery lifespan in electronic devices.
A new type of mechanical sensor, powered by sound waves, could monitor infrastructure and medical devices without battery replacement, reducing waste. The sensor can distinguish between different words and sounds, triggering processes or alarms.
Researchers successfully improved lithium metal battery charging rates by adding a cesium nitrate compound, while maintaining long cycle life. The new findings challenge conventional beliefs about effective interphase components and contribute to the development of high-energy density batteries.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new lithium battery that can charge in under five minutes while maintaining stable performance over extended cycles. The breakthrough could alleviate range anxiety among drivers who worry about electric vehicle charging time.
Researchers found that small electric aircraft can have a notably lower climate impact – up to 60 percent less – and other types of environmental impacts than equivalent fossil-fuelled aircraft. The study also highlights the need for longer battery lifetimes and improved energy storage capacity to minimize mineral resource scarcity.
MIT researchers have developed a cobalt-free battery material that offers improved sustainability and comparable performance to traditional lithium-ion batteries. The new organic material can conduct electricity at similar rates, store capacity, and be charged faster than cobalt-containing batteries.
Researchers have developed a carbon-based cathode material that could replace cobalt and other scarce metals in lithium-ion batteries. The new composite cathode cycled safely over 2,000 times, delivered high energy density, and charged/discharged quickly.
A new Northwestern University-led fuel cell harvests energy from microbes in soil to power underground sensors, potentially offering a sustainable alternative to batteries. The technology outlasts similar technologies by 120% and can operate in both wet and dry conditions.
The Internet-of-Batteries (IoB) system utilizes IoT principles to gather data from EV batteries, analyzing health and performance, identifying faults, and optimizing usage. Machine learning approaches enhance decision-making for improved battery performance, increased range, and reduced costs.
Researchers have developed a new solid state battery design that can be charged and discharged over 6,000 times, with the ability to recharge in just 10 minutes. The breakthrough uses micron-sized silicon particles to constrict the lithiation reaction and facilitate homogeneous plating of lithium metal.
A research team developed electrostatic materials capable of responding to weak ultrasound, generating static electricity for implantable neurological stimulators. The technology eliminates the need for batteries, reduces device size, and minimizes strain on the human body. Experimental validation confirms its effectiveness in animal m...
A new method for desalinating seawater using hydrate-based desalination technology has been developed, offering a low-energy solution for producing freshwater. The research team calculated optimal temperatures for enhanced efficiency, with maximum water yields reaching up to 67% in certain brine concentrations.
Researchers have developed a solid electrolyte that allows for efficient hydride ion conduction at room temperature, enabling the creation of safer, more efficient hydrogen-based batteries and fuel cells. This breakthrough provides material design guidelines for the development of next-generation energy storage solutions.
Researchers observe changes in water molecule movement near a metal electrode depending on the magnitude and polarity of the applied voltage. The study provides crucial insights into electrochemical reactions and paves the way for designing more efficient battery technologies.
Researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed a new way to charge quantum batteries using optical apparatuses and the phenomenon of indefinite causal order. This approach enables significant gains in energy storage and thermal efficiency, even with lower power chargers.
A study published in Joule found that disposable e-cigarette batteries can last hundreds of cycles and retain over 90% capacity after repeated use. This discovery highlights the growing environmental concern from single-use vape pens, which are not designed to be recharged.
A study by researchers from the University of Münster found that China will be able to meet its demand for primary lithium for electric vehicles through recycling as early as 2059, while Europe and the US will not achieve this until after 2070. Recycling is also expected to ensure China's need for cobalt by 2045 and nickel by 2046.
Researchers create Automatic Surface Reconstruction framework to estimate all possible variations of material surfaces, providing detailed information on catalysts, semiconductors, and battery components. The method reduces human intuition and provides dynamic information on surface properties over time.
The project aims to develop an AI-powered decision engine that delivers increased battery longevity and accelerates time-to-market for electric vehicles. The technology combines high-fidelity electrochemical models with edge and AI-powered cloud platforms to predict state-of-charge, health, and remaining useful life.
Researchers have developed a low-cost method for using x-ray technology to capture images inside batteries and analyze their internal structure. The new technique uses sandpaper to structure illumination, allowing for detailed mapping at the nanoscale.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a new, efficient, and environmentally-friendly solution for lithium-ion battery recycling using organic citric acid. This approach recovers critical metals like cobalt and lithium, reduces pollution and reliance on foreign sources, and eliminates the need for hazardous chemicals.
The global EV battery industry is projected to exceed 600 MtCO2eq in emissions by 2050, mainly due to energy-intensive mining and refining processes. Shifting to less CO2-intensive battery chemistries like LFP could reduce emissions by 20%.
A computational study conducted by Brazilian researchers found that current density and active species concentration are the main variables affecting capacity loss. The approach successfully mitigated cross-contamination, providing an optimal flow between electrolyte tanks under different operating conditions.
Researchers from Tohoku University developed a special type of porous carbon sheet, graphene mesosponge sheet, which significantly improves the energy density and cycle stability in Li-O2 batteries. The GMS-sheet achieves high-performance standards with over 6300 milliampere-hours per gram.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science developed nanostructured hard carbon electrodes using inorganic zinc-based compounds, which deliver unprecedented performance and significantly increase the capacity of sodium- and potassium-ion batteries. The new electrodes improve energy density by 1.6 times compared to existing technologies.
Researchers have developed a novel approach to create energy-dense, safe batteries using low-melting alkali-based molten salt electrolytes. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of powerful lithium-metal batteries that operate safely at temperatures as low as 25°C.
Researchers developed a wireless, leadless pacemaker that can partially recharge its battery by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. The device harvested approximately 10% of the energy necessary to pace the next beat, paving the way for longer battery life and reduced procedures for younger patients.
The Beckman Institute's new Electrolab robot automates electrochemical experiments and data analysis, reducing manual effort and time for researchers. The instrument can explore alternative power sources and analyze chemical reactions to combat climate change.
Researchers have developed a novel chloride-based solid electrolyte with exceptional ionic conductivity, addressing material limitations that hindered previous attempts. This breakthrough is expected to pave the way for commercialization of solid-state batteries, promising improved affordability and safety.
Researchers developed a fast-charging hybrid battery system that combines electrochemical generation of formic acid with a microbial fuel cell, enabling efficient energy storage. The system produced enough current for 25 hours of discharge and demonstrated potential applications in monitoring water toxicity.
SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2023
Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a new technology to suppress lithium dendrite growth in all-solid-state batteries, which could increase energy storage and reduce safety risks. The innovative method, led by Professor Chunsheng Wang, stabilizes battery interfaces and prevents short circuits.
Researchers have incorporated molecular iodine into the SOCl2 battery electrolyte to increase discharge rate and enable efficient recharging. This breakthrough enables Li-SOCl2 batteries to be used in devices requiring low rates of energy discharge, increasing their practicality for routine energy storage.
Researchers at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia have developed the world's first rechargeable edible battery, utilizing food-grade materials like almonds and capers. The battery can power small electronic devices for a limited time and has potential applications in health monitoring, food storage, and children's toys.
Researchers investigated two strategies to improve the cycling performance of all-solid-state batteries. The first strategy involves coating the cathode surface, which improves electrochemical performance, but the second strategy using halide electrolytes shows promise despite its limitations. The study suggests that a combination of b...
A team of scientists has investigated the effect of initial temperature on Li dendrite morphology through temperature-dependent ionic diffusion coefficient, reaction coefficient, and conductivity. They found a unified picture for the seemingly contradictory dendrite-promoting and dendrite-inhibiting effects of increased temperature in ...
New technology enables self-sustaining modules to assemble, disassemble and recycle, offering unprecedented sustainability for electronic devices. The innovation is part of a larger field of Microelectronic Morphogenesis, which aims to replicate living systems through controlled form creation.
A team of researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a framework for designing solid-state batteries with mechanics in mind. They highlighted the critical role of material properties and mechanical stressors in affecting SSBs during cycling, and proposed techniques to make electrolytes more ductile and anodes more stable.
Recent research highlights the excellent electrochemical performance of critical 3D printing materials in rechargeable batteries. The study outlines the typical characteristics of major 3D printing methods used in fabricating electrochemical energy storage devices and discusses crucial materials for 3D printing of rechargeable batterie...
Researchers at the University of Seville have developed a more efficient configuration for proton-exchange membrane fuel cell batteries, increasing their performance by up to 10%. The new design outperforms other options and reduces energy consumption, making it suitable for use in electric vehicles.
The incorporation of HsGDY into cathode promotes the absorption and conversion of lithium polysulfides, providing new ideas for high-energy density lithium-sulfur batteries. Ni foam facilitates large specific capacity and long-term stability at high current densities.
A breakthrough in battery technology has been achieved by City University of Hong Kong, overcoming the persistent challenge of voltage decay in lithium-ion batteries. The new development stabilises a unique honeycomb-like structure within the cathode material, resulting in longer-lasting and more efficient batteries.
Scientists discovered that solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer behaves like a semiconductor, causing electron leakage and leading to inferior battery performance. Minimizing organic components in SEI enables longer-lasting batteries.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a high-yield, low-cost method for reclaiming metals directly from mixed battery waste. The new process uses the 'flash' technique to separate critical metals, reducing energy and acid consumption by up to 100-fold and lowering carbon dioxide emissions.
The team developed poly(triphenyl piperidinium) based high-temperature proton exchange membranes with improved physicochemical properties, demonstrating enhanced proton conductivity and mechanical stability. The membranes showed promising performance in fuel cell applications, with the highest peak power density achieved at 210 °C.
Researchers developed a novel solid-state mechanochemical reaction to synthesize FCMs from PTFE and graphite, producing materials with enhanced storage capacity and electrochemical stability. The new method bypasses toxic reagents and offers a safer alternative for practical applications.
The researchers created nanoribbons made of phosphorus and tiny amounts of arsenic, which were able to conduct electricity at high temperatures. The arsenic-phosphorus ribbons have also turned out to be magnetic, opening up possibilities for quantum computers.
Scientists initiate high voltage multi-electron reactions in NASICON cathodes to enhance the performance of aqueous zinc/sodium batteries. The study proposes using transition metal ion substitution to augment structural stability and increase capacity, offering a promising strategy for advancing the technology.
The University of Texas at Dallas will develop and commercialize new battery technologies, enhance domestic raw material availability, and train workers for the expanding battery industry. The Energy Storage Systems Campus will leverage $200 million in private capital.
A team of researchers has made breakthroughs in harnessing low-grade heat sources for efficient energy conversion. They developed a highly efficient Thermally Regenerative Electrochemical Cycle (TREC) system that converts small temperature differences into usable energy.
Energy system models fail to accurately represent energy storage, potentially leading to unreliable grid operations and increased costs. Leading researchers from Argonne National Laboratory highlight the need for improved models to accommodate new technologies like solar power and grid energy storage.
Researchers at MIT and partners have discovered that variations in lithium ion flow rates are correlated with differences in carbon coating thickness, which could lead to improved battery efficiency. This technique allows for the extraction of insights from nanoscale data, offering potential applications beyond battery technology.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered a previously unknown reaction mechanism that addresses the major shortcoming of lithium-sulfur batteries - their very short lifetimes. The new pathway prevents sulfur loss and performance decline in commercial-size cells, paving the way for more sustainable transportation options.
A new battery design without a membrane has been developed by researchers at the University of Cincinnati, offering higher energy density and lower costs. The battery can generate nearly 4 volts of power, eliminating costly and inefficient membrane-separators.
Researchers used X-ray tomoscopy to study freeze casting processes, observing the formation of complex, hierarchically structured materials with large surface areas. The technique provided high spatial and temporal resolution, revealing the dynamics of directional ice crystal growth and the formation of organic-looking structures.
Researchers have developed a lab-on-a-chip electrochemical testing platform to speed up the production of catalysts for Li-CO2 batteries. The new method enables quick screening of materials, studying reaction mechanisms, and practical applications, potentially contributing to negative emissions technologies.
Researchers at Graz University of Technology are developing a sustainable electricity storage system using AI optimisation and vanillin as the storage medium. The project aims to create an environmentally friendly system with high efficiency and safety for industry and renewable energy applications.
Researchers developed a free-standing LiPON film that promotes uniformly dense lithium metal electrochemical deposition under zero external pressure, opening the door to lithium metal solid-state batteries. The new approach yields fresh insights into LiPON's properties and interfaces.
Researchers have successfully grown high-quality single-crystalline T-Nb2O5 thin films with two-dimensional vertical ionic transport channels, enabling fast and dramatic changes in electrical properties. The material undergoes a significant electrical change upon Li insertion, allowing it to switch from an insulator to a metal.