A recent study by Uppsala University has identified the main limitations in lithium-sulfur batteries, which are hampered by short lifetimes and energy loss. The research aims to develop new strategies and materials to improve battery performance, making them more suitable for heavy truck applications.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered a key reason for the performance decline of sodium-ion batteries, which are promising candidates for replacing lithium-ion materials. By adjusting synthesis conditions, they can fabricate far superior cathodes that will maintain performance with long-term cycling.
Quantum charging technology has been developed to charge batteries at a faster rate, cutting the charging time of electric vehicles from ten hours to three minutes. The technology uses quantum resources to charge all cells within the battery simultaneously, leading to a significant speedup in charging speed.
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.
Scientists have created a quasi-solid-state cathode for solid-state lithium metal batteries, achieving significant reduction in interfacial resistance. The new design uses an ionic liquid to maintain excellent contact with the electrolyte, promising new directions in battery development.
Researchers at the University of Oxford and the University of Pennsylvania have fabricated vibrating nanostrings that resonate at predetermined frequencies. The new approach allows for rapid tuning with higher efficiency, potentially leading to longer-lasting batteries and improved data rates.
A unified approach to electrochemical energy storage involves recognizing a spectrum between chemical and physical retention of ions. This understanding can lead to the development of devices that combine high energy and high power, such as flexible batteries for wearable electronics.
Researchers developed an indentation test to evaluate mechanical properties of sulfide solid electrolytes, crucial for all-solid-state lithium-ion secondary batteries. The method enabled accurate assessment in inert atmosphere, confirming superior mechanical properties of sulfide-type solid electrolytes.
Solid-state batteries with little liquid electrolyte are safer than lithium-ion batteries in many cases. However, they also have limitations, such as slow lithium ion movement from the solid electrolyte to electrodes.
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.
Researchers developed Electric Truck Hydropower to harness the potential of steep mountain ranges, generating 1.2 PWh electricity per year, equivalent to 4% of global energy consumption. The technology uses existing road infrastructure and regenerative brakes to convert water into electricity.
A system developed by University of Houston pioneer Gino Lim extends small drone battery life to enable continuous live monitoring and border surveillance. The E-line battery charging system eliminates the need for battery charging stations, enhancing border security and reducing agent response time.
The researchers developed a power suit made of a layered carbon composite material that works as an energy-storing supercapacitor-battery hybrid device. This material could increase an electric car's range by 25% and boost its power, giving it the extra push it needs to go from zero to 60 mph in 3 seconds.
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GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a method to produce micro-supercapacitors, which can increase battery lifespan and enable fast charging. The new production process is scalable and could lead to significant environmental benefits by reducing battery recycling needs.
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.
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.
Researchers develop alternative diagnostic technology to evaluate Li-ion battery degradation mechanism quickly and efficiently. The approach allows for rapid detection of LLI degradation, facilitating real-time monitoring of individual cells' state of health.
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.
A new study from Chalmers University of Technology outlines an optimized recycling process for electric vehicle batteries, reducing thermal treatment times to just 30 minutes and operating at room temperature. This process can increase the efficiency of metal recovery, lower environmental impacts, and reduce costs.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have discovered a method to improve the crystallinity of coordination nanosheets by mixing two metal ion solutions. This approach results in higher crystallinity and improved performance in devices such as electronics and batteries. The findings open a new pathway for tuning the functional pro...
Researchers have developed an unsolved problem in microelectronics by creating the world's smallest battery, which can power tiny sub-millimeter-scale computers for about ten hours. The Swiss-roll process enables on-chip batteries for dust-sized computers with high energy density and integrability.
Researchers have developed a hydrogel electrolyte that enables aqueous zinc-ion batteries to operate within a wider temperature range (-20 °C to 60 °C), improving device flexibility. The new electrolyte also shows improved mechanical properties and electrochemical performance, with a high capacity retention rate of 88%.
Researchers analyzed new kinds of atomic-scale microscopic images using artificial intelligence to understand why rechargeable batteries wear out. They discovered nanofractures caused by mechanical strain on materials, which could lead to the development of more indestructible batteries.
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Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
A recent review of e-cigarette research highlights the significant health risks associated with vaping, including lung inflammation and injury. The study found that e-cigarettes can cause negative effects in multiple organs, from the brain to the bladder, and may even increase the risk of lung cancer.
A team of scientists is mapping out California's Lithium Valley and assessing the Salton Sea geothermal field's potential for sustainable, environmentally friendly lithium extraction. The goal is to meet America's urgent demand for lithium in a way that doesn't harm the environment.
Researchers aim to quantify and characterize the lithium in California's Salton Sea geothermal reservoir to secure a domestic supply chain. The project will investigate environmental impacts and provide insights on the subsurface resource potential.
Researchers have discovered a new solid electrolyte composed of lithium, scandium, indium, and chlorine that offers several advantages. The electrolyte conducts lithium ions well but electrons poorly, making it suitable for all-solid-state batteries with improved safety and energy density.
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.
Magnesium-based batteries offer a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries, with several significant advantages. However, developing cost-effective and high-performance batteries requires further research on electrolyte development, anode design, and cathode structure.
Dudney's pioneering work in solid-state battery materials has led to the development of high-performance, long-lasting batteries with improved safety and performance. Her innovations have been licensed by 24 companies and recognized globally as a role-model in energy storage materials research.
Researchers at UTS have designed a molecule to tackle issues with lithium-oxygen batteries, increasing discharge capacity and efficiency. The breakthrough paves the way for long-life, energy-dense batteries capable of matching petrol-fuelled cars' driving ranges.
Researchers developed a novel coating material based on methylene blue dye to mitigate the polysulfide shuttling effect in lithium-sulfur batteries, improving their durability and electrochemical performance. This breakthrough could lead to the widespread adoption of sustainable energy storage systems.
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers have identified a class of calcium-based cathode materials that show promise for high-performance rechargeable batteries. By running quantum mechanics simulations, the team pinpointed cobalt as a well-rounded transition metal for a layered Ca-based cathode.
The £1 million HAROLD 2.0 test rig will enhance the facility's functionality with real-time train braking performance models and a fully functional AC power bogie, enabling analysis of on-train systems and novel hybrid drivetrains.
A new study by NYU Tandon professor Nikhil Gupta explores the recyclability of lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries, highlighting the need for a circular economy approach. While lead acid batteries have a high recycling efficiency, lithium-ion batteries pose significant challenges due to their rapidly evolving chemistry and cell design.
Researchers use environmental DNA to monitor aquatic species near hydropower facilities, while also developing a novel method for printing full-strength steel components using additive manufacturing. These advancements could lead to more efficient and cost-effective monitoring and renewable energy production.
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...
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
A new portable $51 testing kit can provide fast and reliable COVID-19 detection in resource-poor regions, refugee camps, and disaster zones. The non-invasive saliva sampling system uses a technique similar to PCR testing, with costs comparable to commercial tests.
Researchers at NIMS and Softbank Corp. have created a lithium-air battery with an energy density of over 500 Wh/kg, significantly higher than existing lithium-ion batteries. The new battery can be charged and discharged at room temperature, showcasing the highest energy densities and best cycle life performances achieved.
Researchers have developed a new selective membrane technology that significantly improves the cycling stability of dual-ion batteries. The innovative approach decouples negatively charged anions from solvents, preventing co-intercalation and electrolyte corrosion, leading to enhanced oxidation resistance.
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Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers have developed a quantum battery with a counter-intuitive property where recharge time decreases with increasing battery capacity. This leads to a hyper-fast charge that can be applied in various scientific and technological fields such as wireless chargers, solar cells, and cameras.
Researchers discovered a way to revitalize rechargeable lithium batteries by mobilizing inactive lithium towards electrodes, increasing capacity and lifespan. This process, which involves applying an extra step during charging, slowed degradation and increased lifetime by nearly 30%.
Researchers have developed a compact solar-powered battery that can be directly recharged with solar energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The battery uses a heterostructure electrode made from molybdenum disulphide and oxide, which enhances surface area for efficient absorption of solar energy.
Researchers developed P-/Sn-based composites with high-capacity and stability anode materials for sodium-ion batteries. The study reveals a new approach to produce cost-effective and scalable solutions.
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Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
A new method of predicting battery failure has been developed, showing accuracy 15-20% higher than current approaches. The technique uses advanced probabilistic machine learning and is applicable to any battery with a simple electrical circuit model.
Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed biodegradable zinc batteries made of cellulose paper that can power flexible electronics and biomedical sensors. The batteries are non-toxic, do not require aluminum or plastic casings, and can be buried in soil to break down within weeks.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed an algorithm that learns optimal energy usage for electric delivery-vehicles. By focusing on overall energy usage instead of just distance travelled, the vehicles can reduce their energy consumption by up to 20% and minimize battery usage.
A case report highlights the limitations of remote monitoring in detecting premature battery depletion in recalled pacemakers, leading to urgent device replacement. The cases emphasize the importance of closer monitoring and prophylactic generator changes in patients with high-risk devices.
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.
Researchers at WVU are creating control software for aerial robots to survey Venus' atmosphere, helping model the evolution of climate on Earth. The aerobots will use a hybrid airship design and energy-efficient paths to explore the planet's surface.
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.
Researchers developed a green synthesis method for ammonia production using green tea as a reducing agent. The study found that the optimized sample showed 2.93-fold enhanced photocatalytic activity and increased NH3 selectivity, outperforming bulk g-C3N4 under simulated sunlight irradiation.
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Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
Researchers found that repeated fast charging causes atomic-level damage to the graphite particles in lithium-ion batteries, leading to degradation. This damage hinders the intercalation process, preventing lithium ions from moving into the particles, and ultimately impairing battery performance.
Recent study uses advanced spectroscopy techniques to observe water molecules in superconcentrated salt solutions and identifies heterogeneity in solvation structure. This finding explains the unexpected fast lithium-ion transport in highly viscous electrolytes.
A Berkeley Lab study shows how battery-electric trains can cut carbon dioxide emissions by over half, eliminating premature deaths and health costs associated with diesel freight trains. The analysis suggests that retrofitting diesel-electric trains with batteries is a cost-effective solution with multiple benefits.
Researchers used AI to optimize multiple properties of flow batteries, finding molecules that store a lot of energy and remain stable. The study uses quantum chemistry-guided multiobjective Bayesian optimization to identify promising candidates.
A new study found that research and development on chemistry and materials science were key factors behind the significant cost decline of lithium-ion batteries. The analysis revealed that over 50% of the cost reduction came from R&D activities, with chemistry and materials research being the primary contributors.
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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab are developing next-generation materials and systems for thermal energy storage, which could be a viable alternative to batteries. The technology has the potential to reduce demand on the electricity grid from thermal loads and free up resources for other applications.
Scientists from City University of Hong Kong successfully developed battery-like electrochemical Nb2CTx MXene electrodes with stable voltage output and high energy density. The findings break the performance bottleneck of MXene devices, exhibiting superior rate capability, durable cyclic performance, and high energy density.
An international research team led by Jennifer L. Schaefer has analyzed the potential of magnesium-ion-conducting solid polymer electrolytes in two separate battery systems. The study found that these electrolytes exhibit higher thermal, mechanical, and electrochemical stability compared to traditional liquid electrolytes, making them ...
The study investigates the effect of solvent on liquid-phase synthesis of lithium solid electrolytes. The research team found that solvents with high dielectric constants enhance reactivity and lead to crystalline Li7P3S11 with high conductivity. Acetonitrile emerges as the best solvent for mass production of sulfide solid electrolytes.
Scientists have created a photostabilizer that scavenges singlet oxygen atoms and free radicals, improving electrochemical performance in high-voltage lithium batteries. The bio-inspired mechanism addresses the issue of electrolyte degradation, which poses challenges to next-generation energy storage devices.
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.
Researchers developed a molecular compound that serves as a low-cost electrolyte for redox flow batteries, enabling stable operation and high capacity retention. The compound overcomes limitations of previous electrolytes by increasing its hydrophilicity and conductivity.
Researchers developed a hybrid membrane using graphene oxide and tungsten trioxide nanoparticles to reduce vanadium ion permeation in VRFBs. The new membrane shows high ion selectivity, improving Coulombic and energy efficiency compared to commercial membranes.
Researchers at the University of Rochester develop a computational V2G model that accounts for factors not previously considered, showing potential savings of $120-$150 per year for vehicle owners. The model uses data from the US Census Bureau and calculates battery degradation costs based on various variables.