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Longer lasting sodium-ion batteries on the horizon

Researchers at PNNL have developed a sodium-ion battery with greatly extended longevity in laboratory tests. The new electrolyte recipe stabilizes the protective film on the anode and generates an ultra-thin protective layer, providing long cycle life and stability. This technology has potential for applications in light-duty electric ...

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2022

Radiation for responsible recycling: A distributed, microwave-based method to recycle batteries

A new distributed recycling system using microwave irradiation recovers 97% of manganese oxide and zinc from spent alkaline batteries, outperforming conventional methods. The system's potential to reduce annual energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in Japan is estimated at 26,500 GJ and 1.54 Gg-CO2 eq, respectively.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalResources Environment and Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2022

These energy-packed batteries work well in extreme cold and heat

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed temperature-resilient lithium-ion batteries with high energy density, compatible with high-temperature operation. These batteries could enable electric vehicles to travel farther on a single charge in cold climates and reduce overheating in hot climates.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 4, 2022

Research extends the lifetime of molecules in organic flow batteries to practical values

Harvard researchers develop new method to extend the lifetime of organic molecules in organic aqueous flow batteries, improving their commercial viability. The approach works by periodically providing a shock to revive decomposed molecules, resulting in a net lifetime increase of up to 260 times.

“Volcano-shaped” trend enables rational design of polysulfide catalysts in lithium–sulfur batteries

Researchers discovered a 'volcano-shaped' relationship between polysulfide adsorption and catalytic activity in lithium-sulfur batteries. This finding modifies the long-standing principle that strong adsorption leads to good catalytic activity, suggesting catalysts should be designed separately to improve performance.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJun 16, 2022

Ink could enable devices powered by heat

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a thermoelectric coating that converts low-grade heat into electrical power, with potential to replace batteries in wearables and IoT devices. The coating can be applied to any surface that generates heat, enabling efficient energy harvesting.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 14, 2022

Tailoring defects in hard carbon anode towards enhanced Na storage performance

Scientists designed novel hard carbon anodes with controlled defects, pore structures, and cation doping to boost sodium storage capacity. The optimized materials showed improved rate capability, cycling stability, and energy density. Introducing potassium ions regulated the microstructure and surface functionality of the anodes.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2022

Theory proves local equilibrium at interfaces

A new theory developed by researchers at the University of Chicago proves the existence of local equilibrium at interfaces, which are regions where materials interact and connect. This finding has significant implications for understanding and engineering systems with multiple components.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2022

Story tips: Tailor-made molecules, better battery electrolytes, beyond Moore’s Law and improving climate model accuracy

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have made significant advancements in recovering rare earth metals, developing safer batteries, and enhancing material properties through tailored molecules and advanced microscopy. These discoveries could lead to more efficient clean energy technologies and reduced carbon impacts.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalLangmuir·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2022

NTU Singapore scientists develop a ‘fabric’ that turns body movement into electricity

Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed a flexible and durable fabric that harnesses energy from human movements, providing a potential solution for wearable power sources. The fabric generates enough electricity to light up LEDs and charge capacitors, demonstrating its potential for use in smart textiles and wearable electronics.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 1, 2022

University of Houston researchers identify alternative to lithium-based battery technology

Researchers at the University of Houston have identified an alternative to lithium-based battery technology for grid-level energy storage systems. They developed a novel form of oxysulfide glass electrolyte that enables reversible sodium plating and stripping at high current densities, potentially solving the challenges associated with...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2022

Surprising turbulence

Researchers at HZDR simulated liquid metal flow behavior and found that turbulence under certain conditions leads to reduced heat transport. This finding has implications for battery technology and our understanding of the Earth's core.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2022

Development for novel large-scale manufacturing technology of sulfide solid electrolytes

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology have developed a novel large-scale manufacturing technology for sulfide solid electrolytes, specifically Li7P3S11, which exhibits high ionic conductivity. This breakthrough enables the low-cost and scalable production of highly ion conductive solid electrolytes for all-solid-state batte...

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalAdvanced Energy and Sustainability Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2022

Data-driven robotic experiments accelerate discovery of multi-component electrolyte

Researchers developed a data-driven robotic experiment system to identify electrolyte materials with desirable properties. They discovered a multi-component electrolyte that enhances the cycle life of lithium–air batteries, accelerating the development of next-generation rechargeable batteries.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Researchers at the GIST uncover the key to safer energy storage devices

The study reveals significant information on the thermal properties of electric double-layer capacitors, which can help create safer and more reliable energy storage devices. The research team found that charging and discharging alter the heat capacity of EDLCs, leading to a decrease in capacitance.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022

Research examines keys to developing better batteries

A new study examines how individual electrode particles contribute to battery decay and identifies key factors, including particle properties and interactions. The research aims to develop techniques to control these properties and design more efficient, long-lasting batteries.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 28, 2022

Lithium’s narrow paths limit batteries

Researchers found uneven charge distribution within lithium iron phosphate cathodes due to misaligned particles, leading to reduced battery performance. Introducing porosity or aligning particles could potentially improve uniform lithium insertion, enhancing energy density and charge/discharge rates.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2022

Heat storage: Scientists develop material that is stable, efficient and eco-friendly

Researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg create a new shape-stabilized phase change material that can absorb significantly more heat and is made of harmless substances. The material, which can be used as large panels integrated into walls, can store up to 24 times more heat than conventional concrete or wallboard.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of Energy Storage·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2022

Low-cost hydrocarbon membrane enables commercial-scale flow batteries for long-duration energy storage

Researchers at Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics developed a low-cost hydrocarbon membrane that enables commercial-scale flow batteries for long-duration energy storage. The membrane's high stability and conductivity enabled the creation of an alkaline zinc-iron flow battery stack with high energy efficiency.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJoule·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 28, 2022

Building a new mechanical property evaluation method for atmospherically unstable sulfide solid electrolyte

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.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2022

Perfecting the EV battery recycling process

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.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalWaste Management·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022