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The biodegradable battery

Researchers developed a biodegradable supercapacitor that can store electricity for hours, withstand thousands of charge cycles, and degrade naturally. The device uses a combination of cellulose nanofibers, carbon, and glycerin to achieve its capabilities.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 3, 2021

Scientists discover new approach to stabilize cathode materials

Researchers discovered that a valence gradient can serve as a new approach for stabilizing high-nickel-content cathode materials against degradation and safety issues. By isolating the valence gradient from concentration gradient, they confirmed its critical role in battery performance.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Compound commonly found in candles lights the way to grid-scale energy storage

Scientists at PNNL have demonstrated the potential of low-cost organic compounds for storing massive amounts of energy to be fed into the electric grid. The researchers showed that fluorenone, a common compound found in candles, can operate continuously for 120 days and lose less than 3% of its energy capacity after 1,111 full cycles.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMay 20, 2021

Solid-state batteries line up for better performance

Researchers at the University of Illinois have made significant breakthroughs in solid-state battery technology by controlling atomic alignment of materials to improve cathode-solid electrolyte interface stability. This enables more efficient charging and discharging cycles, leading to increased energy density and improved cycle life.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 20, 2021
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.

World first concept for rechargeable cement-based batteries

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have created a prototype for a rechargeable cement-based battery with an average energy density of 7 Wh/m2. The concept has vast potential for energy storage and monitoring applications in buildings, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional materials.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalBuildings·DateMay 18, 2021

Critical understanding of why and how solid-state batteries

The study reveals two competing theories on lithium metal dendrite growth through ceramic electrolytes, proposing a new mechanism for solid-state battery failure. The researchers used X-ray computed tomography and spatially mapped X-ray diffraction to visualize and characterize crack growth and dendrite propagation.

SourceThe Faraday Institution·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 23, 2021
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.

Mapping performance variations to see how lithium-metal batteries fail

Scientists identified depletion of liquid electrolyte as primary cause of failure in high-energy-density lithium-metal batteries. The study used high-energy x-rays to map performance variations and calculate cathode material state, enabling the discovery of dominant failure mechanism.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateApr 19, 2021

Energy consumption of urban electric vehicles

Researchers analyzed a database of over 3 million urban electric vehicles in China to understand energy consumption patterns. They found that energy consumption changes by up to 21% during winter-to-spring seasonal transitions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2021

X-ray study recasts role of battery material from cathode to catalyst

A recent X-ray study clarifies the reaction mechanism of lithium manganese oxide (Li2MnO3) and finds it suitable as a catalyst for high-energy electrode materials. The discovery paves the way for exploring alternative battery technologies, including lithium-air and lithium-carbon dioxide batteries.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJoule·DateApr 9, 2021
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.

Designing selective membranes for batteries using a drug discovery toolbox

Researchers designed a polymer membrane with molecular cages that increase lithium ion flow by an order of magnitude, improving battery power and efficiency. The solvation cages selectively capture and transport lithium ions faster than their counter anions, enabling high-voltage battery cells to operate more efficiently.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateApr 7, 2021

New material for catholytes and anolytes in organic redox flow batteries

Researchers at Skoltech have designed and synthesized new compounds that can serve as catholytes and anolytes for organic redox flow batteries, offering high cell voltage, solubility, and electrochemical properties. The materials have been tested for scalability and performance in large-scale energy storage applications.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateApr 6, 2021

A new material enables the usage of 'calcium' for batteries

Scientists from Tohoku University have developed a new fluorine-free calcium electrolyte that shows improved electrochemical performances. This breakthrough could lead to cost-effective and high-performance rechargeable calcium batteries as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 6, 2021
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.

Science snapshots from Berkeley Lab -- April 1, 2021

Researchers used X-ray microscopy to analyze lithium batteries and employed machine learning to speed up the learning curve about process that shortens battery life. Infrared microscopy also goes off-grid with new technique, enabling time-sensitive experiments and broadening biological spectromicroscopy scope.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 2, 2021

Insight into the evolution of bones

Researchers have discovered fossilized samples of bony armor from ancient fish species, revealing a complex network of cavities and channels in the bones. The findings suggest that early vertebrates had internal structures similar to those found in modern vertebrates, with bone cells capable of dissolving and restoring bone minerals.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 31, 2021

Even without a brain, Penn Engineering's metal-eating robots can search for food

Researchers have developed a technology that enables robots to navigate and forage for energy sources in their environment, eliminating the need for batteries or computers. The system uses oxidation reactions with surrounding air to power the robot, allowing it to sense and respond to changes in chemical concentrations.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·DateMar 31, 2021

Leveraging the 5G network to wirelessly power IoT devices

Georgia Tech inventors create a flexible Rotman lens-based rectenna system capable of millimeter-wave harvesting in the 28-GHz band, enabling large antenna operation with wide angle coverage. The technology achieved a 21-fold increase in harvested power compared to a referenced counterpart.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 25, 2021
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.

Fourth generation of e-cigarettes is not harmless

A UC Riverside study analyzed fourth-generation electronic cigarette pod atomizer design features, identifying toxic elements such as nickel, chromium, and iron. The findings suggest that these elements may accumulate in the environment and contribute to chemical pollution, highlighting the need for further research on e-cigarette safety.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 22, 2021

Unveiling smart buoys for marine environment monitoring!

Researchers have developed smart buoys using seawater batteries to monitor various marine data, including salinity, pH, and water temperature. The buoys utilize a naturally-abundant sodium source in seawater to charge and discharge electricity, enabling scalable energy storage.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateMar 19, 2021

Is it worth investing in solar PV with batteries at home?

Researchers found that without battery storage, homeowners only use 30-40% of their solar PV electricity, while the rest is exported to the grid. With a home battery, self-consumption doubles and grid reliance reduces by up to 84%. Innovative energy policies can make PV-batteries profitable, even in low-solar irradiation countries.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalApplied Energy·DateMar 19, 2021

Indirect surpassing CO2 utilization in membrane-free CO2 battery

A recent study has unveiled a novel membrane-free CO2 battery that can produce hydrogen and electricity while sequestering carbon dioxide emissions. The new battery exhibits high faradaic efficiency of 92.0% and offers significant benefits for sustainable human life.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNano Energy·DateMar 17, 2021

Commercial truck electrification is within reach

Researchers from Berkeley Lab analyze total cost of ownership of electric and diesel long-haul trucks, finding electric trucks have a 13% per mile lower total cost of ownership. The study also shows future reductions in battery costs could reduce the difference to 50% per mile by 2030.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateMar 16, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Story tips: Urban climate impacts, materials' dual approach and healing power

Scientists have identified a statistical relationship between city growth and paved surfaces' impact on water cycles and climates. They also demonstrated a method to heal dendrites in solid-state batteries, and created high-performance thermoplastic composites using additive manufacturing and conventional compression molding.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·DateMar 15, 2021

A COSMIC approach to nanoscale science

COSMIC, a multipurpose X-ray instrument at Berkeley Lab's Advanced Light Source, has made groundbreaking contributions in fields ranging from batteries to biominerals. It offers world-leading soft X-ray microscopy resolution below 10 nanometers and extreme chemical sensitivity.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 4, 2021
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.

Smaller, faster, greener

Computing has a significant environmental impact due to hardware manufacturing and infrastructure. Researchers at Harvard are working to design more sustainable computing systems by reducing emissions from chip manufacturing and improving device efficiency. They also aim to incorporate environmental factors into computational design.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·DateMar 2, 2021

Weakness is strength for this low-temperature battery

A new type of electrolyte weakly binds to lithium ions, enabling a battery to retain its capacity at -60 degrees Celsius. The researchers discovered that the binding strength between lithium and the electrolyte determines the battery's performance at low temperatures.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Energy·DateFeb 25, 2021

Experts call for home battery storage to protect vulnerable during outages

The article highlights the need for home battery storage to protect medically vulnerable households during power outages, which can be life-threatening. The researchers argue that clean, reliable emergency backup power is crucial for communities affected by climate change.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalFutures·DateFeb 24, 2021
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.

How lithium-rich cathode materials for high energy EV batteries store charge at hig

A new X-ray study has resolved how lithium-rich cathode materials store charge at high voltages, revealing that oxygen ions facilitate the process rather than metal redox. This breakthrough enables the design of better strategies to improve cycling and performance for these materials, paving the way for more efficient electric vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateFeb 18, 2021

Highway tunnel for ions

Scientists at IPC PAS designed a novel solution by accelerating ion transport in narrow pores to charge supercapacitors faster. They presented slit-like pores with sizes slightly larger than ions and achieved promising results through complex computer simulations and experiments.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 16, 2021

New wearable device turns the body into a battery

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder developed a low-cost wearable device that turns the human body into a biological battery. The device generates electricity by converting body heat into thermoelectric energy, making it a potential power source for wearable electronics.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 10, 2021

From trash to treasure: Silicon waste finds new use in Li-ion batteries

Researchers at Osaka University have fabricated Li-ion battery electrodes using Si swarf/graphite sheet composites, achieving high performance, reduced cost, and environmental friendliness. The Si/GS composite structure improves cyclability up to 901 cycles, making it a promising alternative for electric vehicles.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateFeb 9, 2021
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Surface effect of electrodes revealed by operando surface science methodology

Researchers propose a new strategy to explore electrochemical process on electrode surfaces using operando surface science methods. They successfully visualize intercalation of super-dense multilayer anions into graphite electrode surface region, revealing a distinct electrochemical process in the surface region.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateFeb 4, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Electric car of the future to be developed in Denmark

Researchers at Aarhus University are developing a new type of battery that can be recharged in just six minutes and has a range of 350 kilometres. The goal is for the battery to have a lifespan of at least 20 years and be virtually maintenance-free.

SourceAarhus University·DateJan 29, 2021

Ions in molten salts can go 'against the flow'

Researchers at Uppsala University used computer simulations to study ions in molten salts and found that they can interact and move in unexpected ways. The study's findings suggest that lighter anions like fluoride and chloride can be attracted to both lithium ions and the positive anode, leading to slower movement towards the cathode.

SourceUppsala University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateJan 27, 2021

Wirelessly rechargeable soft brain implant controls brain cells

Researchers developed a wireless, rechargeable soft brain implant that can be controlled wirelessly by a smartphone, allowing seamless chronic neuromodulation. The device uses micrometer-sized LEDs to manipulate target neurons in the deep brain, enabling real-time brain control and reducing the burden on patients for long-term use.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 26, 2021

Electron transfer discovery is a step toward viable grid-scale batteries

Researchers at the University of Michigan have made a significant breakthrough in electron transfer for grid-scale batteries, which could lead to more efficient and cost-effective energy storage. The study found that bridging plays a critical role in improving the reaction rate of flow batteries.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateJan 21, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Healing ceramic electrolyte degraded by Li dendrite

A research team at Toyohashi University of Technology and University of Calgary investigates the effect of post-annealing on a garnet-type Ta-substituted LLZO ceramic solid electrolyte degraded by Li metal penetration. The study reveals that annealed Ta-LLZO maintains high Li ion conductivity above 10^-4 S cm^-1 at room temperature, ma...

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateJan 18, 2021

Lead poisoning of children

A new study by Stanford researchers and others finds that a relatively affordable remediation process can almost entirely remove lead from contaminated soil, but challenges persist due to ongoing sources of exposure. The study's results raise troubling questions about how to effectively eliminate the poison from children's bodies.

SourceStanford University·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateJan 14, 2021
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.

Core design strategy for fire-resistant batteries

Researchers at KIST have developed a breakthrough material design strategy to overcome the problem of high interfacial resistance between solid electrolytes and cathodes in all-solid-state batteries. The new approach improves charge transfer and stability by optimizing the crystal structure of the cathode material.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalNano Energy·DateJan 11, 2021

Reversible superoxide-peroxide conversion drives high-capacity potassium-metal batte

Researchers have realized a reversible superoxide-peroxide conversion in a K-based high-capacity rechargeable sealed battery device, boosting cathode capacity to 300 mAh/g and achieving high energy efficiency. This breakthrough overcomes gaseous O2-related intrinsic defects and phase changes between gaseous O2 and solid Li/Na/KxO.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateDec 15, 2020

High-rate Li-ion batteries demonstrate superior safety

Researchers from University of Warwick investigated high-rate cycling on Lithium Iron Phosphate Cylindrical Cells, discovering increased current capabilities of up to 4.4 times manufacturer's claims. Thermal fatigue was identified as the driving mechanism for jelly roll deformation, which can be mitigated with convection cooling.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBatteries·DateDec 14, 2020
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.

Financial payments from drug industry associated with physician prescribing

A systematic review found financial payments from the drug industry to US physicians are associated with increased prescribing of the paying drug company's medication. The association was consistent across all studies, suggesting a causal link between industry gifts and physician prescribing practices.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 23, 2020

The ultimate conditions to get the most out of high-nickel batteries

Researchers found that dry storage conditions at dew points of around -45°C significantly improve high-nickel battery performance. Exposing batteries to humidity leads to premature capacity fade and degradation. The study identifies three processes responsible for impurities, including surface carbonates and hydroxides.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalElectrochimica Acta·DateNov 18, 2020
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.

Printed solid-state batteries

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a new method for creating high-quality, high-performance solid-state electrolyte thin films. This 'printing and radiative heating' approach enables rapid production of dense and uniform films with superior ionic conductivity.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 18, 2020