Researchers at Columbia University discovered that adding potassium ions to conventional lithium battery electrolytes prevents lithium microstructure proliferation, ultimately limiting the growth of dendrites that can cause short-circuiting and fires. This breakthrough enables stable lithium metal batteries with improved performance.
SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateNov 4, 2020
The new Underwater Backscatter Localization (UBL) system uses piezoelectric materials to reflect modulated signals, providing positioning information at net-zero energy. In shallow water, the researchers employed frequency hopping and reduced bitrate to overcome reflection issues, enabling precise tracking of moving objects.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateNov 2, 2020
The new multi-drone imaging system coordinates multiple autonomous drones to produce detailed visual surveys of penguin colonies, reducing survey time from two days to two-and-a-half hours. The system uses a route planning algorithm that prioritizes efficient coverage and maintains a safe distance from the ground.
SourceStanford University·JournalScience Robotics·DateOct 28, 2020
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.
A nonflammable ionic liquid electrolyte has been developed for potassium batteries, allowing for the creation of safe and efficient batteries. The battery demonstrated high energy and power density, retaining around 89% of its original capacity after 820 cycles with a coulombic efficiency of 99.9%.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2020
A new engine technology decreases NOx and soot levels by 92% and 88%, respectively, and CO2 emissions by 15%. The dual-fuel parallel hybrid combustion system is more efficient than purely electrical vehicles, with optimised battery use reducing fuel consumption by 13%.
SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalEnergy Conversion and Management·DateOct 19, 2020
Researchers at Linköping University have developed an organic redox flow battery with a water-based electrolyte, increasing the energy density. The battery uses conducting polymer PEDOT electrodes and quinone molecules, making it safe, cheap, and recyclable.
SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 15, 2020
Researchers at Université de Genève develop non-flammable solid electrolyte that operates at room temperature, transporting sodium instead of lithium. The new battery technology has potential to store more energy and is being used to create a new generation of stable and powerful batteries.
SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateOct 12, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Materials scientists developed a method to spray graphene ink onto flexible substrates at a specific angle and temperature, creating micro-supercapacitors with excellent performance. The new design stores up to 2 times more charge per square centimeter than previous devices, making it suitable for wearable electronic skin devices.
SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalNano Energy·DateOct 12, 2020
University of Washington researchers develop a 98mg sensor system that can be released from drones or insects and land safely without breaking, collecting data for almost three years. The system uses a magnetic pin to hold the sensor, which is then released using a wireless command, allowing for remote monitoring in hard-to-reach areas.
Researchers at American University have developed a new method to create highly active and stable oxygen reduction reaction catalysts from spinach, which outperforms commercial platinum catalysts. The spin-based catalysts have potential applications in hydrogen fuel cells and metal-air batteries.
SourceAmerican University·JournalACS Omega·DateOct 5, 2020
A team of researchers, led by Jingtong Hu from the University of Pittsburgh, aims to apply artificial intelligence to remote sensors deployed in hard-to-reach areas. By leveraging energy-harvesting technology, they plan to save power on sensor devices and increase their lifespan.
A machine learning-based strategy developed by Prof. LI Xianfeng's team can predict VFB stack performance and cost with high accuracy. The strategy improves efficiency, reduces research time, and provides guidance for VFB development.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateSep 28, 2020
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.
Researchers at Friedrich Schiller University Jena have developed a new polymer electrolyte that improves the efficiency and heat-resistance of redox flow batteries. This breakthrough enables the use of renewable energy sources without significant losses or additional effort.
SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateSep 25, 2020
Researchers developed an air-insensitive biphenol derivative cathode with high potential and solubility, demonstrating stable cycling performance and high rate capabilities. The cathode's biphenol structure offers excellent oxidation resistance and four tertiary ammonium groups improve stability.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateSep 23, 2020
Researchers have fully identified the nature of oxidised oxygen in Li-rich NMC using RIXS, a key step towards tackling battery longevity and voltage fade. The study reveals that molecular O2 is trapped within the bulk material, enabling a new mechanism for explaining the O-redox process.
SourceDiamond Light Source·JournalNature Energy·DateSep 21, 2020
Two Pitt projects have received more than $1 million in NSF funding, one investigating the water wettability of floating graphene and the other developing high-performance materials for liquid-phase energy storage systems.
A simpler analytical model developed by Rice University researchers can quickly evaluate the rate capability of batteries and identify optimal electrode materials. The model's accuracy is within 10% of more computationally intensive algorithms, making it a game-changer for battery optimization.
SourceRice University·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateSep 16, 2020
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.
Researchers achieve breakthrough in designing carbonaceous materials as cathodes with ultrahigh energy density (>1000 Wh kg?1) through p-type doping strategy. The work presents a new paradigm for evaluating electrochemical performance from multiple perspectives.
SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateSep 15, 2020
A research team at Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed a new solvation strategy to enhance the oxidation stability of carbonate-based electrolytes in Zinc/Graphite batteries. This breakthrough could lead to high-voltage cells with low self-discharge and long shelf life, making them suitable for large-scale grid storage.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 10, 2020
The BATTERY 2030+ initiative aims to create more environmentally friendly and safer batteries with better performance, storage options, and longer life. The seven projects will focus on developing sensors for real-time monitoring, self-healing components, and new battery concepts.
Researchers at Northwestern University and TU Delft have developed a battery-free, energy-harvesting Game Boy that can play games from original cartridges, reducing the need for batteries. The device harnesses energy from solar panels and user button presses to enable indefinite gameplay.
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.
Fire experiments in a test tunnel revealed that burning electric cars pose less risk than gasoline/diesel cars due to state-of-the-art ventilation systems. However, extinguishing water poses a challenge, as it's poisonous and requires special handling.
SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·DateSep 1, 2020
Scientists have developed a low-temperature resisting hybrid electrolyte for aqueous zinc-based batteries (ZBBs), exhibiting high zinc-ion conductivity at low temperature. The new electrolyte improved the performance of ZBBs, enabling high energy densities, power densities and long-cycle life at -20°C.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·DateAug 30, 2020
Asymmetric stresses within electrodes used in wearable electronic devices can lead to improved durability and lifespan of batteries. Researchers from the University of Warwick have found that varying coating properties on each side of double-sided coated electrodes can help mitigate high bending stress and improve mechanical resilience.
SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateAug 25, 2020
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.
A team of Russian researchers has developed a new design for the membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) in vanadium redox flow batteries, reducing experimental costs and increasing power. The new design simplifies the laboratory testing process, making it more accessible to new research groups.
SourceMendeleev University·JournalChemPlusChem·DateAug 18, 2020
Two mitochondrial apolipoproteins, APOO/MIC26 and APOOL/MIC27, regulate mitochondrial protein complex stability and are associated with diabetic cardiomyopathy. The study reveals the importance of cardiolipin and crista junctions in maintaining cellular respiration.
SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalLife Science Alliance·DateAug 11, 2020
Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory and University of California San Diego discovered a rare glassy metal during studies on lithium recharging. The discovery could lead to improved battery life and new applications for glassy metals, which are difficult to produce but offer powerful material properties.
SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 11, 2020
Scientists at Oldenburg University have developed a new technique to observe chemical processes during battery operation. The team used scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) to track changes on the lithium anode's surface, revealing how dendrites form and limit durability.
SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalChemElectroChem·DateJul 20, 2020
Researchers developed a new soft electrolyte that suppresses lithium dendrites, allowing for longer cycle life and improved safety. The technology enables the production of high-energy density batteries for electric aircraft and long-range electric cars.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 20, 2020
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
Researchers developed N-doped carbon encapsulated transition metal catalysts to optimize zinc-air batteries, showing remarkable ORR/OER bifunctional catalytic activity and improved performance. The catalyst was prepared by pyrolyzing solvent-free formed fechitosan chelates and small molecule nitrogen source.
The team developed a low-power, low-weight wireless camera system that can capture first-person views from live insects or small robots. The camera uses a mechanical arm to pivot 60 degrees, allowing for wide-angle views without consuming excessive power.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience Robotics·DateJul 15, 2020
Researchers developed a new robotic prosthetic leg that consumes half the battery power of state-of-art robotic legs while producing more force. The streamlined design features regenerative braking, which charges the battery with energy captured when the foot hits the ground, enabling users to walk for over twice as long on one charge.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalIEEE Transactions on Robotics·DateJul 15, 2020
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new anode design for lithium batteries using carbon nanotubes that enables safe storage of lithium ions and boosts charging speed. The technology prevents dendrite formation, reducing the risk of device explosions and improving battery performance.
SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 14, 2020
Researchers have designed a solar flow battery that combines energy conversion and storage in one unit, potentially expediting electrification in remote locations. The technology integrates photoelectrochemical solar cells with aqueous organic redox flow batteries to produce high voltage and stable cycling.
SourceUtah State University·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 13, 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.
Researchers have developed a highly efficient solar-flow battery that can store and redeliver renewable electricity from the sun. The device achieved a record efficiency of 20 percent conversion, outperforming previous records by 40%. This breakthrough could potentially yield a new way to harness, store and use the sun's energy for sol...
SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 13, 2020
Researchers review recent progress in sulfur/carbon cathode materials and high safety electrolytes for advanced Li-S batteries. Effective strategies to solve technical obstacles like low cycling stability and safety issues are discussed.
Researchers at GIST developed an active photonic wireless system to power medical implants, eliminating the need for invasive battery replacements. The system uses photons to recharge devices in live tissues, enabling long-term use and accelerating emerging implant technologies.
SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 2020
Researchers have proposed a new class of hydrated eutectic electrolytes to improve the performance of aqueous zinc batteries. The study reveals that these electrolytes provide better stability and low-temperature operation, paving the way for long-life rechargeable batteries.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalJoule·DateJul 1, 2020
Aalto University researchers have developed a nature-imitating coating that makes batteries more durable and efficient. The coating, produced using carbon dioxide in molecular layer deposition, can protect the actual electrode material and enable the use of new, more efficient materials like lithium.
SourceAalto University·JournalNanoscale Advances·DateJun 24, 2020
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
Researchers have created the first quantum phase battery, which induces supercurrents in a quantum circuit by providing a persistent phase difference. The battery consists of an indium arsenide nanowire and aluminum superconducting leads.
SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalNature·DateJun 15, 2020
The 'Testbench' project enhances the quality of efficiency measurements for solar power storage systems, facilitating comparison and standardization. The goal is to improve reproducibility and confirm the results, ultimately benefiting operators and manufacturers in the growing market.
SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·DateJun 4, 2020
Researchers at JCESR are working on enhancing ion conductivity in solid-state electrolytes using the paddlewheel effect. This can lead to faster and more stable battery performance, eliminating thermal runaway reactions that cause fires.
SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalMatter·DateJun 3, 2020
Researchers from SUTD have developed a new material that increases the lifespan of rechargeable batteries using sodium ion technology. The breakthrough addresses the global shortage of lithium resources and enhances energy density, enabling more efficient power supplies for electronic products.
SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalChem·DateJun 2, 2020
Researchers at Stockholm University developed a new recycling method for NiMH batteries, which improves their performance and reduces production costs by up to 95%. The process involves mechanical washing and separation of reusable electrode material, making it easier and cheaper than traditional battery recycling methods.
SourceStockholm University·JournalMolecules·DateJun 1, 2020
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.
A new radio-frequency switch developed by US Army-funded researchers has achieved 50 times more energy efficiency than current components. The switch enables devices to stream HD media faster and retain battery life.
SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature Electronics·DateMay 26, 2020
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin developed a new component that increases devices' battery life and speeds up high-definition media streaming. The switch, made from hexagonal boron nitrite (hBN), can transmit data above 5G-level speeds and stay off to save power.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Electronics·DateMay 26, 2020
Researchers found that LATP ceramics degrade significantly in contact with water, losing up to 64% of their total ionic conductivity. The study highlights the importance of preserving initial performance through simple drying-and-vacuum treatments.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateMay 19, 2020
A team of electrical engineers at KAUST has successfully made pure red LEDs from nitride crystals, paving the way for improved display technologies and efficient lighting. The breakthrough utilizes metalorganic vapor-phase deposition to add indium and aluminum to the crystal, reducing defects and increasing voltage efficiency.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateMay 6, 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.
A new device, PuffPacket, can track e-cigarette consumption patterns and provide valuable insights for research on vaping. It helps researchers understand addiction triggers and create interventions to help people quit.
A new device developed at Carnegie Mellon University uses multiple strings attached to the hand and fingers to simulate the feel of obstacles and heavy objects in virtual reality. The device provides more realistic haptic feedback than other techniques, enabling users to feel the contours of virtual objects and sense resistance.
A study by researchers at the University of São Paulo has identified a promising technological alternative to solvents used in batteries. Highly concentrated aqueous electrolytes offer significant advantages over conventional methods, including being nontoxic and cheaper. However, challenges such as hygroscopicity and corrosion need to...
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCurrent Opinion in Electrochemistry·DateApr 24, 2020
Purdue University researchers developed a technique to turn waste polyethylene terephthalate into battery components using ultrafast microwave irradiation. The technology has shown promising results for lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery cells, offering a low-cost and sustainable solution for renewable energy storage.
SourcePurdue University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateApr 22, 2020
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
Researchers have developed a hydrogel that can cool down electronic devices and convert waste heat into electricity, reducing overheating issues and increasing device efficiency. The new material, which is self-regenerating and safe for use, has shown promising results in cooling cell phone batteries during fast discharging.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 22, 2020
Researchers at ORNL successfully demonstrated a 20-kilowatt bi-directional wireless charging system on a UPS truck, transferring power across an 11-inch air gap with over 92% efficiency. The technology also supports energy storage and expands possibilities for fleets to utilize vehicle battery storage.
Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland developed a hybrid material combining mesoporous silicon microparticles and carbon nanotubes to improve silicon's performance in Li-ion batteries. The material was produced from barley husk ash, reducing its carbon footprint.
SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 21, 2020
Scientists have discovered that more energy can be stored by charging less frequently, but right up to 100%. The study found that dividing the storage system into compartments increases energy storage. This discovery may revolutionize electric car battery technology and lead to significant increases in capacity.
SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Review E·DateApr 20, 2020
Researchers at USTC observed single-atom-layer defects that act as 'Li-ion traps', significantly influencing ionic transport and reducing conductivity by up to 1-2 orders of magnitude. The discovery opens new avenues for understanding non-periodic features in solid electrolytes.
SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 16, 2020
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.
Researchers are using high-efficiency mrixS to study oxygen atoms and metal states in battery electrodes. The technique helps detect chemical states, track electron movement, and measure degradation, leading to improved battery performance.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 16, 2020
Researchers have developed Fe <sub>1-x</sub> S-decorated mesoporous carbon spheres as a nanoreactor for lithium-sulfur battery cathodes, showing excellent polysulfide catalytic activity and cyclic stability. The design strategy provides a new protocol for building high-capacity and long-cycle rechargeable batteries.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateApr 16, 2020
Researchers at KIST have developed a sulfide-based superionic conductor that delivers Li-ion conductivity comparable to liquid electrolytes, solving a key challenge in all-solid-state battery technology. The new material enables accelerated mass production and commercialization of safe batteries.
SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 10, 2020