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“Milestone” findings call for a closer look at battery microscopy

Researchers discovered that imaging both lithium and sodium battery materials with an electron microscope causes worse damage than previously thought. A new inert gas transfer method and data reporting recommendations promise better standards for studying battery samples safely and efficiently.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Lithium and sodium-ion technologies are more closely linked than assumed

A recent study published in Nature Energy found that switching to a new battery technology does not automatically open the door to new market players due to established companies' structural advantages. The researchers analyzed over 15,000 patents and found significant knowledge transfer between lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries.

A new electrolyte points to stronger, safer batteries

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a new gel electrolyte that overcomes challenges in anode-free lithium batteries by selectively repelling lithium salts. This design enables the formation of an efficient protective layer on the lithium surface, improving battery life and thermal stability.

Major advance in dry-electrode EV batteries

Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a new dry-processed electrode architecture that improves battery performance, reduces cost, and has environmental benefits. The dry process eliminates toxic solvents and creates a more robust battery with better conductivity.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Pioneering a new generation of lithium battery cathode materials

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a new range of battery materials that offer enhanced energy density, extended lifespan and reduced costs. The team's innovative approach focuses on stabilising the honeycomb structure by incorporating additional transition metal ions into the cathode material.

UCSB scientists bottle the sun with liquid battery

UCSB scientists have developed a novel molecular material that captures sunlight and stores it as heat, releasing it when needed. The material has an energy density of over 1.6 megajoules per kilogram, outperforming traditional lithium-ion batteries.

Towards unlocking the full potential of sodium- and potassium-ion batteries

The study reveals that redefining the concept of electrode-electrolyte interphase layers can improve battery stability and performance. Researchers found that careful control of interphase properties through materials choice, electrolyte formulation, and binder selection can significantly extend battery life.

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.

Bai lab secures two patents with EV industry partners

The Bai lab has developed two patented technologies to improve electric vehicle (EV) charging and power conversion, in collaboration with FORVIA HELLA and Volkswagen Group of America. These innovations enable more efficient energy transfer between the AC grid, high-voltage car battery, and low-voltage car battery.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Electric eel biology inspires powerful gel battery

Researchers at Penn State develop a hydrogel-based battery that mimics the electrical processes of electric eels, producing higher power densities than previous designs. The battery is non-toxic, flexible, and environmentally stable, making it suitable for biomedical applications.

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 use failed batteries to fight “forever chemicals”

Scientists have developed a new technique using failed battery components to intentionally degrade water pollutants known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The method, published in Nature Chemistry, achieves remarkable results in breaking down long-chain PFAS molecules into mineralized fluorine.

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.

Tougher solid electrolyte advances long-sought lithium metal batteries

Stanford researchers have discovered a way to toughen the surface of a solid electrolyte fivefold against fracturing, making it more durable for next-generation energy storage technologies. The silver coating also prevents lithium from intruding and growing destructive branches inside the electrolyte.

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.

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.

Methylurea-built SEI unlocks long-life anode-free aqueous zinc batteries

Researchers developed a methylurea-assisted electrolyte that forms a robust solid electrolyte interphase directly on the zinc surface, dramatically improving zinc reversibility. This engineered SEI enables long-life anode-free zinc batteries with unprecedented cycling life and exceptional durability.

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.

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.

Anode-free battery doubles electric vehicle driving range

Researchers developed an anode-free lithium metal battery that delivers nearly double driving range using the same battery volume. The battery's volumetric energy density of 1,270 Wh/L is nearly twice that of current lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles.

Magnetic control of lithium enables a safe, explosion-free ‘dream battery’

A new hybrid anode technology has been developed that delivers higher energy storage while reducing thermal runaway and explosion risks. The 'magneto-conversion' strategy applies an external magnetic field to ferromagnetic manganese ferrite conversion-type anodes, promoting uniform lithium ion transport and preventing dendrite formation.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Unveiling how sodium-ion batteries can charge faster than lithium-ion ones

Researchers found that sodium-ion batteries using hard carbon negative electrodes can reach faster charging rates than lithium-ion batteries, thanks to the pore-filling mechanism. This process is limited by the efficiency of ion aggregation within the electrode's nanopores, which requires less energy for sodium insertion.

Tandem catalysts boost sulfur use in solid-state batteries

Researchers have proposed a new approach to boost sulfur use in solid-state batteries using tandem catalysis. This method achieves stepwise S8 reduction to Li2S via intermediate Li2S2, significantly reducing conversion energy barriers and exploiting deep sulfur conversion capacity.

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.

Battery large model: Ushering in a new era of intelligent battery technology

The Battery Large Model system revolutionizes battery design, manufacturing, operation, and recycling through AI-simulation synergy. It provides a novel technological path for the industry's intelligent upgrade, enabling autonomous design scheme generation, accurate performance prediction, and intelligent defect detection.

Aluminum prevents 'rapid aging' in high-energy batteries

Researchers from POSTECH found that aluminum reduces internal structural distortion in cathodes, preventing oxygen holes and shortening battery life. By adding a small amount of aluminum, the team extends battery lifespan while improving energy density.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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