The study uses adaptive machine learning force fields to track sodium metal-electrolyte reactions, achieving a 71% speedup over ab initio molecular dynamics while retaining comparable accuracy. The approach identifies key components of the solid electrolyte interphase, including Na2O and NaOH, which influence its stability.
Researchers have developed a novel doping approach inspired by the Maillard reaction, enhancing interphase chemistry and addressing multiple performance bottlenecks. The resulting hard carbon anode exhibits impressive reversible capacity and cycling stability, demonstrating strong potential for commercial applications.
Researchers have discovered that lithium dendrites in batteries are unexpectedly strong and brittle, causing short circuits and safety risks. The findings suggest that future battery design must change to improve safety and reliability of high-energy storage systems.
A new method developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge uses solar-powered acid photoreforming to break down hard-to-recycle plastics into clean hydrogen fuel and valuable industrial chemicals. This approach could create a circular system where one waste stream solves another, reducing plastic waste and pollution.
Chinese researchers developed an integrated oxygen redox and solid solution design to achieve high voltage stability for practical sodium ion battery cathodes. The innovative FMT material shows superior cycling stability, rate capability, and air stability, overcoming key bottlenecks hindering high-voltage O3-type layered oxides.
A team of researchers has developed rechargeable batteries using biomass-based materials, including sunflower seed shells, as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries. The batteries achieved competitive results with low environmental impact and can store sufficient energy.
Researchers developed a novel lithium-ion battery anode that stores more than 3500 milliampere-hours per gram, outperforming current graphite-based batteries. The new design, VISiCNT, features a vertically integrated silicon-carbon nanotube structure that maintains performance and stability over hundreds of charge cycles.
Binghamton University Distinguished Professor M. Stanley Whittingham has been elected as an AAAS Fellow for his groundbreaking work on intercalation chemistry and its applications to lithium-ion batteries. This honor recognizes his contributions to advancing science and promoting scientific progress.
Researchers discovered that faster dendrite growth is associated with lower stress levels in a commonly used battery electrolyte material, revealing chemical reactions as a new culprit behind the problem. The study provides guidance for designing stronger electrolytes to make solid-state batteries successful.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to recover nearly all critical minerals from spent lithium-ion batteries, including metals like lithium and graphite. The process uses microwave-induced plasma treatment with room-temperature solvents, resulting in high recovery rates and minimal environmental impact.
Scientists developed a process to transform stillage from bourbon production into electrodes for supercapacitors. The resulting devices stored more energy than commercially available ones, offering a potential solution to stabilize the electrical grid with renewable energy.
A novel dual-crystal-phase manganese dioxide (MnO₂) cathode has been developed to improve the performance and stability of aqueous zinc-ion batteries. The cathode offers high capacity, rapid charging capabilities, and exceptional longevity due to its unique interface between two different crystal structures.
Researchers at Tohoku University's Advanced Institute for Materials Research developed an unprecedented method to bond lithium metal directly to garnet-type oxide electrolyte using ultrasonic welding. This technique reduces interfacial resistance and establishes direct solid-state contact without melting or thermal activation.
The NSF Energy Storage Engine has received $45 million over three years to advance next-gen battery and energy storage systems. It will focus on safety, cost efficiency, and AI integration in manufacturing.
The new polyetherimide (PEI) core encapsulated by a polyamide-imide (PAI) shell separator overcomes conventional limitations in thermal safety, dendrite suppression, and cycling stability. The PAI@PEI separator achieves record-high shutdown temperature and superior Li+ transference.
A new study identifies the barriers to vehicle-to-grid (V2G) adoption, including coordination problems, limited infrastructure, and varying regulations. V2G technology can provide backup power during periods of high energy demand and earn EV owners money for supplying energy to the grid.
This study presents a polyhydroxy hydrogel electrolyte with in situ regulated interface chemistry suitable for biosensing-compatible zinc batteries, achieving unprecedented cycling stability and high-performance biosensing. The hydrogel electrolyte enables a conformal and continuous interface, promoting uniform ion transport and deposi...
Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a comprehensive digital materials ecosystem that integrates AI tools to streamline materials design, enabling faster and more accurate discovery of new materials. The ecosystem uses databases, AI, and scientific workflows to predict material properties and optimize design processes.
A novel orbital modulation strategy eliminates anti-site defects in NASICON-type Na3MnTi(PO4)3 cathode, improving cycling stability and rate performance. The optimized cathode achieves ultra-long cycling stability, excellent rate performance and wide-temperature adaptability.
Researchers developed a bioinspired Janus air electrode with a fish-scale and waterspider-leg structure, enabling rapid substance transport and improving catalytic site utilization. The asymmetric architecture significantly enhances zinc-air battery performance, achieving high power density and specific capacity.
Researchers developed a novel cellulose@MOF scaffold-based asymmetric electrolyte for stable solid-state lithium metal batteries, achieving enhanced safety and energy density. The design incorporates a cellulose framework decorated with MOF nanosheets, providing a strong mechanical barrier and efficient ion transport.
A new method has been developed to enable nondestructive diagnosis of the electrolyte in rechargeable batteries through the battery casing using special nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. The technique, known as ZULF NMR, allows for the direct detection and quantification of electrolyte components without damaging the battery.
A team of researchers has developed a practical and powerful all-solid-state battery using lithium-sulfur conversion chemistry. By optimizing particle size and material arrangement, they achieved a discharge capacity of 1500 milliampere-hours per gram of sulfur, bringing the technology closer to realizing its theoretical capacity.
Researchers at University of Michigan found that improved EV battery technology will outlast expected heat-related degradation from climate change, even in warming scenarios. The study's results suggest a boost to consumer confidence in EV batteries.
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.
Researchers develop synergistic ultramicropore-confined and electronic-state modulation strategies in sustainable lignin-derived hard carbon to achieve robust sodium-ion batteries. The material exhibits high reversible capacity and initial Coulombic efficiency, making it a promising anode candidate.
A new strategy for improving inverted perovskite solar cells has been developed using a crystal-solvate pre-seeding method, enabling precise regulation of the bottom interface and paving the way for high-efficiency large-area photovoltaic modules.
Researchers at Tohoku University's Advanced Institute for Materials Research developed distortion-resistant energy materials for lithium-ion batteries, improving efficacy and cost-effectiveness. The cathode design utilizes 'interfacial orbital engineering' to neutralize Jahn-Teller distortions, achieving near-perfect cycling stability.
A new mechanism utilizing interfacial phase equilibrium regulates metal ion migration in CZTSSe photovoltaic cells, reducing deep-level defects and improving crystalline quality. The approach achieves a record-high open-circuit voltage of over 600 mV, overcoming long-standing energy losses.
Researchers propose a new electrolyte additive strategy to solve three core challenges in zinc-iodine batteries: sluggish iodine reaction kinetics, polyiodide shuttle effect, and zinc dendrite growth. The study achieved ultra-long cycle stability and excellent performance with minimal capacity decay.
Chinese scientists have developed a dual-side electrical refinement strategy for large-area TOPCon solar cells, achieving an open-circuit voltage of 744.6 mV and a fill factor of 85.57%. The breakthrough sets a new record for industrial-scale solar cells, narrowing the gap between mass-production efficiency and theoretical limit.
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.
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.
Researchers develop a new method to transform waste streams into a promising material for next-generation sodium-ion batteries. The study demonstrates how waste recycling can reduce environmental pollution and support the transition to sustainable energy storage technologies.
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.
A new method allows for precise visualization of modern polymer binders in negative lithium-ion battery electrodes. The study found that small changes in binder distribution can significantly affect charging efficiency and battery lifespan.
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 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.
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.
The study introduces a novel Cu/Y dual-doping strategy that mitigates phase transitions and enhances long-term cycling stability. The
A novel deep learning model developed by Shanghai Jiao Tong University and China FAW Group accurately predicts battery health, enabling smarter Battery Management Systems. The 'Parallel TCN-Transformer' model outperforms existing methods, achieving record-breaking accuracy even in dynamic environments.
Researchers developed a new nickel-iron battery that can recharge in seconds and achieve over 12,000 cycles of draining and recharging, equivalent to 30 years of daily recharges. The technology uses tiny clusters of metal patterned with proteins on a graphene aerogel substrate.
A new method has been developed to engineer thin two-dimensional perovskite phases at the buried interface of three-dimensional perovskite solar cells, boosting device performance and operational stability. This technique improves crystallization quality and reduces defect concentrations by over 90 percent.
New research reveals that lithium metal battery failures are governed by tightly coupled electrochemical, chemical, and mechanical processes. The study provides a unified framework for diagnosing failure and designing safer batteries.
A new AI tool uses discovery learning to predict battery cycle life with just a few days' data, saving months to years of testing and substantial energy. The tool leverages physics-based features to establish parallels between historical battery designs, allowing for accurate prediction performance.
Researchers developed a photo-electroactive bifunctional catalyst integrating cobalt active sites, enhancing oxygen reduction and evolution reactions under light irradiation. The system achieved higher power output, improved energy efficiency, and long cycling stability in zinc-air batteries.
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.
Researchers have developed a dual-additive electrolyte that re-wires the hydrogen-bond network to enhance cryogenic tolerance and lifespan of aqueous zinc-ion batteries. The study demonstrates the potential for high-rate and long-lasting AZIBs deployable in extreme climates.
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.
CiQUS researcher María Giménez López leads ZEST project to develop hybrid battery based on zinc, bromine, and manganese dioxide, offering safer and scalable solutions. The project aims to create stable, efficient, and cost-effective energy storage systems with industrial partners like Fraunhofer ISE.
A team of researchers from Chonnam National University explores how boosting consumer trust can increase adoption of second-life EV battery tech. They found that transparent safety inspections and tailored messaging can improve adoption outcomes.
Researchers have synthesized and analyzed recent global advances in cation disordered rocksalt cathode materials, a promising alternative to today’s dominant lithium ion battery cathodes. The study provides a clear framework for overcoming long standing performance challenges that have so far limited commercial adoption.
Researchers have developed a new battery technology that uses dipole interactions to enhance ionic and electronic transport, leading to improved energy storage, increased safety and wider temperature capabilities. The innovative design provides a roadmap for next-generation high-energy batteries.
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.
Researchers have developed heteroatom-coordinated Fe–N4 single-atom sites to create square-pyramidal 'Cl–Fe–N₄' catalysts that repel chloride ions. The Cl–Fe bond shortens the Fe–N bond length and lowers the *OH-to-H₂O rate-limiting step, delivering a record 5.8 mA cm⁻² limiting current density.
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.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have achieved a new breakthrough in structural battery composites, a material that stores energy while also carrying mechanical loads. This innovation has the potential to make electric vehicles lighter and more efficient, as well as be applied to aircraft.
Researchers developed a novel aqueous electrolyte, MASSE, which improves AZMBs stability and reversibility at elevated temperatures. The multiphase design suppresses side reactions and promotes uniform zinc ion deposition, enabling stable battery operation in harsh thermal environments.
A team of researchers has developed a robust hydrogen-bond network in electrolytes to enhance the performance of aqueous zinc-ion batteries. The new design minimizes the reactivity of water molecules, suppressing deterioration on both electrodes and achieving long-lasting cycling stability with high capacity retention.
A new plant-based hydrogel has been developed to tackle the problem of metallic zinc growing needle-like dendrites that short-circuit cells within a few hundred cycles. The cellulose-nanofiber dual network boosts ion flow and mechanical strength, delivering a cheap and biodegradable electrolyte.