A study reveals an increasing polarisation between Asia and Western nations in future battery technologies, with Europe and the US focusing on improving existing lithium-ion batteries. Meanwhile, countries like China, Japan, and South Korea are investing in high-energy batteries and low-cost alternatives.
A new two-layer active balancing strategy improves energy transfer efficiency and speed by redistributing energy among cells. The layered structure integrates inductor and transformer circuits to balance both within and between battery cell groups, achieving faster equalization and increased energy efficiency.
Scientists at the University of Surrey have developed a breakthrough in eco-friendly batteries that store more energy and capture carbon dioxide. The new lithium-CO₂ 'breathing' batteries use a low-cost catalyst to overcome efficiency issues, potentially leading to widespread adoption and reducing emissions.
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.
A new study develops advanced machine learning models tailored to Canadian data, offering precise predictions for e-bus energy use under varying climates and heating systems. The research reveals that tree-based models deliver the highest accuracy in predicting energy consumption, with a mean absolute error of just 0.09–0.1 kWh/km.
A new dual-atom catalyst significantly improves the efficiency of oxygen reduction reactions in zinc-air batteries, leading to high open-circuit voltages and energy densities. The breakthrough could enable more efficient, long-lasting batteries for practical applications.
Aqueous metal ion batteries face challenges with electrodes and electrolytes, leading to degradation during scaleup. The effects of electrode materials and aqueous electrolyte chemistry are key issues.
Researchers at Dongguk University have created a graphene coating that supercharges zinc-ion batteries for grid use, overcoming safety issues and enabling high-performance industrial energy storage. The new technology supports roll-to-roll manufacturing, bringing affordable energy storage closer to commercialization.
Researchers at POSTECH have developed an interlocked electrode-electrolyte system that forms covalent chemical bonds between the electrode and electrolyte, maintaining long-term stability. The IEE-based pouch cell demonstrated significantly higher energy density compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
Researchers developed circular coils with ferrite boxes to enhance wireless power transfer efficiency for electric vehicles. The design achieved a 50% increase in coupling efficiency and a 300% boost in EMF strength.
A new paper outlines a path for AI and machine learning to help build tomorrow’s batteries by maximizing three components: ionic conductivity, oxidative stability, and Coulombic efficiency. The team used a dataset compiled from 250 research papers to identify promising candidates for scientists to test in the lab.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a 'cold' manufacturing approach to create solid-state batteries using advanced ceramic-polymer composite electrolytes. The technique, known as cold sintering, operates at lower temperatures than traditional methods, reducing defects and improving conductivity.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials have developed a carbon-free method to extract nickel from low-grade ores in a single step, reducing CO2 emissions by 84% and increasing energy efficiency. The approach enables the use of low-grade nickel ores, which account for 60% of total nickel reserves.
Researchers developed a data-driven AI framework that identifies potential solid-state electrolyte candidates and predicts their performance. The framework uses large language models, multiple linear regression, and genetic algorithm to optimize battery design.
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 team of researchers has successfully observed the distribution of elements in a lithium button cell during 10,000 charge cycles using non-destructive X-ray methods. The study reveals that manganese dissolves from the NMC cathode and migrates to the carbon anode, leading to further reactions and processes.
Researchers develop a gel polymer electrolyte with a localized high-concentration solvation structure, enabling solid-state batteries to operate at 4.7 V with high energy density and cycling stability. The new electrolyte also exhibits exceptional safety characteristics, including no electrolyte leakage or combustion.
Researchers developed a Li x Ag alloy anode that addresses interface issues in garnet-type solid electrolytes, enabling higher energy density and safety. The alloy creates a pathway for lithium ions with dramatic enhancement of diffusion kinetics.
Researchers have discovered materials that shrink when heated, expand when crushed, and could restore old EV batteries to factory-fresh performance. This discovery represents a fundamental shift in understanding of materials science and has potential applications in construction and energy storage.
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
A new phenomenon in modern batteries has been discovered by Texas Engineers, which could improve their life cycles. Researchers found a temporary version of the film that forms on the metal anode during discharge speeds and dissolves back into the battery when finished.
Researchers at Linköping University developed a fluid battery that can be integrated into future technology in a completely new way. The soft battery has been tested to have high capacity, recharging over 500 times and maintaining its performance.
A novel artificial solid electrolyte interface based on non-coordinating charge transfer significantly improves the stability of aqueous zinc metal batteries. This design enhances cycle life, reduces side reactions, and promotes uniform zinc deposition, leading to improved battery performance.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers developed a technology that dramatically enhances the stability of ultra-thin metal anodes using electrolyte additives, improving both lifetime and efficiency of lithium batteries. This advancement enables longer-lasting batteries for various applications, including electric vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles.
RAZO Energy's intelligent charging management enables noticeable cost savings for electric vehicle users, reducing costs per hundred kilometers from six euros to two. The system helps keep the power grid stable by balancing consumption and generation of energy in an optimum way.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a modified manufacturing process that enables high ranges and fast charging in cold weather. A stabilizing coating on an electrode, combined with microscale channels, solves the trade-off between range and charging speed, even in subfreezing temperatures.
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.
A team of chemists from Virginia Tech found a way to visualize the intricate structure and chemical reactions of battery interfaces using an X-ray beam line. This breakthrough enables researchers to gain better control over these critical surfaces, potentially leading to cheaper, higher performance batteries.
Researchers developed a CuO catalyst that enhances lithium–sulfur battery performance by regulating Li-bond chemistries and reducing sulfur conversion kinetics. The study demonstrates exceptional catalytic performance under harsh operating conditions, showcasing the potential of CuO as an earth-abundant alternative to precious metals.
A new study by UMass Amherst hydrologists finds that lithium mining models significantly overestimate the amount of freshwater available in the Lithium Triangle. The research suggests that local communities, regulators, and the industry must work together to reduce water usage within sustainable limits. The study's findings have immedi...
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 have developed a prototype betavoltaic battery powered by radiocarbon, an unstable and radioactive form of carbon, that can generate electricity through beta rays. The battery has shown higher energy conversion efficiency compared to conventional Li-ion batteries, making it suitable for applications like pacemakers.
Researchers have developed a new sensor to detect hazardous gas leaks in lithium-ion batteries, which could prevent catastrophic failures and enhance the reliability of battery-powered technologies. The sensor detects trace amounts of ethylene carbonate vapour, targeting potential battery failures before they escalate into disasters.
Researchers investigated zinc electrode dissolution behavior in AZBs, revealing a transformation from 0D to 1D to 2D with increased current density. The study found differences in dissolution rates among various crystal planes, with the (002) plane most resistant and the (110) plane most susceptible.
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
Researchers developed a 'nano-spring coating' technology to increase the lifespan and energy density of EV batteries. The technology, featuring multi-walled carbon nanotubes, absorbs strain energy generated from charging and discharging, preventing cracks and improving stability.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin and Argonne National Laboratory have developed a comprehensive analysis of thermal stability in high-nickel cathode materials. The team discovered that each material has a critical state of charge defining its safe operating limit, which influences metal-oxygen bonds and surface reactivity.
Researchers have developed novel membranes that can pull lithium directly out of salt-lake brines using electricity, leaving other metal ions behind. The process could reduce the environmental impact of lithium mining and contribute to more efficient energy storage systems for renewable energy sources.
Experts discuss scientific and technological challenges in the energy transition, including solar technologies, hydrogen, batteries, grid management, and future energy sources. The joint paper recommends innovations leading to next-gen photovoltaic technology, green hydrogen production, and AI-powered grid management.
A new hybrid model combining DNNs and TLBO algorithm improves SoC estimation in lithium-ion batteries, outperforming traditional methods. The model achieved high precision and reliability, offering a game-changing approach for EV battery management systems.
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.
A new 'one-pot' technique has enabled the simultaneous creation of inorganic and polymer battery electrolytes, overcoming the tradeoff between efficiency and mechanical properties. The method, developed at UChicago PME, reduces labor needed for hybrid material synthesis and creates perfect physical blends with chemical bonding.
Researchers compare Tesla's 4680 cell and BYD's Blade cell, highlighting differences in energy density, volume efficiency, and thermal management. The study provides a benchmark for large-format cell designs, serving as a baseline for further analysis and optimization.
Researchers at IISc have developed an onsite production strategy for hydrogen peroxide using a zinc-air battery. The process generates H2O2 while degrading toxic dyes, making it a low-cost and highly energy-efficient method. This approach has the potential to be scalable and can be used in various applications.
The new method produces high-yields of graphene oxide nanosheets with uniform thickness and characteristics comparable to mined graphite, making it viable for large-scale production and potential applications in electric vehicle batteries. Researchers are now exploring biobased sources for carbon fibers and delving deeper into the proc...
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
A team of researchers from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics has developed a high-water-soluble pyrene tetraone derivative that enhances the energy density of aqueous organic flow batteries. The new monomer achieves an ultra-high volumetric capacity of approximately 90 Ah/L, with excellent stability and cycling performance.
Researchers from the University of the Basque Country have developed a hybrid supercapacitor using carbon from Pinus radiata waste, offering a cost-effective and sustainable alternative for improving conventional lithium-ion capacitors. The system stores high-power energy and can withstand many charge-discharge cycles.
A team of researchers, led by Kelsey Hatzell from Princeton University, has made breakthroughs in developing anode-free solid-state batteries. These batteries have the potential to store more energy in less space and operate with high performance at a wider range of temperatures.
University of Missouri researchers developed a solution to improve solid-state battery performance by understanding the root cause of issues. They used 4D STEM to examine atomic structures without disassembling batteries, ultimately determining the interphase layer was the culprit.
Researchers developed a conjugated phthalocyanine framework with enhanced electron-withdrawal properties and flexibility, leading to improved capacities, rate capabilities, and cyclic stability in high-voltage lithium metal batteries. The framework also showed longer operating life and higher capacity retention.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers developed heteroepitaxial diamond quantum sensors with high sensitivity and accuracy for monitoring electric vehicle battery systems. The breakthrough could pave the way for widespread adoption in industries related to sustainable development.
Researchers have developed a battery that can harness ambient gamma radiation to produce strong electric outputs, enabling potential applications in space exploration and sensors. The prototype demonstrated a peak power output of 288 nanowatts using cesium-137 and 1.5 microwatts with cobalt-60.
The University of Vaasa's FlexiPower project aims to develop and commercialize a 'Building as a Battery' (BaaB) solution that enables dynamic response of building heating and cooling systems to power grid needs. This innovation offers cost-effective and scalable solutions for balancing the power grid.
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.
Researchers found that applying external pressures can alleviate Li loss and battery degradation by alleviating SEI aggregation. Pressure regulation can rejuvenate I-iLi, reducing its content and Li loss. The study suggests a promising approach for advancing practical Li metal batteries.
Researchers propose a new local electricity market to harness the power of homeowners' grid-edge devices in case of outages or attacks. Devices like solar panels and electric vehicles can pump power into the grid or rebalance consumption.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new catalytic graphitization technology to convert petroleum coke into graphite, reducing emissions and cost associated with conventional synthetic graphite production. The process uses lower temperatures and shorter times, making it more sustainable and efficient.
Researchers at PNNL developed a mini flow battery test system that requires less starting material while delivering comparable performance to standard lab-scale systems. This innovation reduces time and resources needed for testing new battery materials, accelerating the discovery of grid energy storage technology.
Researchers have designed a compact, high-efficiency flow battery test system that requires an order of magnitude less starting material while delivering results comparable to standard lab-scale systems. The mini flow cell design is geared towards rapid screening and development of new battery materials, reducing the time and resources...
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
A new mechanical heart pump, BrioVAD, is being tested against the current standard, HeartMate 3, in a national study. The trial aims to enroll 780 participants with advanced heart failure and will compare the two devices head-to-head.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that electric vehicles generally produce less non-exhaust emissions than gasoline-powered vehicles when driving in city conditions. The research also highlights the environmental benefits of regenerative braking, which reduces brake abrasion emissions.
A new buried interface engineering strategy has been proposed to stabilize zinc anodes in aqueous zinc-ion batteries. The approach involves embedding a zincophilic Sn layer within a corrosion-resistant ZnS layer, which accelerates zinc deposition and shields the anode from corrosion.
A team of engineers from the University of Texas at Austin used x-ray, infrared, and other imaging technologies to investigate battery degradation in wireless earbuds. They found that temperature gradients, caused by clashes between critical components and the battery, led to damage and reduced battery life.
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.
Weizmann researchers create new method to analyze dendrites in lithium-ion batteries, finding optimal composition for safe energy storage. The study reveals 'golden ratio' for electrolyte balance, extending battery life and reducing fire hazard.
The study reveals that battery production depends on over 35 materials and critical minerals, posing significant human health and environmental risks. Sustainable solutions like green energy systems, tailings backfilling, and circular economy strategies are proposed to mitigate these impacts.
Researchers at University of Tsukuba developed a system to identify lithium-ion batteries based on magnetic field measurement, distinguishing OEM from compatible batteries. This non-destructive method can single cells and multiple batteries in series, paving the way for identifying batteries in actual modules with deteriorated structures.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a plant-based method to extract nickel from contaminated soil, providing a potential solution for the US's growing demand for this critical mineral. By manipulating the superplant Camelina sativa, scientists can absorb nickel, produce biofuel oil, and clean polluted soil.
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.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed modular worm and jellyfish robots that harness 'embodied energy' to reduce weight and increase power density. These soft robots demonstrate improved battery capacity and can travel longer distances than previous models.