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New study on the global race for future battery technologies

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 breakthrough in energy equalization for lithium-ion battery packs

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.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

A Big Data approach for battery electrolytes

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.

‘Cold’ manufacturing approach to make next-gen batteries

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.

Green nickel for sustainable electrification

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.

How can we optimize solid-state batteries? Try asking AI

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.

Battery research: visualization of aging processes operando

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Smoothing over rough edges in batteries

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.

A fluid battery that can take any shape

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Smart energy management at home

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.

Charging electric vehicles 5x faster in subfreezing temps

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.

Diagnosing a dud may lead to a better battery

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.

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.

A safe nuclear battery that could last a lifetime

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.

New sensor could help prevent lithium-ion battery fires and explosions

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.

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.

A path to safer, high-energy electric vehicle batteries

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.

New membrane discovery makes possible cleaner lithium extraction

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.

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.

New “one-pot” technique a breakthrough for material synthesis

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.

Graphene production method offers green alternative to mining

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.

Leading the charge to better batteries

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.

Researchers are cracking the code on solid-state batteries

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Scientists design novel battery that runs on atomic waste

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.

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.

Graphite production gets a makeover

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.

Mini flow battery speeds energy storage research

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.

Mini flow battery speeds energy storage research

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.

Researchers are driving the charge of zero emissions

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.

Why your headphone battery doesn't last

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.

On the way to building better batteries

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.

Avoiding the double-edged sword of energy storage technology

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.

New nondestructive method for identifying original batteries using magnetic sensors

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.

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.

‘Embodied energy’ powers modular worm, jellyfish robots

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.