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Researchers discover a surprising way to jump-start battery performance

Charging lithium-ion batteries at high currents just before they leave the factory increases average lifespan by 50% and decreases initial charging time from 10 hours to 20 minutes. Researchers used machine learning to pinpoint changes in battery electrodes that account for this increase in performance.

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.

Research provides a roadmap for improving electrochemical performance

Scientists have expanded understanding of how electrons move through conductive fluids in batteries, revealing that controlling chemistry and microstructure is crucial. The research team created a universal roadmap for processing energy storage devices during manufacturing, enabling the design of better materials.

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 scientist honored by DOE's Vehicle Technologies Office

Xiao-Qing Yang, a physicist at Brookhaven National Laboratory, has spent his career studying and improving battery materials using advanced characterization tools. His work has led to a fundamental understanding of the relationship between structure and performance in battery systems.

Rice researchers develop innovative battery recycling method

A research team at Rice University has pioneered a new method to extract purified active materials from battery waste, enabling efficient separation and recycling of valuable battery materials. The technique uses solvent-free flash Joule heating to create unique features with magnetic shells and stable core structures.

Towards net-zero energy houses: optimizing the size of photovoltaic systems

A new framework enables efficient calculation of optimal solar panel and battery sizes for residential neighborhoods, making it feasible to achieve net-zero energy houses. The approach leverages linear programming transformations to overcome computational challenges, demonstrating that ZEH status does not significantly elevate costs.

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.

Soft, stretchy ‘jelly batteries’ inspired by electric eels

Scientists have created a new type of battery that is soft and stretchable, making it suitable for wearables and medical implants. The 'jelly batteries' use hydrogels to deliver an electric current and can be stretched up to ten times their original length without losing conductivity.

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.

Biological science helps fuel the future of electric air travel

Researchers used omics techniques to discover a novel electrolyte solution that increases cycle life for electric aircraft batteries by four-fold, outperforming conventional batteries. The new design aims to enable carbon-free air travel and expand the use of omics in battery research.

BESSY II shows how solid-state batteries degrade

Researchers at HZB have developed a method to precisely monitor electrochemical reactions in solid-state batteries using photoelectron spectroscopy at BESSY II. The results show that decomposition products form at interfaces, hindering lithium ion transport and reducing battery capacity with each charge cycle.

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.

A breakthrough in inexpensive, clean, fast-charging batteries

The University of Chicago's laboratory has developed the world's first anode-free sodium solid-state battery with stable cycling for hundreds of cycles, promising to be more environmentally friendly and affordable than traditional lithium-ion batteries. This innovation could help accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy by pro...

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.

Research to enable cheaper and safer battery storage

Researchers developed a unique electrochemical ultrasonic force microscopy (EC-UFM) technique to observe sodium-ion battery interfaces during operation. The new method guides passivating layer formation, preserving charge carrier transport and enhancing battery performance.

Novel strategy proposed for all-climate zinc-ion batteries

Researchers propose a novel hydrogel electrolyte formula that effectively interrupts water clusters and enhances water covalency, resulting in an expanded voltage stability window. The design improves the battery's climate adaptability by regulating Zn solvation and interfacial adhesion.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

A ‘liquid battery’ advance

Researchers at Stanford University have made significant advancements in the development of a 'liquid battery' technology that uses LOHCs to store and release energy. The team discovered a novel, selective catalytic system that allows for the efficient storage of electrical energy in liquid fuels without generating gaseous hydrogen.

Looking for a new battery platform? Focus on the essentials!

Researchers developed a novel air-handleable garnet-type solid electrolyte technology that improves surface and internal properties, preventing contamination layer formation. This innovation enables the creation of ultra-thin lithium solid-state batteries with high energy density and low weight.

Electrified charcoal ‘sponge’ can soak up CO2 directly from the air

Researchers from the University of Cambridge developed a low-cost and energy-efficient method to make materials that can capture carbon dioxide directly from the air. The charged charcoal sponge uses reversible bonds with hydroxides to capture CO2, requiring lower temperatures and renewable electricity for regeneration.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Polymeric films protect anodes from sulfide solid electrolytes!

Researchers developed polymeric protective films to improve anode interface stability in sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries. The films, made from various polymers, showed improved interfacial stability and high-capacity retention rates after multiple cycles.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New milestone for lithium metal batteries

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed a hybrid porous structure using polyvinyl alcohol, enabling uniform lithium electrodeposition. The new design facilitated the transport of lithium ions, reducing 'dead Li' areas and internal short circuits, resulting in high stability after 200 charge-discharge cycles.

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.

Looking inside battery cells

A team of researchers used state-of-the-art imaging techniques to study lithium-ion battery cells. They identified macroscopic deformations in the copper current collector due to local accumulations of silicon during electrode manufacturing. The defects compromise cell structure and functioning when agglomerates exceed 50 microns in size.

Eco-friendly and affordable battery for low-income countries

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a battery based on zinc and lignin that can be used over 8000 times, retaining its charge for approximately one week. The battery is stable and easily recyclable, making it a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries.

Hide and seek between atoms. Find the dopant!

The team developed a deep learning AI technique to quantitatively analyze cation mixing using atomic structure images. This approach revealed that introducing metal dopants like aluminum, titanium, and zirconium into the transition metal layer fortified bonds between nickel and oxygen atoms, curbing cation mixing.

Disorder improves battery life

A team of international researchers, led by TU Delft, found that introducing chemical short-range disorder into layered oxide materials used as cathode materials can significantly improve the stability and performance of lithium-ion batteries. This improvement results in a longer cycle life and shorter charging times for well-establish...

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 cost-efficient path to a renewable energy grid for Australia

A study by Raheel Ahmed Shaikh and colleagues models the most cost-efficient path to Australia's fully renewable electricity grid. The optimal route would require significant expansion of generation and storage, but could reduce costs with interconnection between eastern and western grids.

An important step forward in the future of self-health monitoring

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a soft, self-charging material that can track vital signs like blood pressure and heart activity wirelessly. This innovation has significant implications for early disease detection and timely interventions in chronic conditions.

How electric vehicle drivers can escape range anxiety

Researchers identified three types of behaviour around refuelling, including the event-triggered model, which is best for optimum electric vehicle usage. The study suggests that a change in mindset can reduce range anxiety and encourage more people to opt for EVs.

The biggest barrier to a vibrant second-hand EV market? Price

A Rutgers study reveals that price is the biggest barrier to a vibrant second-hand EV market, with lower-income buyers often priced out of the market. The study suggests that increasing charging station availability and expanding subsidies could promote greater used EV uptake across income groups.

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.

A flexible and efficient DC power converter for sustainable-energy microgrids

A new DC-DC power converter designed by Kobe University team offers superior voltage ratio, system stability, and simplicity, achieving an impressive efficiency of up to 98.3%. The device can efficiently interface with various energy sources, making it suitable for renewable energy integration and electric vehicle applications.

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.

New ways to fine tune electrochemistry

Researchers developed new techniques to study acid-base chemistry at electrified interfaces, revealing the impact of hydrophobic layers and electric fields. These findings offer opportunities for optimizing electrochemical processes and designing novel catalytic strategies.

Better battery manufacturing: Robotic lab vets new reaction design strategy

Researchers at the University of Michigan and Samsung's Advanced Materials Lab have developed a new approach to making chemically complex materials that can improve battery performance. The method uses unconventional ingredients to reduce impurities in the final material, resulting in more efficient and cost-effective production.

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.

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.