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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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...
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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...
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
A new study finds that battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs) have improved significantly in reliability over the years, matching the lifespans of traditional cars and vans with internal combustion engines. BEVs now have an average lifespan of 18.4 years and can travel up to 124,000 miles.
Researchers have designed a cost-effective and environment-friendly aluminum-ion battery that can withstand repeated jabs and high temperatures. The battery's long life and improved stability make it a promising technology for large-scale energy storage.
Researchers successfully tuned the first coordination shell environment of Sb centres to exhibit strong affinity for oxygen reduction, improving catalytic performance. The orbital stabilisation effect mitigates *OH steric hindrance, accelerating formation of *OOH and demonstrating excellent long-term durability.
Researchers have developed a seawater-safe battery that can be woven into various shapes, such as a fishing net or fabric. The yarn-like battery prototype was tested in saltwater and retained most of its charging efficiency and storage capacity over 200 charge and discharge cycles.
Scientists introduce a novel approach to construct robust electrode/electrolyte interphase layers on both cathode and anode of aqueous zinc batteries. The use of glutamate additives enables efficient suppression of undesirable side reactions, leading to improved electrochemical performance and cycling stability.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new technique to eliminate fluid flow dead zones in electrodes used for battery-based seawater desalination. The tapered flow channel design improves fluid flow by two to three times, making it more efficient than current reverse osmosis methods.
Despite potential advantages, sodium-ion batteries struggle to match lithium-ion batteries in terms of energy density and cost. Researchers identify key areas for improvement, including increasing energy densities without critical minerals and developing new battery chemistries.
Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have created a new class of additive to improve battery performance. The additive forms a film on both the anode and cathode, suppressing shuttle effects and promoting ion transport. This design minimizes sulfur dissolution and enhances reaction homogeneity, enabling better overall performance.
Researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have developed a functioning fungal battery that generates electricity, powered by two types of fungi. The biobattery is non-toxic and biodegradable, making it an attractive alternative to conventional batteries.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed an efficient storage agent for sustainable energy solutions using triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO), a well-known chemical byproduct. The team's 'one-pot' reaction method enables the transformation of TPPO into a usable product with powerful potential to store energy.
A novel nitrogen-doped porous carbon material improves lithium-sulfur battery performance by increasing sulfur loading and reducing lithium polysulfide migration. The battery achieves a high capacity of 705 mAh g⁻¹ under rapid charging conditions, demonstrating excellent stability.
Researchers develop coprecipitation method to create free-standing porous carbon fibers with Zn single atom sites and molybdenum carbide clusters, enhancing iodine adsorption and electrocatalytic activity. The resulting zinc-iodine batteries demonstrate high specific capacity and good capacity retention.