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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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateApr 30, 2025

Unlocking the potential of 4.7 V solid-state 18650 cylindrical lithium metal batteries: A leap forward in long cycle-life and safety

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.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2025

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2025

Breakthrough in ultra-thin lithium metal anodes opens the era of longer-lasting batteries

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.

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.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 1, 2025

Metal-valence-state modulation of transition metal oxides boosts lithium–sulfur battery performance

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.

SourceParticuology·JournalParticuology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2025

We are vastly overestimating the amount of fresh water available for lithium mining, new study finds

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...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateMar 26, 2025

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.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2025

Researchers develop high-water-soluble pyrene tetraone derivative to boost energy density of aqueous organic flow batteries

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.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 3, 2025

Conjugated phthalocyanine framework-based artificial SEI for high-voltage lithium metal battery

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.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2025

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...

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025

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.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025

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.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalTransportation Research·DateFeb 10, 2025

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateFeb 4, 2025

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.

SourceReichman University·JournalResources Conservation and Recycling·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2025

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.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·DateJan 29, 2025

In-situ magic: A game changer for stabilizing electrode/electrolyte interfaces in aqueous zinc batteries

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.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2025

New research helps eliminate dead zones in desalination technology and beyond

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalElectrochimica Acta·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2025

Sodium-ion batteries need breakthroughs to compete

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.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Energy·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 13, 2025