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Pioneering a new generation of lithium battery cathode materials

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a new range of battery materials that offer enhanced energy density, extended lifespan and reduced costs. The team's innovative approach focuses on stabilising the honeycomb structure by incorporating additional transition metal ions into the cathode material.

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.

Magnetic control of lithium enables a safe, explosion-free ‘dream battery’

A new hybrid anode technology has been developed that delivers higher energy storage while reducing thermal runaway and explosion risks. The 'magneto-conversion' strategy applies an external magnetic field to ferromagnetic manganese ferrite conversion-type anodes, promoting uniform lithium ion transport and preventing dendrite formation.

3D-printed electrolytes keep zinc batteries stable for 8000 cycles

Researchers at South China University of Technology develop a method to solve unstable anode:electrolyte interfaces using digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing. The resulting batteries retain over 91% capacity after 8,000 cycles and achieve stable cycling over 2,000 hours.

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.

Recycling process for dry processed cathodes developed

A team from the University of Münster has developed a method for recycling dry-processed lithium ion battery cathodes, separating materials and granulating them for reuse. The process is attractive not only for sustainability but also for cost efficiency.

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.

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.

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.

Corn leads to improved performance in lithium-sulfur batteries

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a protective barrier made of corn protein to improve the performance of lithium-sulfur batteries. The addition of corn protein significantly improved the battery's lifespan, allowing it to hold its charge over 500 cycles.

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.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Don’t use your battery until it runs out!

A recent study identified a quasi-conversion reaction on the cathode surface during discharging, leading to accelerated battery degradation. High nickel content exacerbates this effect.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

Engineers discover key barrier to longer-lasting batteries

University of Texas at Dallas researchers have discovered why LiNiO2 batteries break down during charging and are testing a solution to remove the key barrier to widespread use. They developed a theoretical solution that reinforces the material by adding a positively charged ion, creating pillars to strengthen the cathode.

Progress toward a new generation of rechargeable batteries

A Chinese team proposes adding a soluble catalyst to electrolytes in lithium-air batteries, enhancing charge transport and counteracting electrode passivation. The addition improves the batteries' performance and lifespan by reducing overpotential and increasing discharge capacity.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Battery research with the HZB X-ray microscope

Scientists have investigated the degradation pathways of layered Li-rich oxide cathodes, revealing changes in morphology and structure with each charging cycle. The study provides valuable insights into the chemical processes involved in battery aging.

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.

Folded or cut, this lithium-sulfur battery keeps going

Researchers have developed a lithium-sulfur battery with improved iron sulfide cathode, retaining capacity over 300 charge-discharge cycles. The battery also withstands physical stress, including folding or cutting, making it safer and more efficient.

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.

Charging ahead towards future low-cost polymer zinc-ion batteries

Researchers have developed a lab-made pouch battery using scaled-up polymer at an approximate cost of $20 / kg, achieving a capacity of nearly 70 mAh g’  and a middle discharge voltage of 1.4 V. This breakthrough paves the way for producing low-cost alternatives to lithium-ion batteries.

Giving batteries a longer life with the Advanced Photon Source

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have validated a cathode hydrogenation mechanism as the cause of self-discharge in lithium-ion batteries. This discovery could lead to the development of smaller, lighter and cheaper batteries with improved lifespan.

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.

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.

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.

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...

Cost-effective, high-capacity, and cyclable lithium-ion battery cathodes

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a cost-effective and high-capacity cathode material for lithium-ion batteries by doping abundantly available elements, such as aluminum and silicon. The addition of these elements forms strong covalent bonds, enhancing the material's cyclability and capacity retention.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

BESSY II: How pulsed charging enhances the service time of batteries

A recent study found that pulsed charging improves lithium-ion battery stability and lifespan. The study, led by Philipp Adelhelm, demonstrated that high-frequency pulsed current reduces ageing effects and structural changes in the electrode materials, leading to a doubled cycle life with 80% capacity retention.

Are high-purity cathode materials truly necessary?

Research by a team at Pohang University of Science & Technology found that impurities in lithium raw material can enhance process efficiency and prolong battery lifespan, reducing costs and emissions by up to 19.4% and 9.0%, respectively.

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.

Sodium-ion batteries: How doping works

Scientists found that doping with Scandium reduces structural changes but doesn't improve stability. Magnesium doping suppresses oxygen redox reaction, which is unexpected as magnesium triggers it in other layered manganese oxides.

Engineered battery chemistry for fast charging capabilities

Researchers successfully improved lithium metal battery charging rates by adding a cesium nitrate compound, while maintaining long cycle life. The new findings challenge conventional beliefs about effective interphase components and contribute to the development of high-energy density batteries.