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Breakthrough research enhances stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells

Researchers developed a chemically protective cathode interlayer using amine-functionalized perylene diimide, which stabilizes perovskite solar cells. The novel solution-processed PDINN cathode interlayer achieved impressive performance with over 81% retention and record-high bias-free solar hydrogen production rate.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJan 22, 2024

Hidden cause of lithium-rich cathode materials’ low energy efficiency revealed

A research team found that voltage hysteresis in Li2RuO3 is attributed to different intermediate crystalline phases formed during charge and discharge processes, not irreversible structure changes. This discovery challenges conventional theory and has implications for developing high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalEnergy Storage Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2024

Understanding the relationship between the performance of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells and hydrogen partial pressure

Researchers have made significant strides in understanding the relationship between hydrogen partial pressure and PEMFC performance, revealing a pronounced decline in performance as hydrogen partial pressure decreased. The study aims to simplify fuel cell quality testing, cost reduction, and reduced safety requirements.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2023

Greener solution powers new method for lithium-ion battery recycling

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a new, efficient, and environmentally-friendly solution for lithium-ion battery recycling using organic citric acid. This approach recovers critical metals like cobalt and lithium, reduces pollution and reliance on foreign sources, and eliminates the need for hazardous chemicals.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalEnergy Storage Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2023

Cathode active materials for lithium-ion batteries could be produced at low temperatures

A team of researchers at Hokkaido University has developed a new method to synthesize layered lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) at low temperatures, reducing synthesis time from hours to minutes. The hydroflux process produces crystalline LiCoO2 with properties only marginally inferior to commercially available materials.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalInorganic Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2023

Revolutionizing energy storage: Metal nanoclusters for stable lithium–sulfur batteries

Researchers have developed a metal nanocluster-based separator for lithium-sulfur batteries, accelerating electrochemical kinetics and improving capacity and cycling stability. The technology has the potential to increase the adoption of sustainable energy storage systems, including electric vehicles and renewable energy.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

The past and present of 3D-printed critical materials for rechargeable batteries

Recent research highlights the excellent electrochemical performance of critical 3D printing materials in rechargeable batteries. The study outlines the typical characteristics of major 3D printing methods used in fabricating electrochemical energy storage devices and discusses crucial materials for 3D printing of rechargeable batterie...

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateOct 7, 2023

Novel battery technology with negligible voltage decay developed at CityU, a world’s first

A breakthrough in battery technology has been achieved by City University of Hong Kong, overcoming the persistent challenge of voltage decay in lithium-ion batteries. The new development stabilises a unique honeycomb-like structure within the cathode material, resulting in longer-lasting and more efficient batteries.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2023

Extracting a clean fuel from water

A low-cost catalyst developed by Argonne National Laboratory can produce clean hydrogen from water at a lower cost, making it an ideal choice for replacing fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The new catalyst uses cobalt instead of expensive iridium, significantly reducing the cost and increasing efficiency.

Oxford University Fellow and Diamond User recognized for his innovative, sustainable Na-ion battery materials research by Forbes Magazine

Robert House, a Senior Research Fellow at Oxford University, has been selected as one of Forbes Magazine's prestigious 30 people to watch under 30 in Europe Science and Healthcare. He is working on developing innovative, sustainable Na-ion battery materials that promise to be significantly lower cost than conventional Li-ion batteries.

Carbon-based cathodes impact biofilm composition and performance in soil microbial fuel cells

Researchers found that Fe-doped carbon nanofibers and Pt-doped carbon cloth cathodes yielded stable performances, with peak power densities of 25.5 mW m−2 and 30.4 mW m−2, respectively. Graphite felt cathodes demonstrated the best electrochemical performance but exhibited lower reproducibility and higher mass transport losses.

SourceChinese Society for Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·DateMay 12, 2023

Researchers develop high-performance 2D pseudocapacitive multi-electron reaction lithium storage material

Researchers developed a high-performance 2D pseudocapacitive multi-electron reaction lithium storage material, exhibiting high capacity and ultrafast charging capabilities. The material showed improved electronic and ionic conductivity, reducing polarization and increasing overall energy density.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 27, 2023

Air-breathing cathode enhances energy conversion efficiency and durability of alkaline nickel-zinc batteries

Researchers at Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics have developed an air-breathing cathode for alkaline nickel-zinc batteries, improving cycling stability and energy efficiency. The novel battery exhibits ultra-long lifespan and high energy efficiency, surpassing conventional Ni-Zn batteries.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 26, 2023

Turning vegetable oil industry waste into power: innovative electrode modification improves bio-electrochemical treatment of wastewater

Researchers have developed a novel and cost-effective anode catalyst that can improve and stabilize power generation performance of MFCs treating vegetable oil industry wastewater. The study investigates modification of electrodes to increase bacterial adhesion and efficient electron transfer.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology·DateMar 13, 2023

New sodium, aluminum battery aims to integrate renewables for grid resiliency

Researchers developed a new molten salt battery design using sodium and aluminum that can charge and discharge faster, operate at lower temperatures, and maintain excellent energy storage capacity. The battery's specific energy density could reach up to 100 Wh/kg, making it a promising solution for 10-plus hours of energy storage.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalEnergy Storage Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2023

Elucidation of electrolyte decomposition behavior in all-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology elucidated the decomposition behavior of electrolytes in cathode composites of all-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries. The sulfide solid electrolytes convert to thiophosphates with long-chain cross-linked sulfur during charging and discharging cycles, governing battery performance.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalChemistry of Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2023

Researchers zoom in on battery wear and tear

Researchers at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have used a combination of electron microscopy and computational modeling to understand how lithium-ion batteries degrade. They found that variation between areas of the battery, particularly electrolyte corrosion, leads to faster degradation.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalJoule·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 22, 2022

Stabilizing lithium-ion batteries with microbially synthesized electrolyte additive

Researchers from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a sustainable, eco-friendly compound to stabilize high-energy density lithium-ion batteries. The microbially synthesized pyrazine diamine compound significantly improves battery performance, reducing degradation and increasing operating potential.

Recent progress in synthesis and surface modification of nickel-rich layered oxide cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Researchers from South China University of Technology have developed novel surface modification techniques for nickel-rich layered oxide cathode materials, improving their electrochemical performance. The techniques allow for high-performance nickel-rich cathode materials to be synthesized, enabling in-depth mechanisms to be captured a...

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateOct 31, 2022

CityU chemists boost eco-friendly battery performance using catalysts with unconventional phase nanostructures

Researchers have discovered an innovative way to enhance the energy efficiency of metal-carbon dioxide batteries by introducing unconventional phase nanomaterials as catalysts. The novel design boosts battery energy efficiency up to 83.8%, contributing to carbon-neutral goals.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2022

Membranes help multiply microbial CO2 munching

Researchers at KAUST developed conductive membranes that stimulate microbial growth and separate biochemical products, reducing the CO2 conversion time from over 30 days to just one month. The membranes use nickel nanoparticles to catalyze hydrogen production, enhancing efficiency and stability in microbial electrosynthesis systems.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateSep 20, 2022