Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Novel strategy to make fast-charging solid-state batteries

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science discovered that microscopic voids in lithium anodes cause dendrite formation in solid-state batteries. By adding a thin layer of refractory metals to the electrolyte surface, they delayed dendrite growth and extended battery life.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 2, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Electrolyte additive offers lithium battery performance breakthrough

Researchers discovered an electrolyte additive that protects nickel-rich layered cathodes from degradation and improves cycling performance. The additive forms a protective layer on the cathode, reducing transition metal loss and increasing energy density.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateJun 1, 2022

Researchers now able to predict battery lifetimes with machine learning

Scientists have developed a machine learning algorithm that can accurately predict the lifetimes of different battery chemistries using as little as a single cycle of experimental data. The technique could reduce costs and accelerate the development of new battery materials, enabling researchers to quickly evaluate and test multiple ma...

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateMay 5, 2022

High output voltage

Researchers have developed organic sulfonamides as a flexible and stable material for proton battery cathodes, achieving higher output voltages than conventional cathodes. The new material is also easy to manufacture, stable under standard conditions, and non-toxic.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2022

Lithium’s narrow paths limit batteries

Researchers found uneven charge distribution within lithium iron phosphate cathodes due to misaligned particles, leading to reduced battery performance. Introducing porosity or aligning particles could potentially improve uniform lithium insertion, enhancing energy density and charge/discharge rates.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2022
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.

A 4 V-class metal-free organic lithium-ion battery gets closer to reality

Researchers at Tohoku University and UCLA have made a breakthrough in high-voltage metal-free lithium-ion batteries using a small organic molecule, croconic acid. The battery has a strong working voltage of around 4V and a high theoretical capacity, potentially leading to more energy-dense and cost-effective batteries.

SourceTohoku University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateApr 12, 2022

Pivotal battery discovery could impact transportation and the grid

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered a key reason for the performance decline of sodium-ion batteries, which are promising candidates for replacing lithium-ion materials. By adjusting synthesis conditions, they can fabricate far superior cathodes that will maintain performance with long-term cycling.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 24, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Breakthrough in cathode chemistry clears the path for Li-S batteries' commercial viability

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a stable sulfur cathode that functions in a commercially viable carbonate electrolyte, enabling Li-S batteries with three times the capacity of Li-ion batteries and lasting over 4,000 recharges. This breakthrough paves the way for more sustainable battery alternatives.

SourceDrexel University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2022
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.

Detective work on the fuel cell

Scientists have developed a unique measurement technique to study oxygen exchange pathways on pristine SOFC cathode surfaces, revealing that different materials follow the same mechanism. This breakthrough enhances understanding of defects and optimizes material performance.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2021

'Anti-aging' chemistry taken from nature overcomes next-gen lithium battery decay

Scientists have created a photostabilizer that scavenges singlet oxygen atoms and free radicals, improving electrochemical performance in high-voltage lithium batteries. The bio-inspired mechanism addresses the issue of electrolyte degradation, which poses challenges to next-generation energy storage devices.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 14, 2021

The next big thing: How do scientists bring hydrogen fuel cells from laboratory to public life?

Researchers at USTC have successfully synthesized small-sized Pt intermetallic nanoparticle catalysts with ultralow Pt loading and high mass activity. These catalysts exhibited excellent electrocatalytic performance for oxygen reduction reaction in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells, potentially decreasing the cost of fuel cells.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalScience·DateOct 21, 2021
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.

New strategy achieves efficient and stable carbon dioxide electrolysis in solid oxide electrolysis cell

Researchers developed a new strategy to achieve efficient and stable CO2 electrolysis in solid oxide electrolysis cells. They found that redox cycle manipulations promoted the exsolution of high-density metal/perovskite interfaces, improving performance and stability.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 12, 2021

Scientists get closer to creating an efficient solid-state lithium battery

Researchers at Ural Federal University successfully experimentally determined the optimal thickness of an aluminum layer in a fully solid-state lithium power source. The results will be used to create high-energy batteries with increased operational safety and lower production costs.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalSolid State Ionics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021

Chemists provide a new look at the problem of energy efficiency in lithium-ion batteries

A new study refutes a long-standing explanation for low energy efficiency in lithium-ion batteries, suggesting that voltage hysteresis is caused by reversible electron transfer between oxygen and transition metal atoms. This phenomenon could be mitigated through manipulation of electron transfer barriers.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 16, 2021
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.

How to make lithium-ion batteries invincible

Berkeley Lab scientists have developed a new class of materials called DRX, which can replace cobalt and nickel in lithium-ion batteries. These cathode materials offer higher energy density and can be made with inexpensive and abundant metals like manganese and titanium.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateJun 23, 2021

Altered microstructure improves organic-based, solid state lithium EV battery

Researchers have developed an improved organic-based, solid-state lithium EV battery by altering the electrode microstructure using ethanol. The new design increases energy density to 300 Wh/kg, a significant improvement over previous batteries with a utilization rate of nearly 98%. This breakthrough aims to reduce reliance on scarce t...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJoule·DateJun 17, 2021
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.

Scientists discover new approach to stabilize cathode materials

Researchers discovered that a valence gradient can serve as a new approach for stabilizing high-nickel-content cathode materials against degradation and safety issues. By isolating the valence gradient from concentration gradient, they confirmed its critical role in battery performance.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2021

Skoltech researchers developed an enriched method for increasing the capacity of next-generation metal-ion battery cathode materials

Researchers at Skoltech have developed an enriched approach to boost the capacity of next-generation metal-ion battery cathode materials, applicable to lithium-ion and alternative batteries. The scalable method uses reducing agents, which can be recycled after use, making it suitable for large-scale applications.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateMay 17, 2021

A long-lasting, stable solid-state lithium battery

Harvard researchers develop a stable solid-state lithium battery that can be charged and discharged at least 10,000 times, increasing the lifetime of electric vehicles to 10-15 years. The battery's multilayer design prevents dendrite growth, allowing for high current density and quick charging.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·DateMay 12, 2021

Bai lab develops stable, efficient, anode-free sodium battery

Bai lab creates a stable, efficient anode-free sodium battery that achieves high performance while eliminating the need for a traditional anode material. The new design uses a thin layer of copper foil as the current collector, resulting in significant improvements in size and cost compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAdvanced Science·DateMay 3, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Mapping performance variations to see how lithium-metal batteries fail

Scientists identified depletion of liquid electrolyte as primary cause of failure in high-energy-density lithium-metal batteries. The study used high-energy x-rays to map performance variations and calculate cathode material state, enabling the discovery of dominant failure mechanism.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateApr 19, 2021

Streamlining the process of materials discovery

Researchers at KAIST develop M3I3 Initiative to speed up materials development using multiscale/multimodal imaging and machine learning. The team creates a quantitative model using machine learning and presents a future outlook for advancements in materials science.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 4, 2021

Reactive boride infusion stabilizes ni-rich cathodes for lithium-ion batteries

A new coating technology has been developed to stabilize Ni-rich cathodes in lithium-ion batteries, improving cycling stability and capacity retention. The technique involves infusing a cobalt boride metallic glass into the grain boundaries of the cathode material, resulting in improved electrochemical performance and safety.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 19, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Speeding up commercialization of electric vehicles

A team of researchers at POSTECH has successfully developed a high-energy-density cathode material that can stably maintain charge and discharge for over 500 cycles without the expensive and toxic Co metal. This breakthrough enables long-distance electric vehicle travel.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateMar 4, 2021

A fluid solution to dendrite growth in lithium metal batteries

Researchers propose a potential solution to dendrite growth in rechargeable lithium metal batteries, proposing the use of microfluidics to reduce dendrite growth by up to 99%. This study aims to extend the life of these high-energy density batteries while improving safety.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 2, 2021
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

How lithium-rich cathode materials for high energy EV batteries store charge at hig

A new X-ray study has resolved how lithium-rich cathode materials store charge at high voltages, revealing that oxygen ions facilitate the process rather than metal redox. This breakthrough enables the design of better strategies to improve cycling and performance for these materials, paving the way for more efficient electric vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateFeb 18, 2021

Taking sieving lessons from nature

The KAUST team created conjugated microporous polymers with uniform pore sizes and high surface area through electropolymerization. These membranes showed faster solvent transport and narrow molecular sieving due to their unique structure.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 21, 2021

Researchers make domestic high-performance bipolar membranes possible

Researchers have created a stable and efficient membrane using an in-situ growth idea, addressing the challenges of large-scale production. The new membrane outperforms existing commercial membranes in terms of starting voltage, stability, and hydrolysis ability.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 21, 2021

New sodium oxide paves the way for advanced sodium-ion batteries

Researchers at Skoltech have discovered a mixed oxide Na(Li1/3Mn2/3)O2 that shows promise as a cathode material for sodium-ion batteries. The compound exhibits high energy density, no voltage fade over multiple charge cycles, and moisture stability.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 20, 2021

Russian chemists developed polymer cathodes for ultrafast batteries

Researchers created new polymer-based cathode materials for lithium dual-ion batteries, achieving up to 25,000 operating cycles and fast charging times. The cathodes can also be used to produce potassium dual-ion batteries, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalEnergy Technology·DateJan 19, 2021
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.

Core design strategy for fire-resistant batteries

Researchers at KIST have developed a breakthrough material design strategy to overcome the problem of high interfacial resistance between solid electrolytes and cathodes in all-solid-state batteries. The new approach improves charge transfer and stability by optimizing the crystal structure of the cathode material.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalNano Energy·DateJan 11, 2021

Reversible superoxide-peroxide conversion drives high-capacity potassium-metal batte

Researchers have realized a reversible superoxide-peroxide conversion in a K-based high-capacity rechargeable sealed battery device, boosting cathode capacity to 300 mAh/g and achieving high energy efficiency. This breakthrough overcomes gaseous O2-related intrinsic defects and phase changes between gaseous O2 and solid Li/Na/KxO.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateDec 15, 2020

Novel cathode design significantly improves performance of next-generation battery

A novel cathode design concept has been proposed to improve the performance of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries, which are considered attractive alternatives to lithium-ion batteries. The new design eliminates the polysulfide shuttle effect, reducing the battery's life cycle and increasing its energy density.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 11, 2020
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Single-crystal technology holds promise for next-generation lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at the DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a process to grow high-performance single-crystal nickel-rich cathodes, overcoming challenges of polycrystalline materials. The new technology identifies the cause of 'crystal gliding' in batteries, which can lead to microcracks and reduced battery lifespan.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateDec 10, 2020

Batteries mimic mammal bones for stability

Researchers create a sodium cathode material inspired by mammal bones, featuring a porous system with a dense shell of reduced graphene oxide. The design enhances stability and allows for ultrahigh rate charging and long cycle life.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateDec 8, 2020

Discoveries highlight new possibilities for magnesium batteries

Researchers from the University of Houston and Toyota Research Institute of North America have developed a new magnesium battery capable of operating at room temperature, delivering power density comparable to lithium-ion batteries. The new cathode and electrolyte enable high-power battery performance previously considered impossible.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Energy·DateNov 30, 2020
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.

The ultimate conditions to get the most out of high-nickel batteries

Researchers found that dry storage conditions at dew points of around -45°C significantly improve high-nickel battery performance. Exposing batteries to humidity leads to premature capacity fade and degradation. The study identifies three processes responsible for impurities, including surface carbonates and hydroxides.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalElectrochimica Acta·DateNov 18, 2020

Environmentally friendly method could lower costs to recycle lithium-ion batteries

A new environmentally friendly method for restoring spent cathodes to mint condition could make it more economical to recycle lithium-ion batteries. Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a process that uses inexpensive and benign chemicals, consumes 80-90% less energy, and emits 75% less greenhouse gases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJoule·DateNov 12, 2020
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 high potential biphenol derivative cathode

Researchers developed an air-insensitive biphenol derivative cathode with high potential and solubility, demonstrating stable cycling performance and high rate capabilities. The cathode's biphenol structure offers excellent oxidation resistance and four tertiary ammonium groups improve stability.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateSep 23, 2020
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.

Paving the way for environmentally friendly electrochemistry

Researchers aim to develop a new method of electrolysis that uses electricity instead of high pressure and temperature, reducing energy efficiency. The goal is to create an environment-friendly process for recycling residues from plastic production.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateSep 9, 2020

Battery life for wearable electronic devices could be improved

Asymmetric stresses within electrodes used in wearable electronic devices can lead to improved durability and lifespan of batteries. Researchers from the University of Warwick have found that varying coating properties on each side of double-sided coated electrodes can help mitigate high bending stress and improve mechanical resilience.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateAug 25, 2020