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
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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
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
After several dozen charging cycles, the focus shifts from individual electrode particle properties to their interactions. The study identified key attributes contributing to particle breakdown, including particle-particle distance and shape variability.
SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2022
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
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
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DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
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
The study demonstrates a sulfide coating, amorphous Li2S via ALD, that protects the NMC811 cathode and improves capacity retention, rate performance, and mitigates voltage reduction. The coating also removes O2 released from the NMC cathode during charging.
SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of Energy Chemistry·DateApr 11, 2022
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
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Scientists have created a quasi-solid-state cathode for solid-state lithium metal batteries, achieving significant reduction in interfacial resistance. The new design uses an ionic liquid to maintain excellent contact with the electrolyte, promising new directions in battery development.
SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournaliScience·DateMar 19, 2022
Researchers develop alternative diagnostic technology to evaluate Li-ion battery degradation mechanism quickly and efficiently. The approach allows for rapid detection of LLI degradation, facilitating real-time monitoring of individual cells' state of health.
SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalJournal of Energy Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2022
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
Researchers have identified a class of calcium-based cathode materials that show promise for high-performance rechargeable batteries. By running quantum mechanics simulations, the team pinpointed cobalt as a well-rounded transition metal for a layered Ca-based cathode.
SourceChung Ang University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2022
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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
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
Researchers focus on cathode materials in rechargeable aluminum batteries to improve electrochemical performance. Current studies classify cathode materials into four groups based on ion charge carriers and discuss their respective electrode structures, optimization strategies, and charge storage mechanisms.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateOct 28, 2021
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
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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
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
Researchers identified fundamental challenges for next-generation cathodes in improving reliability, energy density, and cost-effectiveness. The road map sets direction for research and defines benchmarks for various cathode chemistries.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Materials·DateOct 5, 2021
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
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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
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...
Researchers at Skoltech have identified a type of hydroxyl defect in LiFePO4, a widely used cathode material, which can degrade its performance. Studying these defects may lead to improving the manufacturing process and enhancing battery performance.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalInorganic Chemistry·DateJun 3, 2021
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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
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
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 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
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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
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
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
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Scientists review advances in CO2 electrochemical transformation using ILs, focusing on CO2 reduction and organic transformation. They highlight the potential of ILs to improve selectivity and efficiency, enabling the production of value-added chemicals.
SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMar 17, 2021
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
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
Researchers have made a significant advance in understanding oxygen-redox processes involved in lithium-rich cathode materials, proposing strategies to mitigate limitations and increase energy density. The breakthrough offers potential routes to more reversible high-energy density Li-ion cathodes.
SourceThe Faraday Institution·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 1, 2021
Researchers developed a new sodium-ion conductor that enhances stability in higher-voltage oxide cathodes, resulting in improved efficiency and lifespan. The material, NYZC, can last over 1000 cycles while retaining 89.3% of its capacity, outperforming other solid-state sodium batteries.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2021
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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
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 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
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
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
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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
A new class of nickel-iron-aluminum-based cathodes shows promise as a substitute for cobalt-based cathodes in lithium-ion batteries. The NFA class delivers high specific capacities and can be integrated into existing manufacturing processes, making them potentially cost-effective and sustainable.
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateDec 18, 2020
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
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
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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
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
Researchers developed a real-time analysis platform to evaluate the thermal stability of EV battery cathode materials using transmission electron microscopy. The study identified the thermal degradation mechanism and created a safety protocol for high-performance cathode materials with increased nickel content.
SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalNano Energy·DateDec 4, 2020
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
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AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
Researchers developed graphene-coated nickel, cobalt, aluminum nanoparticle cathodes to improve lithium-ion battery performance, reducing degradation mechanisms and increasing energy density. The new design showed low impedance, high rate performance, and long cycling lifetimes.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Vacuum Science & Technology A Vacuum Surfaces and Films·DateNov 24, 2020
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
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
Lithium-rich oxides offer a promising solution for more sustainable and cost-effective batteries, made predominantly of Earth-abundant elements like manganese. The discovery reveals that the movement of elements other than oxygen is the primary cause of energy inefficiency in these materials.
SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateSep 29, 2020
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Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
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
Researchers have fully identified the nature of oxidised oxygen in Li-rich NMC using RIXS, a key step towards tackling battery longevity and voltage fade. The study reveals that molecular O2 is trapped within the bulk material, enabling a new mechanism for explaining the O-redox process.
SourceDiamond Light Source·JournalNature Energy·DateSep 21, 2020
Researchers achieve breakthrough in designing carbonaceous materials as cathodes with ultrahigh energy density (>1000 Wh kg?1) through p-type doping strategy. The work presents a new paradigm for evaluating electrochemical performance from multiple perspectives.
SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateSep 15, 2020
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Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
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
Researchers studied a single battery cathode particle's surface and interior to understand how chemical changes affect each other. They discovered variations in cracking and degradation across the particle, which can impact its ability to store and release energy.
SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 8, 2020
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
Researchers from University of Cambridge and Liverpool have identified a new degradation mechanism for electric vehicle batteries, leading to the development of strategies to improve battery lifespans.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 25, 2020