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3D batteries pack power into tiny footprints

Researchers have developed a powerful 3D lithium ion battery with an area footprint smaller than 0.09 square centimeters, achieving an energy density of 5.2 milli-watt-hours per square centimeter. This design uses a conformal electrolyte and semiconductor processing to overcome previous limitations in 3D battery technology.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateMay 3, 2018

New technology could wean the battery world off cobalt

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a new technology that uses manganese instead of cobalt to increase lithium-ion battery capacity. This breakthrough could reduce the world's reliance on cobalt, which is mined by hand and has raised concerns about child labor.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateApr 11, 2018
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Overcoming a battery's fatal flaw

Texas A&M researchers use supercomputers to develop graphene oxide nanosheet coating that controls dendrite growth, improving cycle life and stability of lithium-metal batteries. The material is applied using a spray coating gun and has shown enhanced performance in experiments.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 28, 2018

COSMIC impact: Next-gen X-ray microscopy platform now operational

COSMIC, a next-generation X-ray beamline, enables scientists to probe active chemistry and electronic properties at the nanoscale. It successfully demonstrated ptychographic computed tomography that mapped lithium-ion battery reactions in 3D.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 21, 2018

New design produces true lithium-air battery

Researchers at UIC and Argonne National Laboratory designed a new lithium-air battery that can operate in a natural-air environment without oxidation or buildup of undesirable byproducts. The battery achieved record-breaking 750 charge/discharge cycles, surpassing previous experimental designs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature·DateMar 21, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Turbocharging fuel cells with a multifunctional catalyst

A new catalyst developed by Georgia Institute of Technology researchers can significantly improve the efficiency of fuel cells by speeding up oxygen processing. This breakthrough could enable the widespread adoption of clean energy technology and reduce costs associated with producing hydrogen fuel, a key ingredient for fuel cells.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJoule·DateMar 14, 2018

Mapping battery materials with atomic precision

Researchers mapped battery materials with atomic precision, finding that surface structure differs from interior and optimizing performance by varying lithium-to-metal ratios. The study used advanced electron microscopy techniques to analyze cathode material structures, revealing new insights into phase transformations and capacity loss.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMar 7, 2018
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Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Texas A&M develops new type of powerful battery

Researchers at Texas A&M University have discovered a new type of magnesium-oxide cathode material that promises higher energy density, improved safety, and reduced costs compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. The breakthrough could enable more efficient and sustainable energy storage for renewable energy sources.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalChem·DateFeb 5, 2018

Recycling and reusing worn cathodes to make new lithium ion batteries

A new recycling method restores used cathode particles from spent lithium ion batteries, restoring charge storage capacity, charging time, and battery lifetime. The process reduces energy consumption compared to other methods and aims to address environmental concerns and economic issues related to battery waste.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateJan 25, 2018

New lithium-rich battery could last much longer

A new lithium-rich battery developed by Northwestern University can cycle more lithium ions than its common counterpart, enabling higher capacity batteries that could extend the lifespan of smartphones and cars. By leveraging both iron and oxygen to drive the chemical reaction, the battery's capacity is significantly increased.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Energy·DateJan 3, 2018

Exploring electrolysis for energy storage

Researchers at Kyushu University have developed a novel electrolytic flow cell that can produce glycolic acid (GC) from oxalic acid, offering a promising solution for energy storage. The device uses a polymer membrane and porous TiO2 catalyst to achieve high efficiency and capacity.

SourceKyushu University, I2CNER·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 2, 2018
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.

Scientists discover path to improving game-changing battery electrode

Researchers at Stanford University and national labs uncover mechanism behind voltage loss in lithium-rich cathodes, paving the way for optimized performance. The discovery could enable batteries to store more energy, allowing electric cars to travel longer distances between charges.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 12, 2017

Working in the cold

Scientists at Fudan University have designed a high-rate and long-life lithium-ion battery with improved low-temperature performance. The battery system features a cold-enduring hard-carbon anode and a powerful lithium-rich cathode, with the initial lithiation step integrated.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 5, 2017

New batteries with better performance and improved safety

The new battery prototype uses a solid electrolyte and metal anode, enabling the storage of more energy while maintaining high safety levels. The researchers have tested the battery over 250 cycles, with 85% of its energy capacity still functional after that period.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateNov 23, 2017
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.

Microscopic defects make batteries better

Researchers found that microscopic defects in electrodes enable lithium to hop inside the cathode along multiple directions, increasing reactive surface area and allowing for more efficient exchange of lithium ions. This discovery challenges traditional thinking on how electrode shape should be optimized for battery performance.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 30, 2017

Low-cost battery from waste graphite

Researchers developed a low-cost battery using waste graphite, offering high safety and simplicity in production. The battery features a unique cathode material and can withstand thousands of charging cycles.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 11, 2017
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.

'Air-breathing' battery could cut costs of renewable energy storage

Researchers at MIT have developed an 'air-breathing' battery that can store electricity for months, reducing costs to around $20-$30 per kilowatt hour. The battery uses sulfur and oxygen to generate charge, making it a potential solution for widespread renewable energy integration.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJoule·DateOct 11, 2017

Researchers developing advanced lithium-ion and metal-air batteries

The University of Central Florida research group created a new electrode material for high-performance lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged thousands of times without degrading. The new technology has the potential to revolutionize energy storage and make it more sustainable.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateSep 19, 2017

Researchers report breakthrough in magnesium batteries

Researchers have discovered a new design for magnesium batteries, increasing storage capacity to 400 mAh/g compared to earlier versions. The breakthrough involves inserting magnesium chloride into a titanium disulfide host, allowing for faster diffusion and higher energy density.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2017
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.

How the electrodes of lithium-air batteries become passivated

Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University found that electrode passivation in lithium-air batteries is triggered by the binding of superoxide anion with lithium ions. They suggested using solvents, electrolytes, and materials to inhibit this process, which could lead to more efficient battery operation.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateAug 1, 2017

New material may help cut battery costs for electric cars, cellphones

Researchers have developed a new manganese and sodium-ion-based material that could potentially lower battery costs and improve ecofriendliness. The new material uses sodium instead of lithium, which is more abundant but has some drawbacks, such as lower energy density.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 6, 2017

Getting the biggest bang out of plasma jets

A new study by Huazhong University of Science and Technology finds that maximizing energy density within the capillary chamber yields the longest plasma jet. Varying capillary dimensions, cathode diameter, and cathode tip length are key factors in achieving optimal performance.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateJun 20, 2017

Feather-light metal cathodes for stable lithium-oxygen batteries

Researchers developed a new type of cathode that addresses electrochemical stability issues in lithium-oxygen systems. The ultralight all-metal cathode outperforms carbon-based cathodes with higher capacity and improved stability for 286 cycles.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateMay 24, 2017

Graphene-nanotube hybrid boosts lithium metal batteries

Rice researchers develop a graphene-nanotube hybrid anode that stores 3,351 milliamp hours per gram of lithium, close to the theoretical maximum and 10 times that of lithium-ion batteries. The anode material suppresses dendrite growth, allowing for efficient lithium storage.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 18, 2017
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.

Better cathode materials for lithium-sulphur-batteries

Researchers have developed a new cathode material that uses porous Ti4O7 nanoparticles to confine polysulfides, resulting in high specific capacity and stable performance. This material has the potential to replace expensive and toxic heavy-metal compounds used in traditional lithium-sulphur batteries.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 17, 2017

Electroplating delivers high-energy, high-power batteries

Electroplating enables the production of high-quality, high-performance battery materials, opening doors to flexible and solid-state batteries. The new method bypasses traditional powder and glue processes, resulting in 30% more energy storage and faster charging.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 12, 2017

Bright future for self-charging batteries

Scientists have made a breakthrough in self-charging battery technology, enabling devices to harness and store energy using light. The technology has the potential to power portable devices such as phones indefinitely, eliminating the need for frequent recharging.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 2017

How does oxygen get into a fuel cell?

Researchers at TU Wien have found a way to explain the reasons why oxygen does not always enter fuel cells effectively. By making targeted alterations to the surface of fuel cells on an atomic scale and taking measurements simultaneously, they discovered that strontium atoms cause problems and cobalt can be useful in fuel cells.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 28, 2017

New gel-like coating beefs up the performance of lithium-sulfur batteries

Researchers at Yale University have created a new material that can be applied to any sulfur cathode, improving battery stability and cycle life. The gel-like coating increases the number of cycles to over 1,000, making it suitable for high-energy-density batteries.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 21, 2017
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.

High-resolution imaging reveals new understanding of battery cathode particles

Scientists at Berkeley Lab discovered particle cracking in cathode materials during charging and discharging, reducing battery capacity and life. The research provides unprecedented mechanistic understanding of electrode material and potential ways to minimize cracking, leading to improved stability and longer battery lifespan.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 1, 2017

New design strategy for longer lasting batteries

A new computational design strategy identifies promising cathode coatings to protect lithium-ion batteries from degradation, extending device lifespan. Northwestern University researchers developed the approach using a massive materials database, ranking top candidates and accelerating experimental testing.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 20, 2017

Battery research reaching out to higher voltages

Researchers have developed a new battery test cell allowing them to investigate anionic and cationic reactions separately. This innovation could lead to the creation of high-voltage lithium-ion batteries with improved energy density, reducing the need for multiple charging cycles and minimizing gas formation.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateDec 13, 2016

Next-generation smartphone battery inspired by the gut

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a prototype of a next-generation lithium-sulphur battery, inspired by the cells lining the human intestine. The new design overcomes a key technical problem hindering commercial development and offers a fivefold energy density boost compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 26, 2016

Advancing lithium-air batteries with development of novel catalyst

A new study developed a mixed metal catalyst that enables both charge and discharge reactions in lithium-air batteries, overcoming key barriers to their development. This breakthrough offers opportunities for future research and potential applications in sustainable energy storage.

SourceThe Electrochemical Society·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateOct 3, 2016
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.

Fungi recycle rechargeable lithium-ion batteries

Researchers are using naturally occurring fungi to extract valuable materials from waste batteries, including cobalt and lithium. The process uses oxalic acid and citric acid generated by the fungi to leach out the metals, with results showing up to 85% lithium and 48% cobalt extraction.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 21, 2016

Cornell scientists convert carbon dioxide, create electricity

Researchers at Cornell University have developed an oxygen-assisted aluminum/carbon dioxide power cell that captures CO2 while producing electricity and a valuable oxalate. This technology has the potential to reduce energy consumption in carbon capture systems, making it more commercially viable.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 4, 2016

University of Toronto chemists create vitamin-driven battery

Researchers at University of Toronto have created a biologically-derived battery that stores energy in flavin from vitamin B2, a green alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries. The battery has high capacity and high voltage, making it suitable for powering next-generation consumer electronics.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 3, 2016

Researchers improve performance of cathode material by controlling oxygen activity

A new method to increase the robustness and energy storage capability of lithium-rich cathode materials has been discovered. Researchers found that introducing oxygen vacancies at the surface of the material using a carbon dioxide-based gas mixture improved its performance, particularly in high-energy applications like electric vehicles.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 6, 2016
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.

Building a better battery

Researchers have long struggled to understand the factors contributing to battery inefficiency. A new study led by Texas A&M University chemist Sarbajit Banerjee reveals that trapped electrons, which form 'puddles of charge,' are a major obstacle. By imaging these electron clusters using advanced X-ray microscopy, the team has gained i...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 28, 2016

Solar exposure energizes muddy microbes

Researchers created a sediment Microbial Fuel Cell (sMFC) system that can remotely investigate the physiology and ecology of electrically active microbes in submerged field sites. The device's cathode depth affected microbial community composition and energy recovery from sediments.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateJun 19, 2016

Massive trove of battery and molecule data released to public

The Materials Project has released a vast dataset of material properties, including 1,500 compounds and 21,000 organic molecules, to accelerate battery research. The data enables computationally driven design and discovery of new materials with improved performance and energy density.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJun 8, 2016

New material to enhance battery life

Scientists at MSU have created a new cathode material for Li-ion batteries that can enhance charge rates drastically. The material demonstrated high charge/discharge rates while retaining over 75% of initial capacity, making it a promising contender for commercialized high-power cathode materials.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateFeb 20, 2016
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.

Unique 2-level cathode structure improves battery performance

A team of scientists from the US Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory developed a hierarchical cathode material with two levels of complexity, protecting reactive materials from degradation. The structure allowed lithium ions to enter the material, enabling improved high-voltage cycling behavior.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateJan 11, 2016

A simple way to make lithium-ion battery electrodes that protect themselves

Scientists at DOE national laboratories discovered a simple manufacturing technique to form cathode material into tiny, layered particles that store energy while protecting themselves. This technique, called spray pyrolysis, is cheap and widely used, and could lead to cheaper and higher capacity lithium-ion batteries.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateJan 11, 2016

Technique matters: A different way to make cathodes may mean better batteries

Berkeley Lab researchers have discovered a technique called spray pyrolysis that can improve the performance of lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) cathodes, which are crucial for electric vehicle applications. By controlling surface chemistry, they were able to reduce surface reactivity and increase material stability.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateJan 11, 2016
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.

New hybrid electrolyte for solid-state lithium batteries

Berkeley Lab researchers developed a novel glass-polymer hybrid electrolyte that is compliant and conductive at room temperature. The new material shows signs of being compatible with promising next-generation cathode candidates such as sulfur and high-voltage lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2015

Super yellow blends for light efficiency

Researchers have developed a polymer blend that significantly improves light output from LEDs by manipulating hole-mobility and exploiting the difference in energy levels of the polymers. The optimized device achieves an ultrahigh efficiency of approximately 27 candelas per amp, outperforming a similar device using only Super Yellow.

SourceElsevier·JournalMaterials Today·DateOct 6, 2015

New cathode material creates possibilities for sodium-ion batteries

A new safe and sustainable cathode material has been identified for low-cost sodium-ion batteries, addressing instability issues and paving the way for commercialization. The material's structure allows for sodium to be inserted and removed while retaining its integrity, enabling further development of sodium-ion batteries.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateSep 23, 2015

X-ray imaging reveals secrets in battery materials

Researchers used X-ray imaging and data analysis to study the mechanical properties of a cathode material called LNMO spinel. The study found that defects within the material move around when charged, causing changes in strain fields. This unique behavior may be used to design new battery materials with improved performance.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateJun 18, 2015
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Glass coating improves battery performance

Researchers at University of California - Riverside developed a glass cage-like coating and graphene oxide to improve lithium-sulfur battery performance. The silica-caged sulfur particles provided substantially higher battery performance, and incorporating mildly reduced graphene oxide improved the design further.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNanoscale·DateMar 2, 2015
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GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.