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.
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
Researchers have developed a new cathode material that uses cation-mixing to improve sodium storage, leading to superior rate capability, high energy efficiency, and excellent cycling performance. The
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateApr 3, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
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, 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
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
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Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
Scientists are developing a new living sensor that can detect fuel leaks in real-time, allowing for quick repairs and minimizing environmental disasters. The sensor uses bacteria to detect gas leaks and can be placed on the outside of pipes, making it a versatile technique.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Researchers have developed a novel MOF shell-derived surface modification of Li-rich layered oxide cathode, enhancing its electrochemical performance. The LLO@C&NiCo cathode retains up to 95% capacity after 100 cycles and exhibits high rate capability.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateDec 29, 2017
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
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
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
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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
Researchers at Berkeley Lab report progress in creating new types of lithium cathode materials, which can store more lithium and be more stable. The discovery could lead to the development of more efficient and longer-lasting batteries.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 30, 2017
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
Researchers warn of potential cobalt supply chain issues due to increasing lithium-ion battery demand for electric vehicles and portable electronics. They suggest strategies like enhancing recycling and developing new cathode materials to mitigate potential shortages.
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
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
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 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
Engineers at UC San Diego developed stretchable fuel cells that extract energy from sweat to power electronics. The biofuel cells generate 10 times more power per surface area than existing wearable biofuel cells.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateAug 22, 2017
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Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
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
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
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
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
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.
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Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
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 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
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
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
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
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Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
The USABC has awarded a $1 million contract to WPI to scale up a novel process for recycling lithium-ion batteries. The process recovers cathode materials, which can be reused in new batteries at a significant cost reduction.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a rechargeable aluminum battery that offers a safe alternative to commercial batteries. The new technology boasts ultra-fast charging times of just one minute and can withstand over 7,500 charge-discharge cycles without losing capacity.
SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateApr 6, 2015
Researchers at Drexel University have created a two-dimensional carbon/sulfur nanolaminate that could be a viable candidate for use as a lithium-sulfur cathode, promising improved long-term stability and energy density.
SourceDrexel University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 17, 2015
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.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have discovered a material that maintains a rechargeable sulphur cathode, overcoming a primary hurdle to building lithium-sulphur batteries. The breakthrough could lead to electric cars with three times further range and lower costs.
SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 12, 2015