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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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