A new study found that research and development on chemistry and materials science were key factors behind the significant cost decline of lithium-ion batteries. The analysis revealed that over 50% of the cost reduction came from R&D activities, with chemistry and materials research being the primary contributors.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateNov 22, 2021
Scientists at ORNL developed a scalable, low-cost method to improve materials joining in solid-state batteries, resolving one of the big challenges in commercial development. The electrochemical pulse method increases contact at the interface without detrimental effects, enabling an all-solid-state architecture.
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2021
Researchers at the University of Rochester develop a computational V2G model that accounts for factors not previously considered, showing potential savings of $120-$150 per year for vehicle owners. The model uses data from the US Census Bureau and calculates battery degradation costs based on various variables.
SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 9, 2021
Researchers found that a battery's chemistry can affect its environmental impact, with cobalt being a common material that requires more energy to mine and has negative effects on the environment. Replacing cobalt with nickel can alleviate concerns, but there are tradeoffs involved. The study suggests that reusing batteries before recy...
SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 9, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A new Stanford-led study suggests that decreasing oil demand leads to larger-than-expected carbon reductions, as the impact varies depending on market factors. The research takes into account the global oil market's structure, including perfect competition, oligopoly, and cartel scenarios, to estimate climate benefits.
SourceStanford University·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 8, 2021
A new study published in Science assesses updated climate pledges and finds they could limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius with a 34% chance. Even more ambitious targets would increase the likelihood of staying below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateNov 4, 2021
Penn State researchers have received a $2.9 million grant to tackle challenges related to lithium-sulfur batteries, which could provide double the energy density and cycle life of current technology. The project aims to address issues such as polysulfide dissolution and dendrite formation to improve battery stability.
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.
The study found that a stack pressure of 350 kilo Pascal increases lithium particle deposition in neat columns, improving stability and reducing the risk of short circuits. Additionally, partial discharge during cycling can also boost performance without affecting the solid electrolyte interphase structure.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021
Fire tests in Austrian tunnels found that e-vehicles pose a lower risk than conventional cars. However, multistorey car parks and commercial vehicles like e-buses and e-trucks require further investigation. The results provide reassurance for tunnel safety.
SourceGraz University of Technology·TypeCase study·DateOct 7, 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
Researchers have observed for the first time how silicon anodes degrade in lithium-ion batteries due to swelling and electrolyte infiltration. This degradation leads to reduced battery capacity and charging speed, but scientists are exploring ways to protect silicon from these effects.
SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 5, 2021
China's space transportation systems have made significant leaps in recent decades, with advancements in launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and artificial intelligence. The country aims to become a powerful space nation by the mid-21st century, with plans for manned missions to the Moon and Mars.
SourceCactus Communications·JournalSpace Science & Technology·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 23, 2021
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.
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
Researchers discovered that particulate emissions from auxiliary heaters can be significantly higher than those of idling gasoline vehicles, raising concerns about their environmental impact. The study highlights the need for further research on the use and development of heaters to reduce emissions.
SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAtmosphere·DateSep 9, 2021
The new alkali metal-chlorine batteries can cycle up to 200 times and achieve a capacity of 1,200 milliamp hours per gram, significantly outperforming commercial lithium-ion batteries. Researchers envision their batteries being used in satellites and remote sensors where frequent recharging is not practical.
SourceStanford University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2021
A team led by Dr. Yu Zhu has developed a more stable way to store energy in redox flow batteries, with a focus on aqueous organic materials and a new design strategy to enhance solubility. The technology has the potential to improve the usability of electricity-powered facilities such as vehicles.
SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalNature Energy·DateAug 19, 2021
Researchers at OIST developed a hybrid material to improve lithium sulfur battery performance, reducing polysulfide dissolution and increasing efficiency. The new design resulted in shorter charging times, longer life between charges, and improved overall lifespan.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2021
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
Researchers found hybrid electric vehicles have twice the vulnerability to supply chain disruptions as gas-powered models, due to volatile battery prices and scarce materials. Long-term supplier contracts and material substitution can mitigate these risks as manufacturers ramp up EV production.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 28, 2021
A study from University of Michigan researchers found that electric delivery vehicle charging practices can greatly impact their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Optimizing charging strategies can lower emissions by up to 37% and protect investment. Charging from a cleaner energy source, such as renewables, is key.
Faster EV adoption and renewable energy generation will significantly reduce CO2 emissions in Hawaii, with a potential decrease of up to 93% by 2050. This is made possible through mathematical models created by University of Hawaii at Manoa faculty member Katherine McKenzie.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalWorld Electric Vehicle Journal·DateJul 7, 2021
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.
Scientists at PNNL have developed a lithium-metal battery that lasts for 600 cycles, significantly longer than previous records. By using thin strips of lithium, the team was able to reduce unwanted side reactions and improve the battery's performance.
SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateJun 29, 2021
A team of researchers, led by Dr. Muzammil Arshad, conducted a study on the performance of hydrogen-enriched fuel in spark ignition engines. The findings show that adding hydrogen can reduce in-cylinder peak pressure and emissions, making it a potential solution to improve fuel efficiency and reduce harmful emissions.
SourceTexas A&M University·JournalPetroleum and Chemical Industry International·DateJun 22, 2021
Researchers at Penn State have designed and tested prototype batteries for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, which require high energy density and rapid charging. The batteries can sustain over 2,000 fast-charges and retain some charge to ensure safety in the air.
Researchers at University of Michigan identify key questions in developing lithium metal solid-state batteries for increased EV range and improved safety. However, addressing these challenges, such as ceramic production and battery management system design, is crucial to their commercialization.
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.
Researchers developed advanced torque vectoring methods to enhance power consumption, safety, and driveability in electric vehicles. The innovative system uses predictive control models with fuzzy logic to adaptively prioritize vehicle dynamics or energy efficiency.
SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalVehicle System Dynamics·DateMay 18, 2021
A study of charging patterns on a University of California San Diego campus found that DC fast chargers were less affected by the pandemic, with usage returning to near-normal levels. The researchers recommend deploying additional DCFCs on campus and beyond to support growing EV adoption.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateMay 6, 2021
Researchers found that older lithium-based batteries are safer due to reduced energy potential, leading to more efficient designs and improved safety. The study's results will aid in deriving safety factors for subsequent use of used batteries.
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
A new study from the University of Georgia has developed an inexpensive and spark-free optical-based hydrogen sensor that detects hydrogen presence without electronics, making it safer for widespread use. The sensor boasts faster response time and increased sensitivity compared to previous models, addressing key hurdles in hydrogen pow...
SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 29, 2021
Scientists at NUST MISIS created new magnesium alloys that can reduce the weight of heat-removing elements in electric vehicles and consumer electronics by one third. The alloys offer high thermal conductivity and low cost, making them suitable for modern gadgets.
SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalJournal of Magnesium and Alloys·DateApr 23, 2021
Researchers analyzed a database of over 3 million urban electric vehicles in China to understand energy consumption patterns. They found that energy consumption changes by up to 21% during winter-to-spring seasonal transitions.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2021
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.
Researchers will explore decision-making processes for adopting solar energy systems and electric vehicles, as well as improve the efficiency and manufacturing process for solar panels. The studies aim to identify non-technological barriers to clean-energy adoption and evaluate the effectiveness of low-cost interventions and incentives.
Researchers combined machine learning with physics and chemistry to discover a process that shortens lithium-ion battery lifetimes, overturning long-held assumptions. The approach could dramatically accelerate the development of sturdier batteries for electric vehicles.
SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 8, 2021
Retailers can increase customer comfort and attract EV owners by installing solar canopies on parking lots. This can provide a path for green consumerism and incentivize shopping, ultimately increasing store selection and profit.
SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalRenewable Energy·DateFeb 10, 2021
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 developed an AI that accurately identifies places with insufficient or out-of-service stations. The tool is particularly effective in micropolitan areas, where population growth may lead to infrastructure issues.
A new study from MIT researchers reveals that installing charging stations on residential streets and adding high-speed charging stations along highways can greatly increase the adoption of electric cars. The findings suggest that making convenient charging options available to people, especially those with limited access to garages or...
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Energy·DateJan 21, 2021
A team of Penn State engineers has developed a lithium iron phosphate battery that can charge in 10 minutes and reduce range anxiety in electric vehicles. The battery's ability to quickly heat up and cool down allows for rapid recharging without sacrificing performance.
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
KAUST researchers applied statistical geometry to study the impact of wireless charging roads on driver behavior and city planning. They found that drivers would have an 80% chance of encountering a charging road after driving 500 meters when installed on 20% of roads.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalIEEE Open Journal of Vehicular Technology·DateJan 3, 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 at Incheon National University developed a novel control strategy to optimize current delivery in multi-Tx wireless charging, enabling real-time adjustment and maximizing efficiency. This breakthrough can improve the performance of robots and electric cars by reducing battery size and weight.
SourceIncheon National University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Power Electronics·DateDec 4, 2020
A University of Central Florida researcher has created a new technique to keep lithium-ion batteries from degrading over time. The method involves applying a thin film-like coating of copper and tin to the anode, significantly reducing degradation by more than 1,000 percent.
SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 26, 2020
Researchers have developed an engineered electrode material that enables high-capacity Lithium-ion batteries with fast-charging capabilities. The material, combining black phosphorus and graphite, shows improved stability and efficiency, restoring 80% of its full capacity in under 10 minutes.
SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalScience·DateOct 8, 2020
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
A new study published in Nature Climate Change estimates that meeting UN climate targets would require up to 90% of US passenger vehicles to be electric by 2050. The researchers found that a fleet of 350 million EVs would increase electricity demand by 41%, posing significant technological and infrastructure challenges.
SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 28, 2020
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory created a composite material that increases electrical current capacity of copper wires, enabling more efficient electric vehicle traction motors. The new material can be scaled for use in ultra-efficient devices with improved performance and reduced cost.
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateSep 21, 2020
UD Prof. Koffi Pierre Yao receives a $1 million grant to create a next-generation battery that will power devices longer, making them more affordable and accessible. The new anode material can store up to 10 times the energy of current batteries.
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 new algorithm developed by Stanford University scientists can accurately predict the remaining storage capacity and charge level of lithium-ion batteries in real-time. This innovation has the potential to enable smaller battery packs and greater driving ranges in electric vehicles, reducing costs and environmental impact.
SourceStanford University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology·DateSep 14, 2020
Maestro, a predictive software developed by CSEM, analyzes weather forecasts and data from local infrastructure to determine the best time to consume energy. The system can reduce heating costs by approximately 20% and is designed to keep costs down, making it suitable for individual homes and entire neighborhoods.
SourceSwiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology - CSEM·DateSep 4, 2020
A Berkeley Lab study finds that California's winter precipitation will become 50% more variable by 2100, affecting agriculture, flood control, and water resource management. The MJO, a global rainfall pattern, is expected to transfer its precipitation-related atmospheric conditions to the West Coast via changes in strong winds.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 10, 2020
The new ASPIRE center will develop holistic solutions for vehicle electrification and decarbonization of the electric grid. Researchers will focus on charging technology integrated into roadways and parking facilities to eliminate range and charging as obstacles, enabling low-cost, sustainable solutions.
As electric vehicles accelerate, cities and utilities face the challenge of smoothing out the duck curve and avoiding costly new infrastructure. Smart charging strategies can help reduce demand peaks and fill in the gap.
SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJul 29, 2020
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
Researchers at NREL have found that driving electric vehicles can save motorists as much as $14,500 on fuel costs over 15 years. The study considered state-by-state differences and the cost of charging equipment and installation costs to estimate total fuel cost savings.
SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalJoule·DateJun 23, 2020
Engineers have developed high-power direct borohydride fuel cells that can power unmanned underwater vehicles and drones with significantly lower cost. The new fuel cells operate at double the voltage of conventional hydrogen fuel cells, allowing for a smaller and more efficient design.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateJun 17, 2020
A new study from Georgia Institute of Technology reveals surprising findings about electric vehicle drivers' perceptions of charging stations, highlighting the importance of quality infrastructure. Contrary to conventional wisdom, public charging stations do not receive more positive reviews than private ones, and dense urban areas exp...
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJun 8, 2020
Researchers at Skoltech and MIPT predicted and experimentally confirmed the existence of exotic hexagonal NaCl thin films on a diamond surface. The films may be useful as gate dielectrics for field-effect transistors in electric vehicles and telecommunication equipment.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMay 25, 2020
A new machine learning method can predict battery health with 10x higher accuracy, enabling safer and more reliable batteries for electric vehicles and consumer electronics. The method is non-invasive and uses electrical pulses to measure the response of lithium-ion batteries.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 6, 2020
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a new fluorinated cyclic phosphate solvent electrolyte that improves upon existing ethylene carbonate, offering nonflammable properties and increased voltage tolerance. This breakthrough could lead to longer journeys in electric vehicles and improved fire safety in home energy storage.
SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 27, 2020
Researchers from ETH Zürich found that single-family households with behavioral change can achieve total self-sufficiency by 2050. However, multi-family buildings require advancements in photovoltaic technology to reach the same level of energy independence.
A new study explores strategies that could help reduce emissions from the transport industry by combining economic and transport models and data from 17 regions around the world. In one scenario, countries producing only electric vehicles and implementing a carbon pricing strategy led to a global mean temperature increase of 1.82 degre...
SourceHiroshima University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 25, 2020
A team at Stanford University developed a machine learning-based method that accelerates battery development for electric vehicles, reducing testing times from almost two years to 16 days. The approach optimizes the charging process, finding better protocols to test and predicting battery performance based on only a few charging cycles.
The study found that cobalt supply is adequate in the short term, but could be affected by refining and recycling. The researchers recommend increasing efficient capacity to meet growing demand from consumer electronics and electric vehicles. By 2030, the team estimates cobalt demand will reach 235-430 thousand metric tons.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 19, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers have developed a new supercapacitor that combines high power density and energy density, enabling fast charging and long runtime. The device can be bent to 180 degrees without compromising performance, making it ideal for wearable electronics and electric vehicles.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Energy·DateFeb 17, 2020