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Electrodes created using light

Researchers at Linköping University have successfully created electrodes from conductive plastics using visible light, eliminating the need for toxic chemicals. The technology allows for the creation of flexible electronics and biocompatible sensors on various surfaces, including skin.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 15, 2025

Smoothing over rough edges in batteries

A new phenomenon in modern batteries has been discovered by Texas Engineers, which could improve their life cycles. Researchers found a temporary version of the film that forms on the metal anode during discharge speeds and dissolves back into the battery when finished.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2025

Accelerating the proton transfer among electrolyte-electrode interface via regulating the interfacial hydrogen bond networks induced by extra catalytic centers

Researchers developed a strategy to regulate hydrogen bond networks at electrolyte-electrode interfaces, accelerating proton transfer in CO2 reduction reactions. The approach involves introducing extra catalytic centers, such as cubic phase molybdenum carbide, to enhance water dissociation and facilitate proton generation.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2025

NTU Singapore scientists develop solar-powered method to convert sewage sludge into green hydrogen and animal feed

Scientists at NTU Singapore have developed a solar-powered method to transform sewage sludge into green hydrogen and single-cell protein, reducing environmental damage and creating renewable energy and sustainable food. The three-step process recovers 91.4% of organic carbon and converts 63% into single-cell protein without producing h...

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Water·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2025

IEEE study reveals breakthroughs in high-performance photon detectors

Researchers developed a fabrication technique to overcome design challenges for scalable single-photon detectors, enabling ultra-fast detection of photons regardless of direction or polarization. The study provides a comprehensive guide to fabricating high-quality fractal SNSPDs with improved sensitivity and system detection efficiency.

SourceInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025

Groundbreaking study reveals impact of calendering on electrochemical-mechanical performance of silicon-based composite electrodes

Researchers uncover the effects of calendering on silicon-based composite electrodes, revealing increased deformation and cracking with higher calendering levels. This study offers valuable insights for optimizing electrode design and improving battery safety.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2024

Nano-patterned copper oxide sensor for ultra-low hydrogen detection

Researchers developed a nano-patterned copper oxide sensor to detect hydrogen at low concentrations, outperforming previous CuO-based sensors. The sensor detects hydrogen concentrations as low as 5 parts per billion and responds quickly, making it suitable for leak detection and ensuring safe adoption of hydrogen technologies.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2024

New PFAS removal process aims to stamp out pollution ahead of semiconductor industry growth

Researchers at the University of Illinois have created an electrochemical strategy to capture, concentrate, and destroy PFAS from water using a single device. The new process combines redox electrodialysis with electrosorption to effectively remove ultra-short-chain PFAS molecules.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2024

Building better solar cells: assembly of 2D molecular structures with triptycene scaffold

Scientists developed a streamlined approach to assemble 2D molecular structures using a supramolecular scaffold, enhancing the efficiency of singlet fission and paving the way for advancements in solar cells. The new method created two distinct 2D self-assembling structures with high quantum yields, outperforming previous designs.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2024

SNU researchers develop ‘Selective Metal Films Deposition Technique’ enabling fabrication of soft electronics with various form factors

The research team developed a printing-based selective metal thin film deposition technique, enabling the fabrication of high-performance soft electronic devices and circuits in various forms. The method utilizes polymer patterns to block metal vapor condensation, allowing for patterning on multi-curvature or elastic substrates.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2024

Photonics-assisted THz wireless communication enabled by wide-bandwidth packaged back-illuminated modified uni-traveling-carrier photodiode

A new photonic transmitter uses a wide-bandwidth packaged back-illuminated modified uni-traveling-carrier photodiode to achieve high-performance THz wireless communication. The device exhibits an over 80 GHz bandwidth and high saturated output power, promising applications in 6G mobile communication technology.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Science·DateAug 7, 2024

SNU researchers develop next-generation fiber-based human-machine interface (HMI) bioelectrodes

Researchers at Seoul National University developed a system that enables efficient fluid flow through capillary action, strongly bonding nanowires and substrates through photothermal effects. This approach enhances mechanical stability and allows for various applications in healthcare and medical fields.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2024

Aluminum scandium nitride films: Enabling next-gen ferroelectric memory devices

Researchers have discovered aluminum scandium nitride (AlScN) films that remain stable and maintain their ferroelectric properties at temperatures up to 600°C, making them promising candidates for next-generation ferroelectric memory devices. The films exhibit a high remnant polarization value and only a slight increase in coercive fie...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2024

Research to enable cheaper and safer battery storage

Researchers developed a unique electrochemical ultrasonic force microscopy (EC-UFM) technique to observe sodium-ion battery interfaces during operation. The new method guides passivating layer formation, preserving charge carrier transport and enhancing battery performance.

SourceLancaster University·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2024

Getting dirty to clean up the chemical industry’s environmental impact

Researchers discovered that adding water-resistant materials to an electrode can dramatically speed up chemical reactions in water, known as 'fouling'. This process can increase reaction rates up to six times faster than traditional methods. By leveraging this method, the chemical industry may be able to reduce its reliance on fossil f...

SourceCurtin University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2024

Fuel Cells: Oxidation processes of phosphoric acid revealed by tender X-rays

Researchers have decoded the multiple oxidation processes at the platinum-electrolyte interface in high-temperature PEM fuel cells using tender X-ray studies. The results show that variations in humidity can influence some of these processes to increase the lifetime and efficiency of fuel cells.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

UIC engineers ‘symphonize’ cleaner ammonia production

University of Illinois Chicago engineers have developed a new ammonia production process that meets several green targets. The process combines nitrogen gas and ethanol with a charged lithium electrode, producing ammonia at low temperatures and regenerating materials with each cycle. If scaled up, the process could produce ammonia at 6...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2024

A breakthrough in all-solid-state battery technology, enhancing the performance of the lithium from the bottom

A research team developed an anode protection layer to prevent random electrodeposition of lithium, promoting stable 'bottom electrodeposition' and reducing unnecessary consumption. The breakthrough results in all-solid-state batteries with stable electrochemical performance over extended periods using ultrathin lithium metal anodes.

Flexible artificial intelligence optoelectronic sensors towards health monitoring

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed a flexible paper-based sensor that operates like the human brain, enabling low-power and efficient health monitoring. The device can distinguish 4-bit input optical pulses and generate currents in response to time-series optical input, with rapid response times.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2024

Rice lab finds better way to handle hard-to-recycle material

Rice University researchers have developed a new, energy-efficient process to upcycle glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP) into silicon carbide, widely used in semiconductors and sandpaper. The method involves heating the mixture of GFRP and carbon to extremely high temperatures, transforming it into conductive silicon carbide.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateFeb 29, 2024

Neurobiology: How bats distinguish different sounds

Scientists have discovered that the bat brainstem processes echolocation and communication calls differently, with a stronger response to less frequent calls due to better neural synchronization. The findings may also be relevant to medical applications in humans, such as understanding diseases like ADHD or schizophrenia.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2024

HZDR team develops a new approach for fast and cost-effective pathogen detection

A research team at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf develops a new approach for fast and cost-effective pathogen detection using miniaturized biosensor devices and systems. The system can simultaneously carry out up to thirty-two analyses of one sample, offering significant advantages over traditional electronic FET-based biosensors.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateFeb 7, 2024

Novel catalyst system for CO2 conversion

A team of scientists from Ruhr-University Bochum and the Fraunhofer Institute has developed a novel catalyst system for converting carbon dioxide into raw materials. The system, which uses homogeneous electrocatalysts, can efficiently convert CO2 under industrial conditions and maintains stability over 100 hours without decay.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateDec 21, 2023

GIST researchers improve water splitting reaction for green hydrogen gas production

Researchers from GIST have developed a new electrode using Schottky junctions to overcome the conductance limit of active catalysts, achieving high-performance water splitting and hydrogen evolution reactions. The electrode demonstrated remarkable current density and durability during continuous operation for 10 days.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2023

Diamond materials as solar-powered electrodes - spectroscopy shows what's important

Researchers have found that diamond materials can release electrons in water and trigger chemical reactions when excited by light. The team used X-ray spectroscopy to precisely track the processes taking place on the surface of diamond materials, revealing that they are well-suited for use in aqueous solutions.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalSmall Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2023