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Army researchers seek better batteries

A team of Army scientists published new findings on modeling insights into battery electrolyte structure and stability, highlighting the importance of tailoring electrolytes to support fast and reversible lithium transport. The research aims to improve battery efficiency and lifespan.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalAccounts of Chemical Research·DateNov 30, 2017

Glass microparticles enhance solar cells efficiency

Scientists from ITMO University devised a novel way to address issues with solar cells, including reduced light reflection and overheating. By incorporating glass microparticles into the top electrode, they improved solar cell efficiency by 20%, making it more attractive for industrial applications.

SourceITMO University·JournalOptics Letters·DateNov 20, 2017

Renaissance of the iron-air battery

Researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich observe deposits forming on iron electrodes during operation, revealing a key to improving battery performance. The findings enhance energy density and capacity, paving the way for widespread adoption in mobile applications.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNano Energy·DateNov 16, 2017

Brighter flexible electroluminescent film by adopting eye structure of nocturnal animals

A research team at DGIST has developed an electroluminescent film that is four times brighter than existing ones, using the retro-reflection principle of nocturnal animal eyes. The film can fabricate high luminance electroluminescent light sources by controlling luminescent particle concentrations.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateNov 6, 2017

Magnetic electrodes increase solar cell efficiency

Researchers at CIC nanoGUNE developed a photovoltaic device using magnetic materials as electrodes, increasing efficiency by 14%. The device produces alternating current directly, eliminating the need for transformers. Further improvements are being pursued to build more efficient solar modules.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalScience·DateSep 29, 2017

Spinning a lighter, safer electrode

Drexel University researchers have created a fabric-like material electrode that could help make energy storage devices faster and less susceptible to leaks or fires. Their design uses a thick ion-rich gel electrolyte absorbed in a freestanding mat of porous carbon nanofibers, eliminating the need for flammable liquids.

SourceDrexel University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 20, 2017

More solar power thanks to titanium

Researchers developed a titanium dioxide interlayer to boost the performance of photoanodes, increasing photocurrent by more than four times. The design combines nanostructure with chemical doping, promising improvements for green photocatalytic systems.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 24, 2017

Researchers clarify mystery about proposed battery material

A team at MIT has carried out detailed tests that resolve the questions surrounding a compound called lithium iodide, a possible solution to some of the lithium-air battery's problems. The study finds that LiI can enhance water's reactivity and interfere with charging, but suggests ways to suppress these reactions to make it work better.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateAug 16, 2017

Single molecules can work as reproducible transistors -- at room temperature

Columbia University researchers successfully demonstrate current blockade using atomically precise molecular clusters at room temperature. The team created a single cluster of geometrically ordered atoms with an inorganic core and positioned linkers to connect it to two gold electrodes, achieving reproducible transport characteristics.

IV and cellular fluids power flexible batteries

Researchers have developed bendable batteries that can run on biocompatible liquids like normal IV saline solution and cell-culture medium, outperforming most wearable lithium-ion batteries in charge-holding capacity and power output. The batteries' design also enables potential biomedical applications, such as consuming essential oxyg...

SourceCell Press·JournalChem·DateAug 10, 2017

Cheap and simple detection of neurotoxic chemicals

Researchers from Kumamoto University developed a novel electrochemical sensing technique for detecting neurotoxic agents, including Nereistoxin, which showed high sensitivity and specificity. The method uses gold electrodes with adsorbed NRT layers, achieving detection limits of 1-25 micro-grams per milliliter of human serum.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateAug 1, 2017

Superstretchable, supercompressible supercapacitors

Scientists create a polyacrylamide hydrogel electrolyte that enables supercapacitors to be stretched up to 1000% in length and compressed by 50% in thickness without losing capacity. This flexibility makes the supercapacitor suitable for wearable electronics.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 3, 2017

Fixation of powder catalysts on electrodes

Researchers developed a new method to tightly fix powder catalysts on electrode surfaces, addressing the challenge of high physical stress induced by gas evolving reactions. The technique involves applying an organic polymer that transforms into carbon at high temperatures, providing a stable and conductive surface for catalysis.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 30, 2017

Brain signals deliver first targeted treatment for world's most common movement disorder

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new deep brain stimulation system that uses electrodes on top of the brain to sense movement and deliver targeted stimulation only when needed. This approach has shown promising results in reducing tremor symptoms, extending battery life, and improving patient performance.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateJun 27, 2017

Printed sensors monitor tire wear in real time

Researchers have developed an inexpensive printed sensor that can track millimeter-scale changes in tire tread depth with high accuracy. The technology has the potential to increase safety, improve vehicle performance, and reduce fuel consumption by detecting sub-millimeter resolution of tire wear.

SourceDuke University·JournalIEEE Sensors Journal·DateJun 14, 2017

Batteries from scrap metal

Researchers have developed a novel method to create stable and low-cost electrodes from discarded stainless steel mesh, ideal for potassium-ion batteries. The new electrode design uses a waste material to store potassium ions, overcoming the limitations of sodium ion batteries.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 9, 2017

Researchers flip the script on magnetocapacitance

A new phenomenon in spintronics was discovered by altering capacitance by manipulating spins in the opposite way from normal magnetocapacitance. This inverse effect allows for more parameter space to design devices, potentially useful in magnetic sensors for computer hard drives and random access memory chips.

SourceBrown University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 1, 2017

No sugar coating, but sweet nonetheless

A research team from the University of Freiburg has developed a new method to create microprobes that can grow into neural tissue without causing inflammation. These probes can deliver strong signals even after twelve weeks, opening up new possibilities for diagnoses and treatments for conditions like Parkinson's.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalBiomaterials·DateApr 5, 2017