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Researchers develop conductive gel to improve study of spinal cord injuries

Binghamton University researchers have created a hydrogel electrode that includes conductive carbon nanotubes to monitor nerve activity in spinal cord neurons and leg muscles in mice. The technology solves the problem of rigid materials causing damage during movement, allowing for long-term functionality and single-cell signal detection.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2025

Hybrid transparent electrodes enhance efficiency and longevity of perovskite solar cells

Researchers from Indian Institute of Technology developed bifacial perovskite solar cells with a novel NiO/Ag/NiO transparent electrode, achieving high efficiency, durability, and infrared transparency. The cells demonstrated impressive power conversion efficiencies and high bifaciality factors.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateFeb 20, 2025

Nanoparticle island-modified LiMn₂O₄ electrode advances lithium extraction from brine

Researchers have developed a novel LiMn₂O₄ electrode material with improved lithium extraction capacity and cycle stability. The SnO₂ nanoparticle island-modified LMO electrode material shows good selectivity and stability for lithium ions, enabling efficient electrochemical salt lake lithium extraction.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2025

Researchers achieve high-rate and stable ammonia electrosynthesis from nitrate

A new method for ammonia synthesis has been developed, utilizing a unique electrode structure to achieve high rates and stability. The approach uses nitrate as a nitrogen source and water as a hydrogen source, reducing carbon emissions compared to traditional Haber-Bosch process.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 12, 2025

New research helps eliminate dead zones in desalination technology and beyond

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new technique to eliminate fluid flow dead zones in electrodes used for battery-based seawater desalination. The tapered flow channel design improves fluid flow by two to three times, making it more efficient than current reverse osmosis methods.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalElectrochimica Acta·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2025

Organic electrolyte for high output liquid thermoelectric converter

Researchers have developed a new strategy to increase the output of liquid thermoelectric converters using organic electrolytes. By breaking down electrolyte resistance into its components, they reduced resistance and demonstrated a prototype with equal or greater output than aqueous solutions. The team plans to expand their search for...

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2024

Chungnam National University researchers uncover breakthrough in copper-zinc electrodes for electrochemical CO₂ reduction

Researchers at Chungnam National University have developed copper-zinc electrodes that can stabilize over time through recycling, preserving their catalytic effectiveness and selectivity for valuable hydrocarbons. This innovation has significant implications for the conversion of CO₂ into sustainable fuels or chemicals.

SourceChungnam National University Evaluation Team·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2024

Printed e-tattoo ink-credible at reading brainwaves

Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin and UCLA have created an e-tattoo that can measure brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG). The new method uses a camera to map the individual head's shape digitally, allowing for more precise sensor placement. This innovation could transform brain-computer interfaces, making th...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalCell Biomaterials·DateDec 3, 2024

Enhanced Battolyser stores electricity four times faster than before

Researchers from Delft University of Technology have developed a new 3D electrode design for the Battolyser, enabling it to store twice the amount of electricity and charge four times faster. This innovative design reduces space and costs while producing green hydrogen comparable to existing electrolysers.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 28, 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

Robot identifies plants by “touching” their leaves

Researchers developed a robot that identifies plants by measuring leaf properties with an electrode, achieving an average accuracy of 97.7% for ten different species. The device may revolutionize crop management and early disease detection, but its limitations need to be addressed.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevice·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2024

Leveraging machine learning to find promising compositions for sodium-ion batteries

A team of scientists leveraged machine learning to find promising compositions for sodium-ion batteries, achieving exceptional energy density. The study trained a model on a database of 100 samples to predict the optimal ratio of elements needed to balance properties like operating voltage and capacity retention.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 5, 2024

Visible light energy yields two-for-one deal when added to CO2 recycling process

Combining visible light with electrochemistry improves CO2 conversion rates and selectivity, enabling the production of valuable products such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The study's findings have significant implications for catalysis research and industrial applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2024

Recording the cats in the hats

Veterinary scientists at Université de Montréal have created a way to scan the brains of cats while they're awake by concealing electrodes in crocheted wool caps. This new technique uses electroencephalograms (EEGs) and can help alleviate chronic pain in cats.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2024

Enhanced ion diffusion kinetics achieved through interpenetrated structures in electrochemical energy storage devices

Researchers developed interpenetrated electrode structures to enhance ion diffusion kinetics in electrochemical energy storage devices. The design reduced ion concentration gradients and increased surface area, leading to improved performance at low temperatures.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2024

Upcycling e-waste into heterogeneous CuxO nano skeletons for high-performance glucose sensing

Scientists at Shanghai Jiao Tong University created a novel glucose sensing system using heterogeneous CuxO nano skeletons from electronic waste. The method employed laser-induced transfer techniques to fabricate electrodes with high sensitivity and stability, achieving detection limits of 0.34 μM.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2024

World’s strongest battery paves way for light, energy-efficient vehicles

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have created a world-leading structural battery that can halve the weight of laptops and make mobile phones as thin as credit cards. The battery has increased its stiffness, allowing it to be used in vehicles, increasing their driving range by up to 70 percent on a single charge.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2024

ZJU researchers address oxidation issue of copper by laser writing towards in-situ integrated sensing

Researchers from Zhejiang University have developed a hybrid laser direct writing technique that enables the creation of functional copper interconnects and carbon-based sensors within a single integrated system. The process allows for real-time temperature monitoring over extended periods, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateSep 5, 2024

Flexible tentacle electrodes precisely record brain activity

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed ultra-flexible tentacle electrodes that can precisely record brain activity over extended periods, enabling detailed analysis of neural activity. The technology has the potential to diagnose and treat neurological disorders such as epilepsy, depression, and schizophrenia.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 4, 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

GIST researchers develop novel electrode for improving flowless zinc-bromine battery

Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology developed a novel nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon-coated thick GF electrode to suppress the crossover phenomenon in flowless zinc-bromine batteries. The new electrodes effectively prevented self-discharge, improving battery performance and lifespan.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 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