Energy Storage
Articles tagged with Energy Storage
From interface retreat to interface anchoring: A paradigm shift in solar thermal energy storage
New reactor design produces renewable methane from carbon dioxide
Researchers suggest new design principle for lithium conversion battery catalysts
Researchers challenged thermodynamic-based framework for catalyst design and proposed new principle focusing on declining efficiency of solid-phase electron transport. They designed homonuclear cobalt-cobalt dual-atom catalyst DA-CoCo, significantly enhancing charge transport in solid intermediates, validating the new design principle.
BESSY II: How intrinsic oxygen shortens the lifespan of solid-state batteries
Scientists analyzed a TiS2|Li3YCl6 half-cell in operando at BESSY II and discovered that intrinsic oxygen causes rapid capacity loss. Oxygen-containing species migrate to the cathode current collector, forming an amorphous layer rich in titanium oxides.
The rush for critical minerals echoes oil extraction injustice as harms fall on world's most vulnerable, UN scientists warn
A new report by the UN University finds that critical minerals extraction is causing severe environmental and health crises in vulnerable communities, while benefits accumulate mainly in wealthy nations. The investigation highlights intense water requirements, contaminated water, lost livelihoods and serious health consequences.
NTU Singapore appoints global leader in energy storage science as Vice President for Industry
Professor Shirley Meng will lead NTU's industry engagement efforts, forging partnerships with global companies and establishing joint research institutes worldwide. She brings expertise in integrated battery performance, safety, and sustainability, driving interdisciplinary collaborations and championing fundamental sciences for real-w...
Multiscale framework established to systemically resolve performance bottlenecks in neutral zinc-air batteries
A comprehensive framework optimizes electrolyte and interface designs to boost efficiency and stability in neutral zinc-air batteries. The multiscale approach addresses key performance issues, including oxygen reaction kinetics and electrode instability.
UH engineer exposes structural weakness driving lithium-ion battery failure
Researchers have discovered that lithium dendrites in batteries are unexpectedly strong and brittle, causing short circuits and safety risks. The findings suggest that future battery design must change to improve safety and reliability of high-energy storage systems.
Why solid-state batteries keep short circuiting
Researchers discovered that faster dendrite growth is associated with lower stress levels in a commonly used battery electrolyte material, revealing chemical reactions as a new culprit behind the problem. The study provides guidance for designing stronger electrolytes to make solid-state batteries successful.
NSF Energy Storage Engine enters second phase with ambitious plans
The NSF Energy Storage Engine has received $45 million over three years to advance next-gen battery and energy storage systems. It will focus on safety, cost efficiency, and AI integration in manufacturing.
Electric cars can make power grids more reliable (and earn owners money) – so why aren’t we doing that?
A new study identifies the barriers to vehicle-to-grid (V2G) adoption, including coordination problems, limited infrastructure, and varying regulations. V2G technology can provide backup power during periods of high energy demand and earn EV owners money for supplying energy to the grid.
Microgrid research partnership celebrates milestone toward enhanced grid resilience
The partnership aims to demonstrate advanced microgrid capabilities with dynamic boundaries and networked microgrids, enhancing reliability for utility customers. EPB will add 58 megawatt hours of energy storage in five microgrids, providing backup power to over a thousand residential customers and community resources.
University of Houston physicists break superconductivity temperature record
Researchers achieved a transition temperature of 151 Kelvin, setting the stage for future advancements in superconductivity. The breakthrough could lead to more efficient ways to generate, transmit, and store energy, conserving billions of dollars in savings and reducing environmental impacts.
UL Research Institutes announces Judy Jeevarajan, Ph.D., as vice president and distinguished scientific advisor
Judy Jeevarajan, Ph.D., joins UL Research Institutes as vice president and distinguished scientific advisor, guiding critical scientific priorities and mentoring researchers in battery and energy storage safety. With extensive experience in battery chemistry and global standards development, Jeevarajan will continue to shape ULRI's sci...
Water spider and fish scale bioinspiration drives Janus air electrode for advanced zinc-air batteries
Researchers developed a bioinspired Janus air electrode with a fish-scale and waterspider-leg structure, enabling rapid substance transport and improving catalytic site utilization. The asymmetric architecture significantly enhances zinc-air battery performance, achieving high power density and specific capacity.
High‑performance all‑solid‑state magnesium-air rechargeable battery enabled by metal-free nanoporous graphene
Researchers have developed a new type of solid-state magnesium-air rechargeable battery using nitrogen-doped porous graphene as the cathode. The battery exhibits superior performance and safety compared to traditional systems, with improved chloride resistance and high catalytic activity.
Prussian blue goes from pigment to purification
Scientists at the University of Chicago have created Prussian blue analogs that can achieve 99.9% lithium purification, opening up new opportunities for separating industrial waste ions from environmental streams. The unique structure of Prussian blue analogs allows for selective filtering and purification.
Safer batteries for storing energy at massive scale
Case Western Reserve researchers create a new type of electrolyte that improves the safety and efficiency of flow batteries, enabling large-scale energy storage. The breakthrough could lead to advancements in solar farms, power grids, data centers, and other applications.
Paul Ohodnicki named new Center for Energy Director at University of Pittsburgh
Dr. Paul Ohodnicki joins as permanent director, succeeding Heng Ban; to expand energy research and education capabilities across multiple disciplines.
Pioneering a new generation of lithium battery cathode materials
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a new range of battery materials that offer enhanced energy density, extended lifespan and reduced costs. The team's innovative approach focuses on stabilising the honeycomb structure by incorporating additional transition metal ions into the cathode material.
Towards unlocking the full potential of sodium- and potassium-ion batteries
The study reveals that redefining the concept of electrode-electrolyte interphase layers can improve battery stability and performance. Researchers found that careful control of interphase properties through materials choice, electrolyte formulation, and binder selection can significantly extend battery life.
UCSB scientists bottle the sun with liquid battery
UCSB scientists have developed a novel molecular material that captures sunlight and stores it as heat, releasing it when needed. The material has an energy density of over 1.6 megajoules per kilogram, outperforming traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Power at the micrometre scale: a battery built for the smallest machines
Researchers have developed a planar micrometre-scale zinc–air battery that operates in a safe, near-neutral gel electrolyte, delivering high energy and power. The breakthrough enables the integration of onboard power sources into chip-scale systems, enabling fully autonomous micro-devices.
Physicists clarify key mechanism behind energy release in Molybdenum-93
A team of physicists identified the dominant mechanism responsible for energy release in molybdenum-93m using high-precision experiments. Inelastic nuclear scattering is confirmed to be the primary driver of isomer depletion under experimental conditions, contradicting previous hypotheses about nuclear excitation by electron capture.
Batteries from rust? Carbon spheres filled with iron oxide deliver high storage capacity
Researchers at Saarland University have developed carbon spheres filled with iron oxide, achieving promising results for environmentally friendly lithium-ion batteries. The material's storage capacity increases over time as the iron oxide is electrochemically activated, making it a potential solution for renewable energy storage.
Bai lab secures two patents with EV industry partners
The Bai lab has developed two patented technologies to improve electric vehicle (EV) charging and power conversion, in collaboration with FORVIA HELLA and Volkswagen Group of America. These innovations enable more efficient energy transfer between the AC grid, high-voltage car battery, and low-voltage car battery.
Electric eel biology inspires powerful gel battery
Researchers at Penn State develop a hydrogel-based battery that mimics the electrical processes of electric eels, producing higher power densities than previous designs. The battery is non-toxic, flexible, and environmentally stable, making it suitable for biomedical applications.
CNU research explains how boosting consumer trust unlocks the $4 billion market for retired EV batteries
A team of researchers from Chonnam National University explores how boosting consumer trust can increase adoption of second-life EV battery tech. They found that transparent safety inspections and tailored messaging can improve adoption outcomes.
Engineered biochar–clay “thermal sponge” turns waste wood into a green cooling battery for buildings
Researchers have developed a new composite material that stores and releases heat, reducing temperature swings in buildings. The engineered biochar-clay hybrid increased energy storage capacity by 223% and improved thermal conductivity, demonstrating potential for real-world applications.
Discarded cigarette butts transformed into high performance energy storage materials
Researchers have created a method to convert waste cigarette butts into nitrogen and oxygen co-doped nanoporous biochar with exceptional performance as an electrode material for supercapacitors. The material achieved a specific capacitance of nearly 345 farads per gram, demonstrating its potential for real-world applications.
Presenting the world's strongest battery in Davos: News tip to the media from Chalmers University of Technology
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have achieved a new breakthrough in structural battery composites, a material that stores energy while also carrying mechanical loads. This innovation has the potential to make electric vehicles lighter and more efficient, as well as be applied to aircraft.
Researchers achieve breakthrough in transition metal fluorides cathodes for thermal batteries
Researchers have developed a new approach to suppressing the shuttle effect in transition metal fluoride cathodes, leading to unprecedented discharge plateau voltage and high-performance thermal battery cathodes. The study focused on thermal batteries and utilized an ion-sieving concept to achieve selective confinement.
Ultrathin ferroelectric capacitors for next-generation memory devices
Researchers from Japan successfully downscaled a total ferroelectric memory capacitor stack to just 30 nm, maintaining high remanent polarization and paving the way for compact and efficient on-chip memory. This breakthrough demonstrates compatibility with semiconductor devices and paves the way for future technologies.
Anode-free battery doubles electric vehicle driving range
Researchers developed an anode-free lithium metal battery that delivers nearly double driving range using the same battery volume. The battery's volumetric energy density of 1,270 Wh/L is nearly twice that of current lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles.
Magnetic control of lithium enables a safe, explosion-free ‘dream battery’
A new hybrid anode technology has been developed that delivers higher energy storage while reducing thermal runaway and explosion risks. The 'magneto-conversion' strategy applies an external magnetic field to ferromagnetic manganese ferrite conversion-type anodes, promoting uniform lithium ion transport and preventing dendrite formation.
Researchers develop new system for high-energy-density, long-life, multi-electron transfer bromine-based flow batteries
Researchers developed a novel bromine-based two-electron transfer reaction system to improve zinc-bromine flow batteries. The new system achieves high energy density and long lifespan with ultra-low bromine concentration, reducing electrolyte corrosivity.
Putting the squeeze on dendrites: New strategy addresses persistent problem in next-generation solid-state batteries
Researchers at Brown University have identified a simple method to combat lithium dendrites, which cause circuits between the battery's anode and cathode, destroying the battery. By applying thermal compression using temperature differences on either side of an electrolyte, they can significantly suppress dendrite formation.
Unveiling how sodium-ion batteries can charge faster than lithium-ion ones
Researchers found that sodium-ion batteries using hard carbon negative electrodes can reach faster charging rates than lithium-ion batteries, thanks to the pore-filling mechanism. This process is limited by the efficiency of ion aggregation within the electrode's nanopores, which requires less energy for sodium insertion.
ECU researchers harness AI to solve major roadblock in solid-state battery technology
Researchers at Edith Cowan University are using artificial intelligence (AI) to solve a major roadblock in solid-state battery technology. By leveraging machine learning models, they can predict how materials will behave and identify better interface designs.
Transforming acoustic waves with a chip
Researchers have developed a new acoustic wave-producing technology on an electronic chip, enabling customizable curved waves for trapping objects, routing wave information, and transporting fluids. This innovation has significant potential in medical applications, such as noninvasive surgery and biosensors.
Aluminum prevents 'rapid aging' in high-energy batteries
Researchers from POSTECH found that aluminum reduces internal structural distortion in cathodes, preventing oxygen holes and shortening battery life. By adding a small amount of aluminum, the team extends battery lifespan while improving energy density.
Virtual battery model paves way for electric vehicle simulations
A new virtual battery model and charger sharing concept improve local energy markets for efficient distribution network operation. This approach enhances grid stability, reduces investment costs, and supports the shift away from fossil fuels.
Revolutionizing the skies: Hydrogen tanks paving the way for zero-emission flights
This survey reviews cutting-edge hydrogen tank technologies, exploring how to safely store gaseous or liquid hydrogen in extreme conditions. Key advancements promise to transform aviation, with materials like carbon fiber-reinforced polymers offering exceptional strength-to-weight ratios and reducing the weight of hydrogen tanks.
Development of 1-Wh-class stacked lithium-air cells
A joint research team from NIMS and Toyo Tanso has developed a carbon electrode that achieves higher output, longer life and scalability for practical lithium-air batteries. The electrode's hierarchically controlled porous structure results in high-output operation and improved durability.
"Ice-fire" forge crafts wafer-scale energy storage capacitors in just one second
A new fabrication method has been developed to create wafer-scale energy storage capacitors with astonishing heating and cooling rates of up to 1,000 °C per second. This 'flash annealing' technique enables the synthesis of high-performance relaxor antiferroelectric films on silicon wafers in just one second.
Breakthrough in sodium batteries: gradient anode enables 200 Wh kg-1 energy density and dendrite-free cycling
A new gradient anode design addresses key challenges in sodium batteries, achieving high-energy-density and stable performance. The symmetric cell demonstrates ultralong cycle life and unprecedented energy density of 200 Wh kg-1.
Lehigh University–Siemens partnership advances microgrid research for AI data centers
A PhD student at Lehigh University is working with Siemens to develop real-time monitoring and control tools for hyperscale data centers. The goal is to create a localized power network that can operate independently of the main grid, reducing power demands from artificial intelligence and increasing energy efficiency.
Mapping resilient supply solutions for graphite, a critical mineral powering energy storage: Rice experts’ take
Rice University researchers outline emerging solutions to make graphite production cleaner and more resilient, including synthetic graphite from renewable sources. The study emphasizes the critical role of graphite in energy storage technologies and the need for sustainable supply chain management.
Chung-Ang University researchers develop interlayer material for lithium-sulfur batteries
The team's novel findings use metal-organic framework-derived hierarchical porous carbon nanofibers with low-coordinated cobalt single-atom catalysts to enhance redox kinetics and suppress dissolution of lithium polysulfides. This synergistic design enables high-capacity retention and superior rate performance over hundreds of cycles.
“Self-stacking lithium” Korean researchers eliminate EV explosion risks with a new electrode design
Researchers have created a novel three-dimensional porous structure that improves the lifespan and safety of lithium-metal batteries. The design allows for uniform lithium deposition, reducing the risk of internal short-circuits or explosions.
Yonsei University develops a new era of high-voltage solid-state batteries
Researchers at Yonsei University have developed a groundbreaking fluoride-based solid electrolyte that enables all-solid-state batteries to operate beyond 5 volts safely. The innovation allows spinel cathodes to operate efficiently and retain over 75% capacity after 500 cycles.
3D-printed electrolytes keep zinc batteries stable for 8000 cycles
Researchers at South China University of Technology develop a method to solve unstable anode:electrolyte interfaces using digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing. The resulting batteries retain over 91% capacity after 8,000 cycles and achieve stable cycling over 2,000 hours.
New research powers next-gen silicon-based batteries for cheaper, faster charging and longer range EVs
A new study published in Nature Nanotechnology reveals a double-layer electrode design that improves the cyclic stability and fast-charging performance of automotive batteries. The breakthrough could reduce costs by 20-30% and pave the way for next-generation high-performance batteries.
UH researchers help break thermal conductivity barrier with boron arsenide discovery
University of Houston researchers have discovered a material with thermal conductivity exceeding 2,100 watts per meter per Kelvin at room temperature. This breakthrough challenges existing theories and could lead to the development of new semiconductor materials with improved thermal management in electronics and data centers.
Hanyang University researchers develop novel facet guided metal plating strategy, improving stability anode-free metal batteries
The researchers developed a novel facet-guided metal plating strategy using Zn as the host metal, which promotes uniform metal growth and suppresses dendrite formation. The strategy improved battery stability, retaining 87.58% of its initial capacity over 900 cycles.
Sodium-ion battery breakthrough could power greener energy – and even make seawater drinkable
Scientists at the University of Surrey have discovered a simple way to boost sodium-ion battery performance by leaving water in key component. The new material, nanostructured sodium vanadate hydrate, showed significant improvements in charge storage, charging speed, and stability, even in saltwater.
Machine learning-driven design of a high-energy NASICON cathode for sodium-ion batteries
Researchers developed a machine learning-driven design for a high-energy NASICON cathode that surpasses previous materials in terms of specific capacity, average operating voltage, and rate capability. The new cathode addresses sustainability concerns by replacing toxic vanadium with more environmentally friendly elements.
AI-based method for optimizing photovoltaic-battery storage systems
A new AI-based method optimizes the operation of solar power generation and battery storage systems, reducing imbalance penalties by approximately 47% compared to conventional control methods. The method maintains stable profits throughout the four seasons and can handle real-world uncertainties such as sudden weather changes and compl...
Letting EVs take a load off the grid could result in 'negative emissions' while saving drivers money
A new study suggests that electric vehicles can help mitigate climate change and public health issues by strategically charging and discharging from the grid. By doing so, EVs can sell stored energy back to the grid, reducing emissions and helping to build more renewable energy generators.