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HKUST develops novel cartilage-inspired polymer nanocoating to substantially extend battery lifespan

Researchers at HKUST developed a biomimetic nanocoating inspired by human cartilage to suppress battery degradation and extend lifespan. The coating enables batteries to retain high capacity after thousands of charge-discharge cycles, opening a pathway toward next-generation nickel-rich lithium-ion batteries.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2026

Viologen-linked covalent organic frameworks: A charged and redox-active platform for functional materials

Viologen-linked covalent organic frameworks (Vio-COFs) exhibit permanent positive charges, reversible redox activity, and extended π-conjugated frameworks, enabling precise control over charge distribution and electron-transfer pathways. Their unique properties make them suitable for advanced functional materials applications in energy...

SourceMaterials Futures·JournalMaterials Futures·DateSep 10, 2026

New tri-layer electrolyte improves safety and lifespan of lithium-metal batteries

Researchers developed a tri-layer composite solid electrolyte with enhanced ionic conductivity and mechanical durability, boosting lithium-ion mobility and suppressing dendrite formation. The new electrolyte achieved nearly four times higher ionic conductivity and demonstrated over 1000 hours of stable cycling in symmetric cell tests.

Food waste transformed into biochar hybrid membranes for smarter thermal energy storage

A new membrane combines food waste-derived biochar, graphene, and a phase change material to store thermal energy, improve heat transfer, and manage moisture. The membrane exhibits high thermal conductivity and water vapor permeability, making it suitable for energy recovery ventilation and smart building systems.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 21, 2026

KAIST turns once-troublesome protons into an energy storage resource for batteries

A KAIST research team has developed a new electrode material that sequentially stores zinc ions and protons, enabling high storage capacity and fast charging/discharging performance. The material achieved 368.7 mAh g⁻¹ storage capacity and retained 46.9% of its capacity even at 16-fold increased charging/discharging rates.

Hanbat National University researchers reveal physics-informed AI for rapid optimization of thermal energy storage systems

Researchers at Hanbat National University developed a hybrid physics-informed neural network framework for optimization of latent heat thermal energy storage systems. The framework enables rapid, autonomous design optimization by teaching the AI model governing laws of physics.

SourceHanbat National University Industry–University Cooperation Foundation·JournalJournal of Energy Storage·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 17, 2026

Carefully controlled sulfidation boosts supercapacitor electrode performance

Carefully controlled sulfidation boosts supercapacitor electrode performance by guiding distinct structural phases and revealing a heterojunction composition that delivers enhanced energy storage. NCF-S95 achieves high specific capacity and cycle stability, showing promise for next-generation supercapacitor materials.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalEnergy & Environment Nexus·TypeNews article·DateAug 14, 2026

How scandium can improve the durability of sodium-ion battery electrodes

Researchers discovered that scandium doping and coating improve the durability and performance of sodium-ion batteries by stabilizing the crystal structure and suppressing side reactions. The study found that doping improves bulk stability while coating enhances surface stability, leading to improved capacity retention and long-term cy...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2026

Hanyang University ERICA researchers uncover a hidden battery flaw that may shorten EV lifespans

A new study by Hanyang University ERICA researchers reveals how air exposure can trigger chemical changes in manganese-coated batteries, accelerating degradation. The team proposes a simple solution to suppress defective surface phases and restore stable manganese-oxygen bonding, leading to improved long-term durability.

SourceHanyang University Research Strategy Planning Team·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2026

AI-powered closed-loop system could accelerate the discovery of energy materials

Researchers have developed an AI-powered framework that combines multiple AI technologies with automated experiments to accelerate the discovery of advanced energy materials. The '4th+ paradigm' approach enables near-atomic-level accuracy in predicting material properties and rapidly analyzing experimental data.

Scientists unveil technique to build ultra-thin material stacks that promise quantum breakthrough

Researchers unveiled a technique to build ultra-clean 2D heterostructures using muscovite crystals, eliminating microscopic residues that disrupt electronic device performance. This method enables precise stacking of atomic layers, leading to new properties and potential breakthroughs in quantum computing and nanoelectronics.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2026

AI and physics draw a blueprint for better hydrogen storage materials

Researchers at Tohoku University have created a clearer map for searching for hydrogen storage materials, identifying key physical factors that control their performance. The study suggests adjusting geometry and lattice flexibility to raise capacity while tuning stiffness to keep equilibrium pressure near everyday conditions.

Scaffold-microenvironment decoupling opens new path for chitosan hydrogels in flexible electronics

Researchers introduce scaffold-microenvironment decoupling approach to construct hierarchically tough yet open polymer scaffolds with highly conductive microenvironments. The resulting hydrogel exhibits integrated properties, including high mechanical strength, ultra-high ionic conductivity, and practical efficacy in three demanding el...

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2026

NUS CDE researchers develop safer all-solid-state sodium battery with low-cost 2D material

Researchers have overcome key safety and durability barriers in sodium-ion batteries by using a simple additive of graphitic carbon nitride. The additive promotes flexible, disordered zones where sodium ions move more freely and reduces polarisation, improving battery efficiency and stability. This breakthrough opens a scalable pathway...

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2026

Princeton study reveals need for domestic efforts and international sourcing to secure future of electric vehicle batteries in the US

A Princeton study projects persistent shortfalls in critical EV battery materials if domestic production expansion, demand-side strategies, and international sourcing are not aligned. Domestic expansion can meet projected demand for some key materials, but significant uncertainties remain.

From interface retreat to interface anchoring: A paradigm shift in solar thermal energy storage

Researchers introduce a novel approach to enhance solar thermal energy storage efficiency by anchoring the phase-change front, preventing its accumulation at the source. The continuous-flow system delivers a charging power of 0.54 kW and a solar thermal storage efficiency of 49.7%, outperforming conventional diffusion-limited approaches.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2026

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.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2026

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.

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.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2026

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.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalMatter·DateFeb 23, 2026