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A new approach to drive batteries: safe, repairable, sustainable

Researchers at Graz University of Technology developed design guidelines for batteries in electric vehicles to increase safety, make repairs easier, and improve sustainability. The new designs facilitate recycling and reuse of damaged cells, reducing waste and conserving resources.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalSustainable Production and Consumption·TypeNews article·DateAug 13, 2026

More electrons, less interfaces: how halide cathodes are redefining the energy density ceiling in all-solid-state lithium batteries

Halide cathode materials, long overlooked due to dissolution in liquid electrolytes, now enable dramatically higher energy densities through a fundamental shift in battery chemistry. Key strategies include multi-electron reactions, protective coatings, and nanostructuring to address stability issues.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 10, 2026

Less lithium but faster ion transport: Interfacial percolation offers a new strategy for solid-state electrolytes

Researchers developed a lean-lithium oxychloride solid electrolyte with high ionic conductivity and tunable properties. The interfacial percolation strategy enabled the creation of a continuous transport network throughout the electrolyte, allowing for efficient lithium-ion migration.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2026
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

AI study reveals the biodiversity cost of green energy minerals

A new study using remote sensing and machine learning found that mining for green technology minerals has unexpected consequences on biodiversity. The research revealed that commodities such as lithium and cobalt have the highest biodiversity risks despite lower levels of forest loss.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 23, 2026

Activating interfaces for faster lithium transport in solid-state batteries

The study introduced an interphase activator strategy that couples both processes through one additive, converting native surface species into a reconstructed interphase and regulating the coordination environment in the polymer phase. The optimized electrolyte delivers high ionic conductivity and stability, making it suitable for soli...

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateJul 23, 2026

Beyond the paddle-wheel mechanism: Elucidating the microscopic lithium ion transport in solid-state electrolytes for next-generation batteries

Researchers discovered that lithium ions move through cooperative rearrangement of 'ion cages' formed by surrounding anions, not the previously proposed paddle-wheel mechanism. This finding provides new guidelines for designing safe and high-performance solid electrolytes.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2026
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

SwRI, SMU collaborate to advance solid-state batteries

Researchers will address the unstable interface between lithium metal anode and solid electrolyte by engineering ultra-thin films to reduce degradation and resistance. The goal is to improve reliability and stability of solid-state batteries for electric vehicles, enabling faster charging and greater energy storage potential.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·DateJul 13, 2026

“Just remove the water?” The real culprit behind battery failure revealed

A Korean research team identified surface oxidation occurring during dehydration as the true cause of performance degradation in promising next-generation battery materials. They developed a new liquid-phase bubbling dehydration process that suppresses surface oxidation and improves battery performance.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 1, 2026

Safer metal recycling for the battery industry

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a safer metal recycling method for the battery industry using renewable biomass, reducing the risk of fire and hazardous substance exposure. The new method performs just as well as conventional processes in extracting important metals.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalRSC Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Mapping trade-offs to help build better EV batteries

University of Michigan researchers developed a framework to help stakeholders consider economic, environmental, and social trade-offs in EV battery development. The framework aims to balance the needs of various stakeholders, including manufacturers, drivers, and recyclers, to achieve better outcomes for batteries and electric vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Energy Storage·DateJun 29, 2026

New battery management system makes electric car batteries safer and more durable

A new battery management system developed in the EU project Nemo enables early damage detection and extends service life of electric car batteries. The system uses advanced sensor technology to monitor battery cells and predict aging, reducing the risk of internal short circuits and thermal peaks.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalJournal of Power Sources·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2026
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Study: New nanotube membranes reveal unusually fast lithium-ion transport

Researchers developed nanotube membranes that enable ultrafast ion transport, opening new pathways for high-efficiency clean energy generation and lithium recovery. The discovery shows boron nitride nanotubes selectively move lithium ions faster than expected, with potential applications in blue energy generation and battery recycling.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 18, 2026

Sodium-ion batteries could become a low-cost rival to Tesla’s batteries

Researchers find popular sodium-ion battery matches performance parameters and production quality of Tesla's lithium-ion batteries. Tweaking the Hina battery to charge more effectively at low temperatures could provide a cost-effective alternative for future electric vehicle batteries.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2026

Water scarcity could undercut U.S. lithium mining

A new Northwestern University study finds that most proposed US lithium mines could face significant water shortages, posing challenges to the country's growing industry. Climate change and competition for resources exacerbate existing water stress in areas like southern California and Nevada.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateMay 28, 2026

MIT researchers develop a low-cost technique to get lithium out of rocks

Researchers at MIT have developed a low-temperature process to extract battery-grade lithium from hard rock minerals, minimizing waste and costs. The closed-loop system can produce useful materials, including lithium salts, alumina, and silica, with an estimated cost reduction of half compared to traditional methods.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMay 28, 2026
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Turning ocean water into drinking water, without waste

Researchers at the University of Rochester developed a solar-thermal desalination process that produces fresh water in an energy-efficient way, eliminating brine and requiring no chemical additives. The technology extracts nearly 100% of salts in solid form, producing table salt and precious minerals like lithium.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateMay 27, 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

New Worcester Polytechnic Institute research could give used electric vehicle batteries a second life as higher-performance materials

Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute develop a one-step molten salt upcycling process to transform spent nickel cathodes into high-performance materials for next-generation lithium-ion batteries. This approach reduces recycling costs and energy demands while increasing the value of recovered materials.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·DateMay 22, 2026

CityUHK pioneers safer aqueous zinc-based batteries

The City University of Hong Kong has developed a new generation of aqueous zinc-based batteries offering improved safety, higher power, lower cost and environmental sustainability. The breakthrough addresses large-scale energy storage challenges, providing ideal backup power for data centers.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·DateMay 15, 2026

Smart AI gives electric vehicle batteries 23 per cent longer life – without increasing the charging time

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed an AI method that adapts fast charging to the health of the battery, increasing its lifespan by almost 23%. The new strategy uses reinforcement learning and takes into account the battery's chemistry and state of health.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Transportation Electrification·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2026
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

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.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2026

Understanding the short circuit in solid-state batteries

Max Planck researchers have discovered how microscopic dendrites induce fractures in solid-state batteries, leading to short circuits. By understanding the counterintuitive phenomenon of dendrite formation, they've identified potential strategies to prevent or delay cracking.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateApr 24, 2026
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

New review maps the most promising routes for recycling spent LiFePO4 batteries

The review maps the most promising routes for recycling spent LiFePO4 batteries, focusing on pretreatment, impurity control, direct regeneration, hydrometallurgy, and selective auxiliary processes. It highlights hydrometallurgy as a promising strategy for large-scale recovery needs.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2026
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

New path-planning equalization scheme could improve lithium-ion battery pack performance

A novel active equalization scheme uses path planning to address cell inconsistency in battery packs, improving equalization speed, accuracy, and robustness. The approach combines flexible topology with graph-based energy-transfer modeling and adaptive battery grouping to reduce energy loss and improve overall pack performance.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2026

New EIS-based method could improve state-of-charge estimation for LiFePO4 batteries

Researchers have developed an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) identification algorithm to reconstruct EIS at low frequencies using short-duration sine-wave current pulses. The approach enables accurate state-of-charge estimation for LiFePO4 batteries, which is essential for battery management systems.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·DateApr 14, 2026

New feature-search method could make lithium-ion battery health estimation more robust

Researchers propose an efficient feature search approach for estimating lithium-ion battery state of health, reducing reliance on manually selected aging features. The method combines Bayesian optimization and ensemble regression to improve accuracy and robustness.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2026

New Fourier graph neural network could improve lithium-ion battery health estimation

Researchers propose a Fourier graph neural network to estimate lithium-ion battery state of health, capturing spatial and temporal feature relationships. The model achieves significant reductions in error compared to existing methods, suggesting improved accuracy and transferability.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2026

New rapid battery-capacity estimation method could shorten lithium-ion cell grading

Researchers developed a rapid battery-capacity estimation method using early voltage response during the first discharge cycle. The approach extracts electrochemical signatures related to battery condition and enhances features to improve prediction accuracy, reducing testing time by over 80%.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2026
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

New review maps battery status prediction challenges in the Industry 4.0 era

Battery performance is critical to electrified transportation and green energy systems. Real-world diagnostics are challenging due to complex environments and varying data quality. The review emphasizes the need for adaptive models and AI integration to improve battery status prediction.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2026

New two-step method improves early diagnosis of micro short circuits in lithium-ion batteries

Researchers developed a two-step diagnostic strategy to detect subtle abnormal behavior in lithium-ion batteries. The method combines Hellinger distance with an Inverse Markov Method to identify micro short circuits that can lead to serious safety failures and thermal runaway.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Image-based machine learning framework sharpens battery health estimation across varying conditions

The integrated framework combines incremental capacity analysis with image feature transformation and a hybrid machine-learning pipeline to improve SOH estimation accuracy. It achieves an RMSE of 1.76% on the NASA dataset and shows robustness when operating conditions shift, suggesting better generalization across different datasets.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

New multiphysics model helps reveal how battery swelling force builds during charging

Researchers developed a three-dimensional electro-thermo-mechanical model to quantify the swelling force generated by lithium-ion batteries during charging. The model accurately identifies and quantifies swelling force, offering a new tool for improving battery safety.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

Physics-informed AI framework could improve early prediction of battery knee point and lifespan

Researchers have developed a multi-fidelity framework combining coupled degradation mechanisms with machine learning to predict battery lifespan. The framework addresses the challenge of making reliable forecasts before long-term aging data are available, enabling safer operation and better-informed decision-making.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

New lithium-ion battery design could power longer-lasting electric vehicles and portable devices

Researchers developed a novel lithium-ion battery anode that stores more than 3500 milliampere-hours per gram, outperforming current graphite-based batteries. The new design, VISiCNT, features a vertically integrated silicon-carbon nanotube structure that maintains performance and stability over hundreds of charge cycles.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateMar 26, 2026
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Plasma and lemon juice: Milder method retrieves nearly 95% of critical minerals in battery waste

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to recover nearly all critical minerals from spent lithium-ion batteries, including metals like lithium and graphite. The process uses microwave-induced plasma treatment with room-temperature solvents, resulting in high recovery rates and minimal environmental impact.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2026

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateMar 25, 2026

Thorny issue plaguing lithium-ion batteries laid bare in new study

Researchers directly measured lithium dendrites' mechanical strength, finding they exhibit unexpectedly high strength and brittle behavior under stress. The study provides insights into how dendrites respond to physical stresses within a battery cell, shedding light on the challenge of scale and access that hindered previous research.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

A clear view to better batteries

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis developed an operando microscopy platform to study lithium plating in batteries. The platform revealed the conditions under which plating occurs, allowing for the development of performance maps to optimize fast-charging protocols and enhance battery performance.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalSmall·DateMar 6, 2026
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Breaking down the battery problem

UT Austin researcher Arumugam Manthiram is working to advance lithium-ion battery technology by understanding the chemistry of oxide cathodes. His research aims to develop more efficient and environmentally friendly battery materials, addressing supply chain disruptions and high costs.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 6, 2026

Compositional gradient design and microstructural engineering enable ultra-stable quinary Ni-rich cathodes in high-voltage pouch cells

Developing high-performance Ni-rich cathode materials is crucial for achieving single-cell energy densities exceeding 400 Wh kg‑. A research team synthesized quinary full-concentration-gradient cathodes using an in-situ co-precipitation strategy, featuring a Mn-rich, Ni-poor surface and radially aligned primary particles.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2026

Invisible battery parts finally seen with pioneering technique

A new method allows for precise visualization of modern polymer binders in negative lithium-ion battery electrodes. The study found that small changes in binder distribution can significantly affect charging efficiency and battery lifespan.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 17, 2026
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

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.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·DateFeb 13, 2026

A new method to unlock vast lithium stores

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a faster, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly way to extract lithium. The new method uses temperature-sensitive solvent to extract lithium directly from brines found in deposits across the world.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalJoule·DateJan 21, 2026

HKUST develops pioneering mechanically interlocked molecule-based materials to advance safe, high-performance lithium metal batteries

Researchers from HKUST have developed a mechanically interlocked molecule-based material for lithium metal batteries, showcasing exceptional room-temperature ionic conductivity and Li+ transference number. The material demonstrates high energy density, stability, and longevity in practical tests.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2026

New process for stable, long-lasting all-solid-state batteries

Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute have achieved a breakthrough in developing all-solid-state batteries with high energy density and durability. They successfully densified the solid electrolyte using gentle sintering and applied a thin passivation layer to prevent lithium dendrite formation.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJan 9, 2026

Breakthrough in carbon-based battery materials improves safety, durability, and power

A breakthrough in carbon-based battery materials has improved safety and performance by re designing fullerene molecule connections. This research provides a blueprint for designing next-generation battery materials that support safer fast-charging, higher energy density, and longer lifetimes.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 23, 2025
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

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.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 22, 2025

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.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateDec 21, 2025

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.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2025