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Toward all-solid lithium batteries

A team at MIT has probed the mechanical properties of a sulfide-based solid electrolyte material, determining its potential for use in all-solid-state batteries. The research found that the material exhibits a combination of properties similar to silly putty or salt water taffy, showing promise in energy density and safety.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateFeb 2, 2017

Ultra-thin solution to primary obstacle in solid-state battery development

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a game-changing ultra-thin aluminum oxide layer that decreases impedance in garnet-based solid-state batteries, allowing for efficient charging and discharging. This breakthrough technology solves the primary obstacle in solid-state battery development, increasing safety, perform...

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 19, 2016

New anode material set to boost lithium-ion battery capacity

Researchers developed a new type of anode material that improves lithium-ion battery capacity and lifespan by addressing structural issues with conventional graphite anodes. The new material, using silicon-nanolayer-embedded graphite/carbon, shows superior battery performances and is mass-producible.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Energy·DateDec 12, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Next-generation smartphone battery inspired by the gut

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a prototype of a next-generation lithium-sulphur battery, inspired by the cells lining the human intestine. The new design overcomes a key technical problem hindering commercial development and offers a fivefold energy density boost compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 26, 2016

Self-healable battery

Scientists have developed thin, flexible lithium ion batteries that can self-heal after breaking, overcoming common wearables' power source limitations. The new batteries feature a self-healing polymer and gel electrolyte, allowing for safe use on the body.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 20, 2016

From ancient fossils to future cars

Researchers have created a low-cost, high-energy lithium-ion battery anode material using diatomaceous earth, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient electric vehicle batteries. The discovery could lead to improved adoption of electric vehicles by reducing costs and increasing energy storage capacity.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 20, 2016
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Recharging on stable, amorphous silicon

Researchers have developed a porous amorphous silicon modification that compensates for the disadvantages of crystalline silicon in lithium ion batteries. The resulting material exhibits excellent electrochemical characteristics with a capacity three times better than graphite and much longer cycling stability.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 11, 2016

Solid batteries improve safety

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed solid-state batteries that are non-flammable and can be heated to high temperatures. This breakthrough enables faster charging and larger energy capacity, making them suitable for battery storage power plants and portable electronic devices.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateAug 16, 2016

Lithium-ion batteries: Capacity might be increased by 6 times

Researchers have discovered a way to increase lithium-ion battery capacity by up to 2300 mAh/g, more than six times the current maximum for graphite-based batteries. Extremely thin layers of silicon can be sufficient to absorb high amounts of lithium, reducing material and energy consumption.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 8, 2016

Next generation anode to improve lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at UCR developed a silicon-tin nanocomposite anode that triples charge capacity and extends battery life. The new material enables longer-lasting rechargeable batteries with improved performance and scalability.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 3, 2016
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.

New concept turns battery technology upside-down

A new concept in liquid battery design uses a passive, gravity-fed arrangement to eliminate the need for complex plumbing systems, reducing cost and increasing simplicity. The system can be adjusted by changing the angle of the device, allowing for faster or slower energy production.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMay 25, 2016

Power up when the temperature is down

Researchers from Hiroshima University have developed a new re-chargeable battery that can operate at below-freezing temperatures, making it suitable for use in refrigerated factories or extreme winter environments. The eco battery has the potential to be cheaper, safer, and longer-lasting than current metal-based batteries.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalBulletin of the Chemical Society of Japan·DateMay 20, 2016

Clues on the path to a new lithium battery technology

A new study by TUM researchers has identified singlet oxygen as a potential culprit behind the short battery life of lithium air batteries. The highly reactive substance is created when the batteries are charged, corroding surrounding material and decomposing electrolytic fluid.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 4, 2016

From lighting screens to lighting homes

Researchers at Kyung Hee University propose a model to recycle lithium ion batteries into energy storage units for solar-powered LED lamps, reducing e-waste and providing job opportunities. The system can light up a room for about five hours each day, lasting approximately three years without maintenance.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateApr 19, 2016
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.

Pumping up energy storage with metal oxides

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have discovered that certain metal oxides increase the capacity and cycling performance of lithium-ion batteries. The team created graphene-metal oxide nanocomposites and found two of them greatly improved reversible lithium storage capacity.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateMar 21, 2016

Self-heating lithium-ion battery could beat the winter woes

A self-heating lithium-ion battery can significantly improve electric vehicle performance in cold temperatures, reducing power loss and range anxiety. Developed by Penn State researchers, the all-climate battery uses nickel foil to heat up rapidly, increasing its capacity and efficiency.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateJan 20, 2016

UMD & Army researchers discover salty solution to better, safer batteries

Researchers at UMD and ARL have created a Water-in-Salt aqueous Lithium ion battery technology that doubles the voltage of current batteries without fire risk or poisonous chemicals. The new technology holds great promise for safety-critical applications, including electric vehicles and grid storage.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience·DateNov 19, 2015
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Perpetual youth for batteries?

Researchers at Technical University of Munich identify key mechanisms behind lithium ion battery capacity loss due to aging. The study reveals that a pacifying layer on the anode consumes active lithium and protects the electrolyte from decomposition.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateNov 17, 2015

Clay makes better high-temp batteries

Researchers at Rice University have developed clay-based electrolytes that can supply stable electrochemical power in temperatures up to 120 degrees Celsius, addressing a challenge for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The materials offer thermal stability and wetting properties, enabling good contact with electrodes.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 10, 2015

Using hydrogen to enhance lithium ion batteries

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory scientists discovered that hydrogen-treated graphene nanofoam electrodes improve lithium ion battery performance by increasing capacity and facilitating easier lithium penetration. This breakthrough has real-world applications for electric vehicles and aerospace applications.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 5, 2015
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Simple mathematical formula models lithium-ion battery aging

A team of Penn State researchers has created a simple mathematical formula to predict the most influential factors in lithium-ion battery aging. The formula takes into account state of charge, charging/discharging frequency, operating temperature, and current to estimate battery degradation.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateOct 30, 2015

Discovery about new battery overturns decades of false assumptions

A new discovery at Oregon State University has shown that potassium can work effectively with graphite in a potassium-ion battery, potentially posing a challenge to the widely-used lithium-ion battery. The findings could lead to a more sustainable and cost-effective energy storage solution.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 6, 2015

New cathode material creates possibilities for sodium-ion batteries

A new safe and sustainable cathode material has been identified for low-cost sodium-ion batteries, addressing instability issues and paving the way for commercialization. The material's structure allows for sodium to be inserted and removed while retaining its integrity, enabling further development of sodium-ion batteries.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateSep 23, 2015
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.

New battery technologies take on lithium-ion

Two new battery technologies, sodium-ion and lithium-sulfur, are poised to compete with lithium-ion batteries in the electric car market. Faradion's sodium-ion version and Oxis Energy's lithium-sulfur technology aim to match lithium-ion performance, safety, and costs within the next two to four years.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJul 22, 2015

Key to quick battery charging time

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered the structure and transport properties of the intermediate state in lithium-ion batteries. This finding may help accelerate battery reaction speed and significantly shorten battery charging time.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 16, 2015

Turn that defect upside down

Twin boundaries, naturally occurring defects in materials, can act as energy highways to enhance lithium-ion battery performance. Researchers have discovered that these defects can transport lithium ions more efficiently, leading to better battery life.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 21, 2015
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.

Tracking exploding lithium-ion batteries in real-time

A UCL-led team used high-energy synchrotron X-rays and thermal imaging to track lithium-ion battery damage in real-time. The study found that internal structural damage can spread to neighboring batteries, causing severe failure.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 28, 2015

X-ray study images structural damage in lithium-ion batteries

Researchers used X-ray fluorescence to visualize structural damage in lithium-ion batteries due to fast charging cycles, leading to reduced storage capacity. The study found that even a few charging cycles cause damage to the inner structure of the battery material.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateApr 14, 2015
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.

New paper-like material could boost electric vehicle batteries

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside have developed a novel paper-like material composed of silicon nanofibers to boost lithium-ion battery performance. The material has the potential to increase specific energy by several times, making it suitable for electric vehicles and personal electronics.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 18, 2015

Making a good thing better

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding liquid electrolytes used in lithium-ion batteries. They found that the actual solvation environment of lithium ions is non-tetrahedral, contrary to previous predictions. This discovery could lead to more efficient and better-performing electrolytes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateDec 19, 2014

Research aims to improve rechargeable batteries by focusing on graphene oxide paper

The researchers found that sodium storage capacity of paper electrodes depends on the distance between individual layers, which can be tuned by heating it in argon or ammonia gas. They successfully demonstrated a flexible paper composed entirely of graphene oxide sheets that can charge and discharge with sodium-ions for more than 1,000...

SourceKansas State University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·DateDec 18, 2014
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Ultra-fast charging batteries that can be 70 percent recharged in just 2 minutes

Scientists at NTU Singapore have created a new battery that can be recharged up to 70 percent in only 2 minutes, with a lifespan of over 20 years. This breakthrough enables electric vehicles to charge 20 times faster than current technology, reducing recharge time from over 4 hours to under 15 minutes.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 13, 2014

First-ever look inside a working lithium-ion battery

Using a neutron beam, researchers at Ohio State University track lithium atoms in real time as batteries charge and discharge. This technique, called neutron depth profiling, may help explain why rechargeable batteries lose capacity over time.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 8, 2014

Live from inside a battery

Lithium-ion battery researchers observed the phenomenon of 'lithium plating' during charging, which can cause short-circuits and reduce battery performance. The study used neutron diffraction to investigate the mechanism at work, shedding light on how lithium plating occurs and potentially paving the way for faster-charging batteries.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateSep 3, 2014
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.

Rubber meets the road with new ORNL carbon, battery technologies

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have created a more efficient anode for lithium-ion batteries using recycled tire-derived carbon black, with improved capacity and stability. The novel method could lead to cheaper, environmentally friendly batteries for various applications.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalRSC Advances·DateAug 27, 2014

Stanford team achieves 'holy grail' of battery design: A stable lithium anode

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a protective layer of interconnected carbon nanospheres to protect the unstable lithium from drawbacks, enabling the design of a pure lithium anode. The breakthrough could lead to more efficient and longer-lasting rechargeable batteries with improved capacity and reduced safety risks.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 27, 2014

Silicon sponge improves lithium-ion battery performance

Researchers developed a porous silicon material to replace traditional graphite in lithium-ion batteries, allowing for more energy storage capacity and longer runtime. The new material maintained over 80% of its initial capacity after 1,000 charge-and-discharge cycles.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 8, 2014

Using sand to improve battery performance

A team of researchers at the University of California, Riverside has created a novel method to produce high-performance lithium-ion battery anodes using sand. The innovative technique, which involves milling and purifying quartz from sand, results in a porous nano-silicon material that improves battery lifespan up to three times.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 8, 2014
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

NREL bolsters batteries with nanotubes

Researchers at NREL created high-performance, binder-free electrodes using carbon-nanotube-based materials to improve battery life and performance. The technology has attracted interest from industry and is being licensed for volume production.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateJul 1, 2014

Charging portable electronics in 10 minutes

UC Riverside researchers create three-dimensional silicon-decorated carbon-nanotube clusters architecture for high reversible capacity and excellent cycling stability. The innovative design enables rapid charging times, nearly 16 times faster than conventional graphite-based anodes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalSmall·DateJun 10, 2014

Silly Putty material inspires better batteries

Researchers at UC Riverside have developed a new lithium-ion battery material with over three times the energy storage capacity of current carbon-based anodes. This innovation has significant implications for industries like electronics and electric vehicles.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 15, 2014
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.

Researchers build nonflammable lithium ion battery

Scientists at UNC Chapel Hill have identified a nonflammable alternative to the inherently flammable electrolyte used in current lithium-ion batteries, paving the way for safer and more efficient electric vehicles. The new material, PFPE, exhibits unique properties that make it an ideal replacement, with potential applications in aeros...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2014

Battery development may extend range of electric cars

A new anode design for lithium-sulfur batteries quadruples their lifespan, bringing them closer to commercial use. The hybrid anode's development could enable longer electric car drives and cheaper storage of renewable wind energy.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 9, 2014

Special topic: Airworthiness and fatigue

The International Conference on Airworthiness and Fatigue explored the importance of energy efficiency in aviation transport, focusing on mechanical, electrical, and chemical effects. Researchers emphasized the need for 'Multiscaling and Mesomechanics' to balance these effects and ensure system stability.

SourceScience China Press·DateDec 25, 2013

Holistic cell design leads to high-performance, long cycle-life Li/S battery

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a lithium-sulfur (Li/S) battery with more than twice the specific energy of lithium-ion batteries and up to 1,500 cycles without significant capacity loss. The battery's high performance makes it promising for electric vehicles with long driving ranges.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 19, 2013
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

UT Arlington engineers making batteries safer, cooler

Researchers at UT Arlington are working on a $152,077 Office of Naval Research grant to improve the thermal properties of lithium-ion batteries. They aim to devise better designs for cooling and operating these batteries safely in high-power applications, reducing the risk of fires and battery degradation.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateOct 8, 2013

Battery design gets boost from aligned carbon nanotubes

Researchers at North Carolina State University have created a new flexible nano-scaffold using aligned carbon nanotubes to improve the stability of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The design shows promise in increasing battery capacity and reducing pulverization, a significant challenge in using silicon as an electrode material.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 6, 2013

The secrets of another Japanese success story

Japan's high-tech companies excel in producing components for lithium-ion batteries and LCD films, with financial performance outpacing the rest of the chemical industry.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 12, 2013

'Popcorn' particle pathways promise better lithium-ion batteries

Sandia National Laboratories researchers found that charging and discharging rates are limited by phase transformation initiation, contradicting previous assumptions. They used X-ray microscopy to study ultrathin slices of a commercial-grade battery, revealing a mosaic pathway of lithium-ion movement.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 11, 2013