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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

Promising material for lithium-ion batteries

Scientists at TUM have synthesized a novel framework structure consisting of boron and silicon, which could serve as an electrode material. The LiBSi2 framework has channels that allow for the storage and release of lithium atoms, making it a promising alternative to pure silicon.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

More emphasis needed on recycling and reuse of Li-ion batteries

A new study suggests that Li-ion battery disposal can lead to environmental and human health threats due to the release of toxic materials. The American Chemical Society recommends stronger government policies to encourage recovery, recycling, and reuse of lithium-ion battery materials.

Add boron for better batteries

Researchers at Rice University found that adding boron to graphene improves its ability to store lithium ions, resulting in a capacity two times larger than graphite. The discovery also enables the material to hold a proper voltage, making it suitable for commercial use.

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.

New technique to improve quality control of lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new technique to detect flaws in lithium-ion batteries during manufacturing, including uneven coating and thickness variations. The 'flash thermography measurement' method uses heat and thermal imaging to quickly identify defects, which can impact battery life and reliability.

Understanding the life of lithium ion batteries in electric vehicles

The study found that lithium-ion battery performance begins to suffer at temperatures above 86 degrees Fahrenheit, and proper charging habits can extend its life. The researchers recommended second-life applications for batteries after they reach their full capacity, such as utility storage or recycling.

Tortuous paths hamper ion transport

Scientists have created a three-dimensional map of electrode materials in lithium-ion batteries, revealing their unique structures and impact on charging speeds. The study's findings suggest that using round particles instead of plate-like ones can significantly improve the battery's performance.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Clever battery completes stretchable electronics package

A new stretchable lithium-ion battery has been developed by Northwestern University researchers, enabling true integration of electronics and power into a small, stretchable package. The battery can be stretched up to 300 percent of its original size without losing functionality.

ORNL research paves way for larger, safer lithium ion batteries

Scientists at ORNL developed a high-performance, nanostructured solid electrolyte for more energy-dense lithium ion batteries, overcoming safety concerns and size constraints. The ability to use pure lithium metal as an anode could yield batteries five to ten times more powerful than current versions.

Engineer making rechargeable batteries with layered nanomaterials

Researchers develop efficient methods for creating nanomaterials and lithium-ion batteries using graphene films grown on copper and nickel foils. Graphene-based battery shows improved performance due to well-defined Bernal Stacking, while tungsten disulfide nanosheets store and release lithium ions through conversion reactions.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Using snail teeth to improve solar cells and batteries

Assistant professor David Kisailus develops nanoscale materials using the chiton's radula, a conveyor belt-like structure with 70-80 parallel rows of teeth. The resulting materials can improve the efficiency of solar cells and lithium-ion batteries.

Ancient red dye powers new 'green' battery

Researchers from City College of New York have developed a non-toxic and sustainable lithium-ion battery powered by purpurin, a natural plant dye extracted from the madder plant. The battery's production process is simpler and less expensive than traditional Li-ion batteries, with fewer environmental risks.

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.

Rice cultivates green batteries from plant

Researchers at Rice University have discovered that the madder plant's purpurin can be used as a natural cathode for lithium-ion batteries, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional batteries. The team has built a half-battery cell with a capacity of 90 milliamp hours per gram after 50 charge/discharge cycles.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

New energy storage device based on water

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum are developing an aqueous lithium-ion battery that could improve the performance, lifespan, and price-performance ratio of existing batteries. The goal is to produce a more efficient and cost-effective energy storage device for use in power supply systems.

Fluoride shuttle increases storage capacity

Researchers at KIT develop a new concept for rechargeable batteries based on fluoride shuttles, increasing storage capacity by several factors. The fluoride-ion battery offers improved safety properties without lithium, with potential applications in mobile devices.

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.