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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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 6, 2013

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 22, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMay 16, 2013

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.

SourcePurdue University·DateMay 9, 2013

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 10, 2013

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateApr 8, 2013

Analytical theory may bring improvements to lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a theoretical framework to control dendrite growth in lithium-ion batteries, which can cause internal shorts and fires. The new approach could lead to faster charging times and improved safety.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateMar 5, 2013
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 26, 2013

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.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 23, 2013

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.

SourceKansas State University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJan 16, 2013
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJan 16, 2013

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.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 11, 2012
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.

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.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 11, 2012

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.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·DateFeb 27, 2012
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.

Sandia National Laboratories researchers find energy storage 'solutions' in MetILs

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a new family of liquid salt electrolytes called MetILs, which could lead to batteries storing three times more energy than today's batteries. The breakthrough may help integrate large-scale intermittent renewable energy sources into the nation's electric grid.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalDalton Transactions·DateFeb 17, 2012

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.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry·DateOct 21, 2011

New high-performance lithium-ion battery 'top candidate' for electric cars

Scientists have developed a new high-performance lithium-ion battery that stores large amounts of energy in a small space, making it suitable for powering electric vehicles. The innovative battery has a high rate capacity, enabling it to provide current even in extreme temperatures.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 23, 2011
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.

Batteries smaller than a grain of salt

Scientists have created tiny energy storage devices, no bigger than a grain of sand, with the potential to power micro- and nano-scale devices. The new batteries are part of a larger effort to miniaturize lithium-ion technology, which could lead to breakthroughs in fields like medicine and electronics.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateOct 19, 2010

Silicon strategy shows promise for batteries

Rice University scientists have created a new type of silicon anode that can store more than 10 times the amount of lithium as current graphite-based anodes. The breakthrough could lead to significant increases in battery performance and lifespan, making electric cars more efficient and cost-effective.

SourceRice University·DateOct 13, 2010

Scientists home in on lithium battery safety flaws

Researchers at Cambridge have developed a way to visualize chemistry in lithium-ion batteries using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. This technique could help identify the formation of dendrites, which cause short circuits and fires, enabling the development of safer battery technologies.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 16, 2010
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.

MIT makes significant step toward lightweight batteries

A team of MIT researchers has made significant progress on lithium-air batteries by identifying metal catalysts that can improve efficiency and increase energy density. The study finds that electrodes with gold or platinum catalysts show higher activity and efficiency than simple carbon electrodes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalElectrochemical and Solid-State Letters·DateApr 2, 2010

Lithium-ion anode uses self-assembled nanocomposite materials to increase capacity

A new high-performance anode structure based on silicon-carbon nanocomposite materials has been developed, significantly improving the performance of lithium-ion batteries. The self-assembly technique creates rigid spheres with open internal channels that allow for rapid entry of lithium ions and accommodate expansion without cracking.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 14, 2010

Argonne researchers win 2 R&D 100 Awards

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have won two R&D 100 Awards for their work on ultra-high power lithium-ion batteries and ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) mechanical seals. These innovations demonstrate the scientific know-how and innovative spirit of Argonne researchers.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateJul 17, 2008
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Sandia researchers seek ways to make lithium-ion batteries work longer, safer

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories are developing strategies to make lithium-ion batteries more tolerant to abusive conditions, with the goal of increasing their lifespan and reducing costs. The team's work could pave the way for the widespread adoption of hybrid electric vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateJan 16, 2006