Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Researchers monitor thermal runaway of lithium-ion cells using optical fibers

A team of researchers has created an optical fiber sensor that can detect thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, providing early warning and improving safety. The sensor measures internal temperature and pressure during the thermal runaway process, enabling battery safety assessment and warning.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 26, 2023

Pixel-by-pixel analysis yields insights into lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at MIT and partners have discovered that variations in lithium ion flow rates are correlated with differences in carbon coating thickness, which could lead to improved battery efficiency. This technique allows for the extraction of insights from nanoscale data, offering potential applications beyond battery technology.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateSep 13, 2023
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.

‘Computer vision’ reveals unprecedented physical and chemical details of how a lithium-ion battery works

A new method of analyzing nanoscale X-ray movies reveals unprecedented insights into how lithium-ion batteries store and release charge. The study suggests ways to improve the efficiency of billions of nanoparticles in electrode materials, potentially leading to faster-charging batteries.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2023

Silicon-based anodes for high-capacity lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at Meijo University have created silicon-based anodes for high-capacity lithium-ion batteries using a single-step plasma sputtering process. The new method produces Si/Sn nanowire anodes with higher capacity than traditional graphite anodes, demonstrating stable performance and potential for advancing battery technology.

SourceMeijo University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2023

NTU Singapore scientists develop new method to recover high-purity silicon from expired solar panels for upcycling into lithium-ion batteries

Researchers have devised an efficient method of recovering high-purity silicon from expired solar panels, which can help meet the increasing global demand for electric vehicles. The new extraction method using phosphoric acid achieved a recovery rate of 98.9% and purity of 99.2%, comparable to existing methods.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalSolar Energy Materials and Solar Cells·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2023

Lithium recovery

Scientists introduce a novel approach to recover lithium from used LIBs by using aprotic organic solutions to avoid hydrogen gas production and simplify the process. The new method is efficient, inexpensive, and reduces waste, making it an attractive option for sustainable recycling of lithium-ion batteries.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2023
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.

New study finds ways to suppress lithium plating in automotive batteries for faster charging electric vehicles

A new study led by Dr. Xuekun Lu has found a way to prevent lithium plating in electric vehicle batteries, which could lead to faster charging times and improve the battery's energy density. The research also reveals that refining the microstructure of the graphite electrode can minimize the risk of lithium plating.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2023

Move over lithium-ion: Zinc-air batteries a cheaper and safer alternative

A new study by Edith Cowan University has discovered zinc-air batteries as a superior alternative to lithium-ion, offering low costs, environmental benefits, and high theoretical energy density. The breakthrough redesigns the batteries using natural resources like zinc from Australia and air, enhancing their viability for sustainable e...

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalEcoMat·TypeObservational study·DateAug 21, 2023

Chloride ions from seawater eyed as possible lithium replacement in batteries of the future

Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute discovered a new redox chemistry empowered by chloride ions for the development of seawater green batteries. This technology leverages abundant elements such as iron oxides and hydroxides, potentially repurposing iron rust waste materials for modern energy storage.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalChemistry of Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

True shape of lithium revealed for the first time in UCLA research

The study reveals that metallic lithium forms a rhombic dodecahedron in the absence of corrosion, which could lead to safer lithium-metal batteries with increased performance. The researchers developed a new technique for depositing lithium faster than corrosion forms, allowing them to observe this unique shape.

SourceCalifornia NanoSystems Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 2, 2023

A high-pressure flux method to synthesize high-purity oxyhydrides

Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology have successfully synthesized high-purity SrVO2.4H0.6 and Sr3V2O62H0.8 perovskite oxyhydrides using a novel high-pressure flux method, opening up new possibilities for catalysts and lithium-ion battery electrodes.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2023
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.

Dry manufacturing process offers path to cleaner, more affordable high-energy EV batteries

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a dry battery manufacturing process that eliminates toxic solvents and improves durability. The new method enables higher energy density and better long-term cyclability, paving the way for cleaner, more affordable high-energy EV batteries.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2023
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.

Scientists developing way to make cheaper Lithium batteries

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to mix sodium with lithium in high-quality batteries, driving down costs and ensuring the supply. The technique uses a specialized technique to measure energetic stability, allowing for a more stable mixture of up to 20% sodium.

SourceGoldschmidt Conference·DateJul 11, 2023

New study could help unlock ‘game-changing’ batteries for electric vehicles and aviation

Researchers used X-ray computed tomography to visualize dendrite failure in unprecedented detail, revealing separate processes driving initiation and propagation of cracks. The findings point to overcoming technological challenges of lithium metal solid-state batteries, which could improve EV battery range, safety, and performance.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023
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.

To avoid a battery crisis, more of us should share small, lightweight EVs

Researchers suggest sharing smaller, lightweight EVs to manage resource use in EV batteries. They found that reducing material supply risks requires systemic approaches and investments in new battery technologies.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalResources Conservation and Recycling·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 18, 2023

An electric vehicle battery for all seasons

A new fluorine-containing electrolyte has been developed to perform well in sub-zero temperatures, addressing the issue of cold weather affecting electric vehicle battery effectiveness. The research demonstrates how to tailor the atomic structure of electrolytes for low-temperature applications.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMay 17, 2023
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.

New priming method improves battery life, efficiency

Researchers at Rice University developed a new priming method to optimize prelithiation in silicon anodes, improving battery life cycles by up to 44% and energy density. The method uses stabilized lithium metal particles with surfactants, enabling more stable SEI layer formation and reduced lithium depletion.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

Boosting the capacity and voltage of zinc-air batteries

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a zinc-air battery with an open circuit voltage of over 2V, overcoming the major bottleneck for metal-air batteries. By arranging acidic/alkaline electrolytes in tandem, they were able to generate a higher voltage and improve output power density.

SourceTohoku University·JournalAPL Energy·DateMay 9, 2023

Braided current collectors

Researchers at Fudan University have developed braided current collectors that increase the energy density of fiber lithium-ion batteries. The new design improves ion transport within the electrode, increasing charge density and reducing obstruction to lithium ion transport.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2023
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.

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.

Simple, environmentally friendly coating can improve battery performance

A new study reveals how ferroelectric coatings improve all-solid-state lithium batteries by reducing space charge layers and enhancing lithium transportation. The coatings made from guanidinium perchlorate increase battery capacities to near-liquid lithium-ion levels.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateApr 6, 2023

Solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries: Neutrons unveil sluggish charge transport

Researchers observed lithium ions wandering within composite cathodes, revealing limitations in ion delivery that affect battery performance. The findings suggest a previously overlooked development bottleneck for solid-state battery development, highlighting the need to enhance ion transport within cathode composites.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2023

Team finds major storage capacity in water-based batteries

Texas A&M researchers have found a significant increase in energy storage capacity of water-based battery electrodes, paving the way for safer and more stable batteries. The discovery could provide an alternative to lithium-ion batteries, which are facing material shortages and price increases.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 3, 2023
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.

Across the divide: Manufacturing better batteries

The article explores knowledge gaps between laboratory and industrial manufacturing of batteries, highlighting the need for a shift in research priorities. Researchers propose new ways to design experiments that account for industry challenges, such as cost efficiency and impurity tolerance. The study aims to bridge the gap between fun...

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 30, 2023

New invention: The oxygen-ion battery

The oxygen-ion battery has an extremely long service life due to its ability to regenerate and store capacity that does not decrease over time. It also solves the problem of fire hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2023

Bilayer PET/PVDF substrate-reinforced solid polymer electrolyte improves solid-state lithium metal battery performance

A bilayer, nonwoven PET microfiber/polyvinylidene fluoride nanofiber membrane acts as a separator for LIB systems and prevents short circuits. The substrate significantly improves the mechanical and thermal properties of solid polymer electrolytes, enabling cells to operate over 2000 hours.

SourceShinshu University·JournalJournal of Power Sources·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2023

A new sight for the electrochemical stability in halide electrolytes

Researchers have discovered halide electrolytes with relatively wide electrochemical stability windows and good compatibility with cathodes. These findings provide a new strategy for designing solid-state batteries using lithium halide solid electrolytes.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·DateMar 21, 2023
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.

Spherical particles growth with dynamics oscillation during lithium electrodeposition:Insights from numerical simulations

Numerical simulations reveal that spherical particles grow with dynamic oscillation during electrodeposition, influenced by applied electrical potential difference, electrolyte concentration, and diffusion coefficient. The oscillation state results from a competition between electrochemical reactions and ion transport.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2023

Stalactites and stalagmites in the battery?

Lithium dendrites grow in solid-state batteries after charging and discharging cycles, leading to internal short circuits. Researchers have investigated the starting point of this process using microscopy methods, finding that grain boundaries play a crucial role.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Polymer Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2023

3D internal structure of rechargeable batteries revealed for the first time

Researchers pioneered a technique to observe the 3D internal structure of rechargeable batteries, enabling direct observation of the solid electric interface (SEI) and its progression. The study reveals key predictors of SEI layer formation in a complex interplay of molecular dimensions, surface properties, and solvent interactions.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2023

Electric vehicle batteries could get big boost with new polymer coating

Scientists have developed a conductive polymer coating called HOS-PFM that can significantly enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. The coating ensures battery stability and high charge/discharge rates while extending battery life by up to 15 years.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 7, 2023

HKU Mechanical Engineering team unlocks the key to new generation of safe energy-efficient Lithium battery

A HKU Mechanical Engineering team has developed a new generation of lithium-ion batteries that are safer, more powerful and have a longer lifespan. The innovative design uses single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes that can conduct electricity faster than traditional liquid electrolytes.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

The challenges of mining for electric-vehicle batteries

The Inflation Reduction Act's target for domestic EV battery mineral extraction is achievable for some plug-in hybrid vehicles but poses significant challenges for fully electric vehicles. A mass-based standard could reduce uncertainty and incentivize production of high-value minerals domestically.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 6, 2023

Speeding up extreme fast charging capability in lithium-ion batteries

A team of Japanese researchers has developed a novel approach to enhance the fast-charging ability of lithium-ion batteries using a binder material that promotes Li-ion intercalation of active material. This results in high conductivity, low impedance, and good stability, reducing the concentration polarization of Li+ ions.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalACS Materials Letters·DateMar 3, 2023

On the road to better solid-state batteries

A Berkeley Lab-led team has designed a new type of solid electrolyte consisting of a mix of various metal elements, resulting in a more conductive and less dependent material. The new design could advance solid-state batteries with high energy density and superior safety, potentially overcoming long-standing challenges.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateFeb 23, 2023

New study takes close look at energy storage

Researchers analyze current state of solid-state battery technology, identifying key challenges such as developing solid electrolytes and anode materials. The study concludes that new approaches in material research are necessary to overcome these hurdles and achieve commercialization.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Energy·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 23, 2023
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.

Ramping up domestic graphite production could aid the green energy transition

The study found that the US uses mostly synthetic graphite, which is produced from fossil fuel industry by-products, while natural graphite is sourced from mines and imported. The researchers suggest increasing domestic production and recycling of graphite-containing products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 22, 2023

Progress toward fast-charging lithium-metal batteries

Researchers have made progress toward fast-charging lithium-metal batteries by growing uniform lithium crystals on a lithiophobic nanocomposite surface. This approach enables charging in about an hour, competitive with today's lithium-ion batteries and overcoming a significant roadblock to widespread use.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023
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.

Beyond lithium: a promising cathode material for magnesium rechargeable batteries

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have found a promising cathode material for magnesium rechargeable batteries, achieving better cyclability and high battery capacity. The Mg1.33V1.67O4 system with substituted vanadium and manganese shows superior charge-discharge properties.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Electroanalytical Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Controllable ‘defects’ improve performance of lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at North Carolina State University used a new laser technique to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries. The technique creates tiny defects in graphite material, which can enhance battery performance, increase current capacity by up to 20%, and reduce the risk of fires. However, excessive defects can lead to probl...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalCarbon·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Breakthrough technology transforms waste plastic bottles into polymers for lithium-ion batteries

A team of A*STAR scientists has successfully upcycled waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic into polymer electrolytes, key components for safer lithium-ion batteries. The study achieved room temperature conductivity comparable to existing commercial systems and showed promising performance in repeatedly charged and discharged ...

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023

First Carl Zeiss Humboldt Research Award goes to Alexej Jerschow

Chemist Alexej Jerschow receives the first Carl Zeiss Humboldt Research Award for his exceptionally broad research approach in nuclear magnetic resonance. He will collaborate with the team of Dmitry Budker at Mainz University and access to EUR 50,000 for activities during his stay in Germany.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateFeb 7, 2023
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.