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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.

Argonne-led center receives award for pivotal discovery in battery technology

The Argonne-led Center for Electrochemical Energy Science has developed two new electrode technologies that use graphene to improve lithium-ion battery properties. These advancements have led to increased power, lifetime, and safety, as well as the ability to function at low temperatures, critical for electric vehicles in cold regions.

Leap toward robust binder-less metal phosphide electrodes for Li-ion batteries

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology have successfully fabricated a binder-less tin phosphide/carbon composite film electrode for lithium-ion batteries via aerosol deposition. The electrode exhibits improved charging and discharging cycling stabilities, enabling advanced Li-ion batteries with higher capacity.

Electric car research boosted by cobalt-free battery

Researchers at UT Austin aim to develop a lithium-ion battery that requires no cobalt while maintaining high energy density. A $3 million collaborative project funded by the US Department of Energy seeks to demonstrate low-cobalt battery technology in large cells and create a cobalt-free battery.

High-performance sodium ion batteries using copper sulfide

Researchers have discovered a new strategy to extend sodium ion battery cyclability using copper sulfide as the electrode material. This leads to high-performance conversion reactions and is expected to improve the commercialization of sodium ion batteries.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

X-ray imaging provides clues to fracture in solid-state batteries

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology used X-ray computed tomography to visualize cracks forming near material interfaces in solid-state batteries. The study found that fractures, not chemical reactions, are the primary cause of degradation, leading to a possible solution for improving energy storage devices.

Expanding the temperature range of lithium-ion batteries

Researchers developed new electrolytes containing multiple additives to improve lithium-ion battery performance across a wider temperature range. The optimized combination enhanced discharging performance and long-term stability at low temperatures, while also improving cycling stability at higher temperatures.

Assessing battery performance: Compared to what?

A team of experts has reviewed literature on various methods used to characterize lithium-ion battery performance, providing guidance on the most appropriate test method for a given situation. The study aims to improve comparability of battery innovations tailored to different applications.

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.

Researchers report high performance solid-state sodium-ion battery

The organic cathode offers more reliable contact with the electrolyte, extending cycle life and allowing for higher energy density. The flexibility of the organic cathode maintains intimate contact at the interface even as the cathode expands and contracts during cycling.

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.

Review of the recent advances of 2D nanomaterials in Lit-ion batteries

Researchers summarize recent advances in 2D nanomaterials for electrodes in lithium-ion batteries, showcasing their high electrochemical and mechanical properties. The review highlights the potential of 2D nanomaterials as anodes and cathodes, with applications in high-performance energy storage devices.

Upcycling plastic bags into battery parts (video)

Scientists have developed a method to upcycle polyethylene from plastic bags into pure carbon, which can be used as anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The new approach creates a cost-effective and efficient way to convert plastic waste into useful energy-storing materials.

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.

Top 10 chemistry start-ups

These start-ups are using chemistry to fight disease, control agricultural pests, and make safer lithium-ion batteries. The selected companies have ignited investor interest with their groundbreaking ideas.

3D-printed lithium-ion batteries

A new method for 3D printing lithium-ion batteries has been developed, overcoming the limitation of commercially available battery shapes. The researchers increased the battery's ionic conductivity by infusing polymers with an electrolyte solution and boosting electrical conductivity using graphene or multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

Building a better battery layer by layer

Researchers at Shinshu University developed a self-assembled monolayer coating that promotes efficient transportation within electrodes, suppressing side reactions in high-voltage lithium-ion batteries. The coating improved power density and cyclability, allowing the battery to maintain capacity even after 100 cycles.

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.

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.

Office of Naval Research invests in Purdue battery safety technology

Purdue researchers have developed methods to make batteries safer, which could be scaled up for larger batteries used in naval strategic systems. The project aims to incorporate these safety measures into lithium-sulfur technology, potentially increasing energy density and reducing overheating.

Tripling the energy storage of lithium-ion batteries

Scientists have synthesized a new cathode material from iron fluoride that surpasses the capacity limits of traditional lithium-ion batteries. By manipulating the reaction pathway through chemical substitution, researchers were able to make the material more reversible, increasing its energy density by tripling it.

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.

Army research rejuvenates older zinc batteries

Researchers developed a highly reversible zinc metal anode for aqueous batteries, addressing safety concerns and increasing energy storage capacity. The new technology has the potential to replace conventional lithium-ion batteries in extreme conditions, such as aerospace and military applications.

Battery's hidden layer revealed

Researchers deciphered the chemistry behind lithium fluoride's formation in SEI, discovering a new method to monitor hydrogen fluoride concentration. This monitoring capability is crucial for future basic science studies and commercial applications.

Ultra-powerful batteries made safer, more efficient

Researchers at the University of Delaware have made a breakthrough in mitigating dendrite formation in lithium metal batteries, enabling them to be used for electric vehicles. The new method uses porous materials to suppress dendrite growth, resulting in improved battery performance and safety.

Researchers charge ahead to develop better batteries

Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have developed a high-powered, environmentally safe lithium-sulfur substitute that could drastically lengthen battery life. The new technology improves stability and power density, making lithium-sulfur batteries more commercially viable.

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.

Scenario 2050: Lithium and cobalt might not suffice

Researchers warn of critical shortages of lithium and cobalt in the future, with post-lithium technologies like sodium-ion batteries offering alternatives. Upscaling production and recycling are key to reducing pressure on these resources.

All power to the proton: RMIT researchers make battery breakthrough

The proton battery uses a carbon electrode as a hydrogen store, coupled with a reversible fuel cell to produce electricity. It stores more energy per unit mass than commercially available lithium ion batteries and has the potential to power electric vehicles and medium-scale storage on electricity grids.

A lithium battery that operates at -70 degrees Celsius, a record low

Researchers in China have developed a battery that can function at -70 degrees Celsius, far colder than traditional lithium-ion batteries. The breakthrough design uses organic compound electrodes with an ester-based electrolyte, enabling it to conduct a charge even at extremely low temperatures.

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.

Recycling and reusing worn cathodes to make new lithium ion batteries

A new recycling method restores used cathode particles from spent lithium ion batteries, restoring charge storage capacity, charging time, and battery lifetime. The process reduces energy consumption compared to other methods and aims to address environmental concerns and economic issues related to battery waste.

Surprising discovery could lead to better batteries

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory observed an unexpected phenomenon in lithium-ion batteries, where the concentration of lithium inside individual nanoparticles reverses. This discovery could help develop batteries that charge faster and last longer.

A lithium-ion battery inspired by safety glass

Researchers have modified lithium-ion batteries to include slits along the electrodes, potentially mitigating battery failure during automobile accidents. The prototype improved energy density and reduced housing material costs, offering a safer alternative for electric vehicles.

Sandia researchers make solid ground toward better lithium-ion battery interfaces

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories identified major obstacles to advancing solid-state lithium-ion battery performance, focusing on the flow of lithium ions across battery interfaces. By improving the interfaces between materials, they aim to make solid-state batteries more efficient and reduce traffic jams in small electronics.

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.

Flipping the electron spin

Researchers at TUM and Jülich Institute have developed a novel EPR spectroscopy process to investigate lithium plating in lithium-ion batteries. This allows for the detection of metallic lithium deposits on anodes, which can reduce battery capacity and lifespan.

Working in the cold

Scientists at Fudan University have designed a high-rate and long-life lithium-ion battery with improved low-temperature performance. The battery system features a cold-enduring hard-carbon anode and a powerful lithium-rich cathode, with the initial lithiation step integrated.

Toward safer, longer-lasting batteries for electronics and vehicles

Solid-state batteries have the potential to replace flammable liquid electrolytes with solids, improving safety and energy density. Industry leaders like Toyota, Apple, and Bosch are investing in this technology, but high costs remain a major obstacle to widespread commercialization.

Microscopic defects make batteries better

Researchers found that microscopic defects in electrodes enable lithium to hop inside the cathode along multiple directions, increasing reactive surface area and allowing for more efficient exchange of lithium ions. This discovery challenges traditional thinking on how electrode shape should be optimized for battery performance.

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.

When humidity benefits batteries

Researchers developed a postprocessing treatment for silicon-based electrodes that improves mechanical properties and storage capacity, leading to up to ten times increased electrode performance. The treatment involves placing electrodes in a humid environment for two to three days, resulting in greater stability and longer cycle life.

Analysis: Metal supplies unlikely to seriously hamper battery use

A new analysis suggests that metal shortages will not significantly impact battery production, but short-term bottlenecks in lithium and cobalt supplies are possible. Researchers recommend monitoring supply chains to avoid disruptions and exploring alternative materials.

QUT creates Australia's first lithium-ion battery

QUT researchers have developed Australia's first pilot facility to produce commercial grade lithium-ion batteries, utilizing processes that enable extremely safe and efficient batteries. The facility can rapidly prototype new battery formulations and cell types, potentially kick-starting an Australian battery manufacturing industry.

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.

Water-based lithium-ion batteries without explosive risks now a reality

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a water-based lithium-ion battery that reaches 4.0 volts and achieves high energy density while maintaining safety. The new gel polymer electrolyte coating prevents water from decomposing and forms a stable interphase, protecting the anode and preventing fires or explosions.

Recipe for safer batteries -- Just add diamonds

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a recipe for safer lithium-ion batteries by adding nanodiamonds to the electrolyte solution. The nanodiamonds suppress the growth of dendrites, which can cause short-circuits and fires in traditional lithium-ion batteries.

University of Sydney charges ahead on zinc-air batteries

Researchers at the University of Sydney have made a breakthrough in rechargeable zinc-air batteries by developing a new three-stage method that produces low-cost and high-performance catalysts. The new catalysts can be used to build rechargeable zinc-air batteries, overcoming one of the biggest hurdles preventing their widespread use.