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Production of 'post-lithium-ion batteries' requires new skills

The production of post-lithium-ion batteries faces significant challenges, requiring intensive research and development activities to develop new manufacturing competences and machines. Currently, the vast majority of production capacities for alternative battery technologies, such as solid batteries or lithium-sulphur batteries, are n...

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Energy·DateJan 29, 2021
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.

Russian chemists developed polymer cathodes for ultrafast batteries

Researchers created new polymer-based cathode materials for lithium dual-ion batteries, achieving up to 25,000 operating cycles and fast charging times. The cathodes can also be used to produce potassium dual-ion batteries, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalEnergy Technology·DateJan 19, 2021

iCeMS makes highly conductive antiperovskites with soft anion lattices

Researchers have designed a new type of antiperovskite that could help replace flammable organic electrolytes in lithium ion batteries. The compound, containing a hydrogen anion and 'soft' chalcogen anions like sulphur, provides an ideal conduction path for lithium and sodium ions.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 12, 2021
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.

Single-crystal technology holds promise for next-generation lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at the DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a process to grow high-performance single-crystal nickel-rich cathodes, overcoming challenges of polycrystalline materials. The new technology identifies the cause of 'crystal gliding' in batteries, which can lead to microcracks and reduced battery lifespan.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateDec 10, 2020

Environmentally friendly method could lower costs to recycle lithium-ion batteries

A new environmentally friendly method for restoring spent cathodes to mint condition could make it more economical to recycle lithium-ion batteries. Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a process that uses inexpensive and benign chemicals, consumes 80-90% less energy, and emits 75% less greenhouse gases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJoule·DateNov 12, 2020

Improving high-energy lithium-ion batteries with carbon filler

Researchers used conductive fillers like single-walled carbon nanotubes to improve battery performance. The study found that combining NCM electrodes with as little as 0.16% by weight of SWCNT produced good electrical conductivity.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateNov 10, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Process to recover metals from batteries licensed by Momentum Technologies

The Membrane Solvent Extraction (MSX) process developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory allows for the recovery of highly pure cobalt, nickel, lithium, and manganese from spent lithium-ion batteries. This technology contributes to a circular economy by recycling end-of-life products without generating hazardous waste.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateOct 14, 2020
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.

Battery fires: Industry and research must work together for safer batteries

The review paper highlights the need for better alignment between industry and research to address battery fire safety challenges. Industry leaders and researchers agree that current standards are not representative of real-world scenarios, leading to inadequate prevention and suppression of fires.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateSep 23, 2020

Predicting the slow death of lithium-ion batteries

A new algorithm developed by Stanford University scientists can accurately predict the remaining storage capacity and charge level of lithium-ion batteries in real-time. This innovation has the potential to enable smaller battery packs and greater driving ranges in electric vehicles, reducing costs and environmental impact.

SourceStanford University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology·DateSep 14, 2020

NTU Singapore scientists use fruit peel to turn old batteries into new

Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed a novel method using fruit peel waste to extract and reuse precious metals from spent lithium-ion batteries. The process creates minimal waste and can be scaled up for industrial use, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional methods.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 26, 2020
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.

The historical partnership that revolutionized battery research at Argonne

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory are working on a new generation of lithium-ion battery materials, including manganese-rich compounds and spinel-type structures. These materials have the potential to improve energy density, safety, and cost-effectiveness, enabling widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateAug 18, 2020

Anode material for safe batteries with a long cycle life

Researchers at KIT and Jilin University developed lithium lanthanum titanate (LLTO) as a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries. LLTO enables higher energy density, power density, and charging rate while improving safety and cycle life.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 6, 2020

Superior TNOx/HRGO hybrid anode for lithium-ion batteries

A new hybrid anode material, Ti2Nb10O29-x/HRGO, has been developed to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries. The material exhibits excellent reversible capacity and cycling stability, making it a potential candidate for electric vehicles and mobile electronics.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalNANO·DateAug 4, 2020
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.

Serendipity broadens the scope for making graphite

Curtin University researchers have discovered a new method for creating crystalline graphite using an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, without the need for metal catalysts or special raw materials. The technique was developed by Master-level student Jason Fogg, who used short fast pulses to heat samples to extreme temperatures.

SourceCurtin University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 24, 2020

Russian scientists identified energy storage mechanism of sodium-ion battery anode

Researchers from Skoltech and MSU discovered the type of electrochemical reaction associated with charge storage in the anode material for sodium-ion batteries. They also developed a method to produce hard carbon with high capacity comparable to graphite, a crucial step towards commercializing SIB.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalElectrochimica Acta·DateJul 21, 2020

The road to a battery-powered Europe

European manufacturers are emerging as sustainable successors to combustion engines, with the European Commission investing heavily in initiatives to establish new factories and mining operations across the region. The goal is to create hundreds of thousands of jobs while reducing the carbon footprint of production.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJul 15, 2020
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.

AI could help improve performance of lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells

Researchers applied machine learning techniques to explore microstructure of fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries. They used DC-GANs to generate 3D image data and run simulations to predict cell performance. The technique could help design optimized electrodes for improved energy storage.

SourceImperial College London·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateJun 25, 2020

Researchers develop viable sodium battery

Scientists have created a sodium-ion battery that can deliver high energy capacity and recharge successfully, keeping over 80% of its charge after 1,000 cycles. This breakthrough has the potential to replace rare and expensive lithium-ion batteries with more abundant and affordable materials.

SourceWashington State University·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateJun 1, 2020

MRI scanning assists with next generation battery design

Researchers have developed an MRI scanning technique that enables the detection of sodium metal ions in batteries, providing unprecedented insights into their behavior during operation. This allows for the identification of failure mechanisms and the development of longer life and higher performing batteries.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 29, 2020

Researchers tackle a new opportunity to develop high-energy batteries

Army researchers have developed a new electrolyte design for lithium-ion batteries that improves anode capacity by more than five times compared to traditional methods. The new design increases the number of possible cycles with little degradation, extending the lifespan of next-generation lithium-ion batteries.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateApr 28, 2020
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.

Next-generation batteries take major step toward commercial viability

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a method to stabilize lithium-sulfur batteries, extending their cycle life by four times. This breakthrough enables more environmentally sustainable and cost-effective battery production, with potential applications in electric vehicles and renewable energy.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJoule·DateApr 28, 2020

High-performance electrolyte solves battery puzzle

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a new electrolyte that forms a protective layer on silicon anodes, stabilizing their structure and preventing degradation. This breakthrough enables the use of micro-sized alloy anodes, significantly enhancing energy density and paving the way for high-energy batteries.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Energy·DateApr 21, 2020

Better, safer batteries

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a new fluorinated cyclic phosphate solvent electrolyte that improves upon existing ethylene carbonate, offering nonflammable properties and increased voltage tolerance. This breakthrough could lead to longer journeys in electric vehicles and improved fire safety in home energy storage.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 27, 2020
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.

Fast-charging damages electric car batteries

Researchers found that commercial fast-charging stations cause high temperatures and resistance damage to electric car batteries, leading to capacity loss and potential fires. The University of California, Riverside developed an adaptive fast-charging algorithm to mitigate this issue.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnergy Storage·DateMar 11, 2020

Potassium metal battery emerges as a rival to lithium-ion technology

Researchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a potassium metal battery that performs nearly as well as a lithium-ion battery, but relies on potassium for a more abundant and less expensive element. The battery solves the persistent problem of dendrites, which can cause short circuits and fires.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 2, 2020
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.

A nacre-inspired separator coating for impact-tolerant lithium batteries

Researchers developed a nacre-inspired separator coating to improve lithium battery safety and impact resistance. The coating exhibits higher tensile strength, better electrolyte wettability, and smaller thermal shrinkage compared to commercial ceramic nanoparticle coatings.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 25, 2020
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.

Army scientists look inside batteries with a molecular eye

Researchers use liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry to monitor chemical reactions in battery interface, revealing key findings on SEI formation and its impact on battery performance. Understanding the chemistry of the solid-electrolyte-interphase (SEI) holds the key to unlocking future better batteries.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateFeb 5, 2020

Energy storage startup SPARKZ licenses ORNL cobalt-free battery tech

SPARKZ Inc. exclusively licensed five battery technologies from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, eliminating cobalt metal in lithium-ion batteries for more sustainable, fast-charging batteries. The partnership aims to accelerate electric vehicle production and grid energy storage solutions.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateFeb 5, 2020
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.

UK needs to act to prevent electric vehicle battery waste mountain -- new study

A new study highlights the need for governments and industry to act now to develop a robust recycling infrastructure for end-of-life lithium ion batteries. The UK has an enormous opportunity to address this issue, with analysis suggesting eight gigafactories are needed by 2040 to service demand for recycled materials.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature·DateNov 6, 2019
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.

Shedding new light on the charging of lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a new mechanism to speed up lithium-ion battery charging using concentrated light. By exposing the cathode to white light, the charging time is reduced by a factor of two without degrading battery performance.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 31, 2019

Lithium ion battery design can charge an electric vehicle in 10 minutes

Researchers have developed a lithium ion battery design that can charge an electric vehicle in just 10 minutes, increasing its driving range. The design uses elevated temperatures to increase reaction rates and keeps the cell cool during discharge, eliminating the risk of lithium plating and improving cycle life.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateOct 30, 2019

Will lithium-air batteries ever take flight?

Lithium-air batteries offer a maximum specific energy of 3,460 W h/kg, but scientists need to overcome obstacles such as unstable electrolytes and interference from air pollutants. The technology uses oxygen to oxidize a lithium-metal anode and could be powered by a plane's onboard air storage and filtration systems.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 30, 2019

Binghamton University professor wins Nobel Prize in Chemistry

M. Stanley Whittingham's work on lithium-ion batteries has revolutionized energy storage and utilization, enabling widespread use of portable electronics. His research has been instrumental in advancing the development of these batteries, paving the way for significant technological advancements.

SourceBinghamton University·DateOct 9, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateAug 1, 2019

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateJul 30, 2019

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.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalNanomaterials·DateJul 30, 2019

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.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJul 15, 2019
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.

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.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateJun 28, 2019

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 19, 2019

Most detailed X-ray image of batteries yet to reveal why they still aren't good enough

A team of researchers developed a new technique using X-ray technology to map out damage in lithium-ion batteries. They created the most comprehensive view yet of battery electrodes, which are prone to degradation from repeated charging. The study could lead to more reliable and longer-lasting batteries for electric cars and smartphones.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJun 3, 2019

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.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProgress in Energy and Combustion Science·DateMay 9, 2019
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJoule·DateApr 19, 2019

Through thick and thin: Neutrons track lithium ions in battery electrodes

Researchers employed neutron-imaging techniques to track lithiation and delithiation processes in lithium-ion batteries' materials and structures. The study aimed to understand how lithium moves through electrode materials, essential for designing faster-charging batteries.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateApr 19, 2019