Articles tagged with Electrochemical Energy
Researchers have discovered a new material, LLNOF, with a record-high conductivity of seven millisiemens per centimeter, comparable to liquid electrolytes. The material's high conductivity is due to a dynamic interplay among four atomic sites that form a tetrahedron around the fluoride ion.
Researchers developed a cobalt-based catalyst that efficiently promotes oxygen reduction and evolution reactions in zinc-air batteries. The catalyst's curved carbon support and cobalt nanoparticles work together to improve oxygen electrocatalysis, enabling long-term bifunctional performance.
Copper sulfide catalysts reconstruct their surface during Potential-Step electrolysis, producing compounds like formic acid and suppressing hydrocarbon formation. Sulfur and oxygen play distinct roles, promoting hydrogen adsorption and generating neighboring Cu0/Cu+ sites for carbon–carbon bond formation.
Researchers designed a novel organic-inorganic composite electrolyte to improve lithium metal batteries' safety, reliability, and electrochemical performance. The asymmetric quasi-solid-state composite electrolyte reduces internal short-circuit risks and enhances overall battery life.
Researchers developed a composite anode using coal-tar-pitch-derived carbon and ZnO/ZnSe heterostructures, achieving high reversible capacity and rate capability. The material design enabled capacitive storage and improved sodium insertion/extraction efficiency.
Researchers introduce phosphonate ester groups into conductive polymer films to balance electronic charge transport and ion transport, improving OECT performance. The approach enables precise tuning of polymer properties without redesigning monomers.
A new method using rheo-impedance spectroscopy links slurry shear conditions to battery performance, enabling data-driven optimization and improved manufacturing efficiency. The study found an optimal 'sweet spot' in processing conditions that balances breaking up particle clusters with maintaining electrical pathways.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed an AI method that adapts fast charging to the health of the battery, increasing its lifespan by almost 23%. The new strategy uses reinforcement learning and takes into account the battery's chemistry and state of health.
Researchers discovered that faster dendrite growth is associated with lower stress levels in a commonly used battery electrolyte material, revealing chemical reactions as a new culprit behind the problem. The study provides guidance for designing stronger electrolytes to make solid-state batteries successful.
A University of Virginia researcher is developing an alternative method to remove nitrate from wastewater by converting it into valuable chemical products. The project uses electrocatalysis and modulation excitation spectroscopy to optimize the conversion process, aiming to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis developed an operando microscopy platform to study lithium plating in batteries. The platform revealed the conditions under which plating occurs, allowing for the development of performance maps to optimize fast-charging protocols and enhance battery performance.
Researchers explore how METs convert organic waste into electricity, fuels, fertilizers, and usable water. Pilot deployments demonstrate its potential to reclaim energy from 359 billion cubic meters of wastewater annually.
Emerging microbially-powered technologies can convert up to 35% of wastewater's chemical energy into electricity and extract valuable nutrients. This approach could power agriculture, global sanitation and its own treatment, while reducing pollution and overcoming regulatory obstacles.
Researchers at Duke University and the University of Pennsylvania observed iridium oxide nanocrystals restructure and dissolve atom by atom during electrolysis. The findings provide critical insight into why current catalysts fail and how future materials might last longer, paving the way for sustainable energy solutions.
Researchers at Saarland University have developed carbon spheres filled with iron oxide, achieving promising results for environmentally friendly lithium-ion batteries. The material's storage capacity increases over time as the iron oxide is electrochemically activated, making it a potential solution for renewable energy storage.
Researchers at Penn State develop a hydrogel-based battery that mimics the electrical processes of electric eels, producing higher power densities than previous designs. The battery is non-toxic, flexible, and environmentally stable, making it suitable for biomedical applications.
Researchers have designed a pendulum-based system that extracts energy from ocean currents using water-induced vibrations. The device achieves around 15-17% efficiency, comparable to other cylinder vibration systems, but with a simpler structure, potentially suitable for tidal and river environments.
A new plant-based hydrogel has been developed to tackle the problem of metallic zinc growing needle-like dendrites that short-circuit cells within a few hundred cycles. The cellulose-nanofiber dual network boosts ion flow and mechanical strength, delivering a cheap and biodegradable electrolyte.
Researchers at Illinois Tech developed a new material with high ionic conductivity and low activation energy, enabling the efficient storage and release of energy. The material's unique structure allows lithium ions to move freely, even at cold temperatures, making it promising for applications in electric vehicles and energy storage.
Researchers have developed electrocatalytic glycerol oxidation (GOR) technology to convert waste glycerol into valuable chemicals. The process offers an energy-efficient alternative to traditional oxygen evolution reaction, producing high-value products like dihydroxyacetone and glyceric acid.
A new hybrid anode technology has been developed that delivers higher energy storage while reducing thermal runaway and explosion risks. The 'magneto-conversion' strategy applies an external magnetic field to ferromagnetic manganese ferrite conversion-type anodes, promoting uniform lithium ion transport and preventing dendrite formation.
Anode degradation in PEM water electrolyzers arises from chemical, electrochemical, mechanical, and impurity-driven processes. Advanced diagnostics and mechanism-informed lifetime models are needed to develop durable and cost-effective systems.
A new iron-based magnetic material achieves a 50% reduction in core loss compared to initial amorphous materials, particularly in the high-frequency range. This breakthrough is expected to contribute to next-generation transformers and EV components, leading to more energy-efficient electric machines.
Researchers have discovered a novel approach to converting waste carbon into useful products using porous separators called diaphragms. These diaphragms can withstand the harsh conditions of the process and maintain efficiency over an extended period, making them a viable alternative to existing membranes.
Researchers have discovered a way to increase the energy state of iron in materials, enabling the creation of higher-voltage batteries. The breakthrough could also aid the development of superconductors and magnetism applications.
A new study reveals that the strength of carbon monoxide adsorption energy relies on a mix of reaction factors, including catalyst material and voltage. This insight can guide the design of more efficient catalysts to convert CO2 into useful fuels like methanol and ethanol.
Researchers discovered manganese's unique ability to act as a catalyst when electrical voltage fluctuates, making it suitable for applications like wind and solar energy. Manganese's regeneration under the Guyard reaction enables its use over repeated cycles, crucial for sustainable reactions.
Scientists at PSI have developed a dynamic database for vanadium, crucial for storing surplus wind and solar power. The database provides reliable data on raw materials, including ore deposits, mining volumes, and prices, to facilitate long-term investment and policy decisions.
Researchers at DTU Energy and DTU Construct developed a new fuel cell design using 3D printing and gyroid geometry for improved surface area and weight. The Monolithic Gyroidal Solid Oxide Cell delivers over one watt per gram, making it suitable for aerospace applications.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a way to synthesize new multi-metal 2D materials by adding up to nine metals into the mix. This finding opens up possibilities for designing materials with precisely controlled properties for diverse applications.
A newly developed mesoporous WO₃ film exhibits exceptional efficiency and stability for photoelectrochemical water splitting, enabling advanced tandem devices for renewable hydrogen production. The film achieved unprecedented efficiency and long-term stability, particularly in neutral pH conditions.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have demonstrated that electrochemically loading a solid metal target with deuterium fuel can increase fusion reaction rates by an average of 15%. The approach uses a room-temperature reactor and achieves this boost without generating heat, paving the way for clean energy generation.
A ternary NiFeCo hydroxychloride-derived electrocatalyst shows improved SWO activity and stability, attributed to lattice Cl− reconstruction and in-situ Raman analysis. The material outperforms other catalysts in terms of overpotential and Tafel slope.
Researchers have developed solid-state batteries that can charge in a fraction of the time and pack more energy into less space than traditional lithium-ion versions. These batteries use stable solid materials instead of liquid electrolytes, enabling faster charging, reduced safety risks, and improved efficiency.
Researchers at Drexel University have developed a low-cost, accessible method to detect structural defects and damage in lithium-ion batteries using ultrasound technology. The technique can identify gas presence, material deficiencies, and other issues that may cause electrical shorts or performance hampers.
Scientists at KIT have produced an MOF in thin-film form that exhibits metallic conductivity, enabling new possibilities for electronic components and applications. The breakthrough was achieved using a self-driving laboratory and precise control over crystallinity and domain size.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have discovered a way to improve solid-state battery performance by creating a 'space charge layer' that enhances ion movement. This breakthrough could lead to better-performing batteries with improved safety and increased energy storage capacity.
Researchers developed a highly active and selective electrocatalyst for CO2 reduction to CO, outperforming existing Fe-based catalysts. The hierarchical porous structure facilitated exposure of active sites and reduced valence state of Fe centers.
Researchers developed a high-throughput screening method using density functional theory and machine learning to identify optimal single-atom catalysts (SACs) for eNRR. The approach significantly accelerated the discovery process, outperforming traditional trial-and-error methods.
Researchers at Dongguk University have created a graphene coating that supercharges zinc-ion batteries for grid use, overcoming safety issues and enabling high-performance industrial energy storage. The new technology supports roll-to-roll manufacturing, bringing affordable energy storage closer to commercialization.
Researchers from the University of Oklahoma have made significant breakthroughs in protonic ceramic electrochemical cells (PCECs), addressing challenges in manufacturing and efficiency. A new approach eliminates cerium-based materials, allowing pure barium zirconate-based electrolytes to remain stable at record-low temperatures.
Researchers at POSTECH have developed an interlocked electrode-electrolyte system that forms covalent chemical bonds between the electrode and electrolyte, maintaining long-term stability. The IEE-based pouch cell demonstrated significantly higher energy density compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Scientists have developed a new microscope that accurately measures directional heat flow in materials. This advancement can lead to better designs for electronic devices and energy systems, with potential applications in faster computers, more efficient solar panels, and batteries.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials have developed a carbon-free method to extract nickel from low-grade ores in a single step, reducing CO2 emissions by 84% and increasing energy efficiency. The approach enables the use of low-grade nickel ores, which account for 60% of total nickel reserves.
Researchers developed a novel anode material combining hard carbon with tin, enhancing energy storage and stability. The composite structure shows excellent performance in lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, promising applications in electric vehicles and grid-scale energy storage.
Researchers developed an electrochemical approach to convert harmful nitric oxide emissions into high-purity nitric acid, reducing industrial nitrogen waste and promoting sustainable pollution mitigation. The process operates at near-ambient conditions with minimal infrastructure, offering economic and environmental benefits.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a novel material that can convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into a liquid fuel. The material, called tincone, has both organic and inorganic properties, which improve its stability and electrochemical properties.
The study provides a techno-economic foundation and policy blueprint to align storage deployment with regional needs, ensuring a reliable transition to carbon neutrality. Electrical energy storage plays a critical role in balancing supply-demand mismatches and enhancing grid flexibility.
Scientists at NTU Singapore have developed a solar-powered method to transform sewage sludge into green hydrogen and single-cell protein, reducing environmental damage and creating renewable energy and sustainable food. The three-step process recovers 91.4% of organic carbon and converts 63% into single-cell protein without producing h...
Researchers at IISc have developed an onsite production strategy for hydrogen peroxide using a zinc-air battery. The process generates H2O2 while degrading toxic dyes, making it a low-cost and highly energy-efficient method. This approach has the potential to be scalable and can be used in various applications.
Researchers from the University of the Basque Country have developed a hybrid supercapacitor using carbon from Pinus radiata waste, offering a cost-effective and sustainable alternative for improving conventional lithium-ion capacitors. The system stores high-power energy and can withstand many charge-discharge cycles.
Researchers found that applying external pressures can alleviate Li loss and battery degradation by alleviating SEI aggregation. Pressure regulation can rejuvenate I-iLi, reducing its content and Li loss. The study suggests a promising approach for advancing practical Li metal batteries.
A Chinese team proposes adding a soluble catalyst to electrolytes in lithium-air batteries, enhancing charge transport and counteracting electrode passivation. The addition improves the batteries' performance and lifespan by reducing overpotential and increasing discharge capacity.
Quinone-based carbon capture systems have been found to trap and release CO2 from the atmosphere through two distinct mechanisms. The study provides critical insights into the interplay of electrochemistry in these safer systems.
Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo have identified key factors driving photochemical water oxidation. By fine-tuning reaction potential and pH conditions, they enhance the efficiency of this process, paving the way for more sustainable energy solutions.
Researchers at Chungnam National University have developed copper-zinc electrodes that can stabilize over time through recycling, preserving their catalytic effectiveness and selectivity for valuable hydrocarbons. This innovation has significant implications for the conversion of CO₂ into sustainable fuels or chemicals.
Scientists developed a new method using plasma-derived atomic hydrogen to enable low-temperature carbon dioxide methanation. The findings show that PDAH can improve methane yield at low temperatures and provide a promising avenue for efficient CO2 recycling.
A team of scientists leveraged machine learning to find promising compositions for sodium-ion batteries, achieving exceptional energy density. The study trained a model on a database of 100 samples to predict the optimal ratio of elements needed to balance properties like operating voltage and capacity retention.
Researchers developed a high-entropy alloy anode composed of nine non-precious metal elements, demonstrating remarkable durability and low production cost. The new anode outperforms conventional iridium oxide anodes in organic hydride electrolytic synthesis, potentially advancing large-scale hydrogen supply chain development.
Rice University researchers developed an electrochemical reactor to reduce energy consumption in direct air capture. The new design has achieved industrially relevant rates of carbon dioxide regeneration and offers flexibility, scalability, and lower capital costs.