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Thorny issue plaguing lithium-ion batteries laid bare in new study

Researchers directly measured lithium dendrites' mechanical strength, finding they exhibit unexpectedly high strength and brittle behavior under stress. The study provides insights into how dendrites respond to physical stresses within a battery cell, shedding light on the challenge of scale and access that hindered previous research.

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.

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.

Anode-free battery doubles electric vehicle driving range

Researchers developed an anode-free lithium metal battery that delivers nearly double driving range using the same battery volume. The battery's volumetric energy density of 1,270 Wh/L is nearly twice that of current lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New observation method improves outlook for lithium metal battery

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new observation method that improves the outlook for lithium metal batteries without introducing chemical reactions. The technique, called cryo-XPS, allows scientists to study the critical protective layer of lithium anodes without altering it.

Researcher develop the first hydride ion prototype battery

Researchers from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics have created the first rechargeable hydride ion battery with fast conductivity at room temperature and high stability. The novel core-shell composite electrolyte enables efficient energy storage and conversion.

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.

No spin, no catalysis

Researchers have designed a novel single-atom ruthenium-doped Co3O4 catalyst that significantly promotes water splitting efficiency. The high-spin Co3+ species facilitate robust OH* adsorption and enhance the supply of H* intermediates, accelerating the Volmer–Tafel pathway of the hydrogen evolution reaction.

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.

Versatile boron additives in lithium metal batteries

Researchers have found electrolytes with boron additives can mitigate critical challenges of lithium metal batteries, including lithium dendrite formation and low Coulombic efficiency. The boron additives also improve the specific discharge capacity and high-rate performance of lithium-ion batteries.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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.

A Big Data approach for battery electrolytes

A new paper outlines a path for AI and machine learning to help build tomorrow’s batteries by maximizing three components: ionic conductivity, oxidative stability, and Coulombic efficiency. The team used a dataset compiled from 250 research papers to identify promising candidates for scientists to test in the lab.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

How can we optimize solid-state batteries? Try asking AI

Researchers developed a data-driven AI framework that identifies potential solid-state electrolyte candidates and predicts their performance. The framework uses large language models, multiple linear regression, and genetic algorithm to optimize battery design.

Don’t use your battery until it runs out!

A recent study identified a quasi-conversion reaction on the cathode surface during discharging, leading to accelerated battery degradation. High nickel content exacerbates this effect.

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.

New sensor could help prevent lithium-ion battery fires and explosions

Researchers have developed a new sensor to detect hazardous gas leaks in lithium-ion batteries, which could prevent catastrophic failures and enhance the reliability of battery-powered technologies. The sensor detects trace amounts of ethylene carbonate vapour, targeting potential battery failures before they escalate into disasters.

Rational design of precatalysts for efficient hydrogen production

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a highly stable catalyst for efficient hydrogen production, achieving a Faradaic efficiency of 99.9% and stability for over one month. The study highlights the importance of controlled evolution of catalyst-electrolyte interface in rational catalyst design.

New “one-pot” technique a breakthrough for material synthesis

A new 'one-pot' technique has enabled the simultaneous creation of inorganic and polymer battery electrolytes, overcoming the tradeoff between efficiency and mechanical properties. The method, developed at UChicago PME, reduces labor needed for hybrid material synthesis and creates perfect physical blends with chemical bonding.

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.

Solving the case of the missing platinum

A team of researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Leiden University identified the cause of platinum electrode corrosion in water electrolyzers. Using high-energy-resolution X-ray spectroscopy techniques, they found that platinum hydride formation is responsible for the degradation.

Your fridge uses tech from the 50’s, but scientists have an update

Researchers have made a breakthrough in developing a more efficient and environmentally friendly form of refrigeration using thermogalvanic cells. The new technology produces a cooling effect through reversible electrochemical reactions, requiring significantly less energy input than traditional methods.

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.

Organic electrolyte for high output liquid thermoelectric converter

Researchers have developed a new strategy to increase the output of liquid thermoelectric converters using organic electrolytes. By breaking down electrolyte resistance into its components, they reduced resistance and demonstrated a prototype with equal or greater output than aqueous solutions. The team plans to expand their search for...

Engineered additive makes low-cost renewable energy storage a possibility

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have invented a water-soluble chemical additive that improves the performance of bromide aqueous flow batteries, making them more efficient and long-lasting. The additive solves issues such as ion leakage and gas formation, enabling the use of these batteries for grid-scale storage.

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.

Research reveals unseen factors behind lithium-ion battery degradation

An international team of scientists identified a surprising factor accelerating lithium-ion battery degradation, leading to reduced charge and potential failure in critical situations. Strategies to reduce self-discharge may include electrolyte additives and cathode coatings to improve battery lifespan.

Dehydration linked to muscle cramps in IRONMAN triathletes

A Washington State University-led study found a strong link between dehydration and exercise-induced muscle cramps in IRONMAN triathletes. Severe dehydration was associated with an increased risk of muscle cramps, which were more common in athletes who finished the race faster.

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.

Innovative electrolytes could transform steelmaking and beyond

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed innovative electrolytes that can improve the efficiency of electrochemical processes, including steel production. The new electrolytes are designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating energy-intensive blast furnaces.