Add BrightSurf on Google Email

No more trial-and-error when choosing an electrolyte for metal-air batteries

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a novel parameter to select electrolytes for metal-air batteries, reducing trial-and-error testing. The 'Electrochemical' Thiele Modulus measures ion transport and reaction kinetics, allowing rational development of high-performance electrolytes.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2019

A cold-tolerant electrolyte for lithium-metal batteries emerges in San Diego

Researchers at the University of California - San Diego have developed a new cold-tolerant electrolyte for lithium-metal batteries, improving cycling efficiency and reducing dendrite growth. The breakthrough could lead to lighter batteries capable of storing more charge, extending electric vehicle range and lowering battery costs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJoule·DateJul 1, 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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Army discovery opens path to safer batteries

Researchers have identified a new cathode chemistry that increases the energy density of lithium-ion batteries while maintaining improved safety. The discovery, which utilizes an aqueous electrolyte, has the potential to significantly increase the energy capacity of batteries without increasing weight or risk of fire.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMay 10, 2019
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.

Observing hydrogen's effects in metal

Researchers at MIT have developed a new microscopy technique that allows the observation of a metal surface during hydrogen penetration. This breakthrough could lead to safer reactor vessels and more efficient hydrogen storage tanks. The technique, which uses a liquid electrolyte to expose metal surfaces to a hydrogen environment, has ...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateFeb 5, 2019

Lean electrolyte design is a game-changer for magnesium batteries

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a high-energy magnesium battery with up to 243 watt hours per kilogram, outperforming earlier models. The new design uses a chloride-free electrolyte and organic cathode, enabling stable performance and high energy storage capacity.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJoule·DateDec 21, 2018

Two dimensions are better than three

Susan Fullerton is developing all 2D materials for next-generation electronics, with potential applications in information storage, brain-inspired computing, and security. Her research uses a novel approach to ion utilization, which could represent a paradigm shift in high-performance computing.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateDec 17, 2018
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 major feat: room temperature electrochemical cycling of a fluoride-ion battery

Researchers developed a method for creating a fluoride-ion electrochemical cell capable of operating at room temperature using a chemically stable liquid fluoride-conducting electrolyte. The new study presents a breakthrough in achieving low-temperature operating FIBs, with potential applications in high-energy-density batteries.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 6, 2018

Structure of electrolyte controls battery performance

The study reveals that adding water to the electrolyte speeds up the slow reaction of calcium-ion batteries by changing its structure. This discovery could greatly benefit the development of electrolytes for implementing calcium-ion batteries, making them safer, cheaper, and more powerful than existing lithium-ion batteries.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalElectrochimica Acta·DateDec 4, 2018
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.

Extending the life of low-cost, compact, lightweight batteries

Researchers at MIT have developed a new system to extend the shelf life of single-use metal-air batteries by introducing an oil barrier that protects the aluminum electrode from corrosion. The design has shown a thousandfold improvement in energy loss, enabling batteries to last up to 24 days without degradation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateNov 8, 2018

Whiskers, surface growth and dendrites in lithium batteries

Scientists have discovered three distinct growth modes in lithium metal anodes: whiskers, surface growth, and dendrites. These growths are influenced by competing reactions between the electrolyte and metal deposits. The study's findings suggest that controlling these growth modes is crucial for building reliable batteries.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJoule·DateOct 25, 2018

Novel catalyst for high-energy aluminum-air flow batteries

Researchers have developed a novel catalyst that enables an aluminum-air flow battery to outperform lithium-ion batteries in terms of energy density, cost, and cycle life. The breakthrough technology uses a silver manganate nanoplate architecture to alleviate side reactions and improve the battery's longevity.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 13, 2018
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.

Lithium-oxygen battery technology charges ahead

Researchers have developed a way to increase operating temperature and use alternative materials to overcome thermodynamic barriers in lithium-oxygen batteries. The resulting cell achieves nearly 100% coulombic efficiency, a significant step towards commercial adoption.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 23, 2018
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.

3D batteries pack power into tiny footprints

Researchers have developed a powerful 3D lithium ion battery with an area footprint smaller than 0.09 square centimeters, achieving an energy density of 5.2 milli-watt-hours per square centimeter. This design uses a conformal electrolyte and semiconductor processing to overcome previous limitations in 3D battery technology.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateMay 3, 2018

New materials for sustainable, low-cost batteries

ETH Zurich scientists have discovered two new materials that could advance the development of aluminum batteries: a corrosion-resistant titanium nitride material and a flexible polypyrene material for the positive electrode. These advancements aim to improve the energy storage capacity, cost-effectiveness, and scalability of sustainabl...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 30, 2018

Nanowires could make lithium ion batteries safer

Researchers have found that adding nanowires to solid-state electrolytes can increase conductivity, reduce stress, and prevent fires in lithium-ion batteries. The addition of nanowires also improves the battery's rate performance and cyclic capacity, making it a safer alternative.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 25, 2018
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.

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.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 17, 2018

A higher-energy, safer and longer-lasting zinc battery

Researchers at the University of Maryland have created a water-based zinc battery with high energy density, rechargeability, and intrinsic safety. The new technology combines old battery chemistry with a novel aqueous electrolyte, overcoming limitations of conventional lithium-ion batteries.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 16, 2018
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.

NREL research overcomes major technical obstacles in magnesium-metal batteries

Scientists at NREL have discovered a method to enable the reversible chemistry of magnesium metal in noncorrosive carbonate-based electrolytes. The technology possesses potential advantages over lithium-ion batteries, including higher energy density, greater stability, and lower cost.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 3, 2018

Research hints at double the driving range for electric vehicles

Scientists at PNNL have developed an electrolyte solution that increases the charge/discharge cycles of lithium-metal batteries by up to seven times. This breakthrough enables electric vehicles to drive more than two times longer between charges.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 27, 2018

New design produces true lithium-air battery

Researchers at UIC and Argonne National Laboratory designed a new lithium-air battery that can operate in a natural-air environment without oxidation or buildup of undesirable byproducts. The battery achieved record-breaking 750 charge/discharge cycles, surpassing previous experimental designs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature·DateMar 21, 2018

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateFeb 28, 2018
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.

New fuel cell demonstrates exceptional power density and stability

A Northwestern University team has created a new fuel cell with exceptional power densities and long-term stability at optimal temperatures. The discovery enhances the viability of incorporating fuel cells into a sustainable energy future by solving multiple problems simultaneously through electrode, electrolyte, and contact improvements.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Energy·DateFeb 12, 2018

Halogens can increase solar cell performance by 25 per cent

Researchers from UBC and UNC Chapel Hill discovered that halogens can increase conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells by 25%. The presence of halogens accelerates electron transfer, allowing for faster regeneration of the light-absorbing dye.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 19, 2017

Hybrid electrolyte enhances supercapacitance in vertical graphene nanosheets

Researchers discovered a hybrid electrolyte that combines aqueous and organic characteristics to increase the performance of vertical graphene nanosheets in supercapacitors. The hybrid electrolyte and potassium hydroxide activation improved nanostructure and charge storage capacity, resulting in fivefold improvements in capacitance.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateDec 5, 2017

Army researchers seek better batteries

A team of Army scientists published new findings on modeling insights into battery electrolyte structure and stability, highlighting the importance of tailoring electrolytes to support fast and reversible lithium transport. The research aims to improve battery efficiency and lifespan.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalAccounts of Chemical Research·DateNov 30, 2017
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.

A chicken-flavored electrolyte drink could help sniffer dogs stay hydrated

A new study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science has investigated three common hydration methods for sniffer dogs. The research found that dogs drink more and are more hydrated when given a chicken-flavored electrolyte drink compared to plain water or electrolyte injections, making it a safe and effective hydration alternative.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateNov 21, 2017
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.

Better rechargeable batteries coming soon?

Researchers have developed a novel coating that prevents side-reactions and promotes uniform lithium deposition, leading to improved battery performance. The new indium-lithium hybrid electrodes showed stability over 250 cycles with high capacity retention.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 21, 2017

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.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 25, 2017

IV and cellular fluids power flexible batteries

Researchers have developed bendable batteries that can run on biocompatible liquids like normal IV saline solution and cell-culture medium, outperforming most wearable lithium-ion batteries in charge-holding capacity and power output. The batteries' design also enables potential biomedical applications, such as consuming essential oxyg...

SourceCell Press·JournalChem·DateAug 10, 2017

How the electrodes of lithium-air batteries become passivated

Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University found that electrode passivation in lithium-air batteries is triggered by the binding of superoxide anion with lithium ions. They suggested using solvents, electrolytes, and materials to inhibit this process, which could lead to more efficient battery operation.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateAug 1, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Superstretchable, supercompressible supercapacitors

Scientists create a polyacrylamide hydrogel electrolyte that enables supercapacitors to be stretched up to 1000% in length and compressed by 50% in thickness without losing capacity. This flexibility makes the supercapacitor suitable for wearable electronics.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 3, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Self-healing catalyst films for hydrogen production

Researchers developed a self-healing catalyst film that regenerates under water electrolysis conditions, enhancing hydrogen production efficiency. The film forms and regenerates through electrostatic attraction forces, allowing it to remain stable for several days.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 26, 2017

Building a better battery

A University of Houston graduate student has been awarded a NASA fellowship to identify new materials for next-generation batteries. He plans to use a combined computational and experimental approach to investigate solid-state electrolyte materials for lithium batteries.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateApr 20, 2017

Clarifying how lithium ions ferry around in rechargeable batteries

Researchers observe ultrafast bonding of lithium ions with solvents, challenging existing theory on ion diffusion. The study reveals dynamic restructuring of the solvent shell during ion transport, indicating that electrolytes play an active role in transporting lithium ions.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 27, 2017

Liquid fuel for future computers

Researchers at ETH Zurich and IBM Research Zurich have built a tiny redox flow battery that supplies electrical power and cools computer chip stacks simultaneously. The new micro-battery reaches record-high output and has potential applications in lasers, solar cells, and large energy storage systems.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMar 15, 2017
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.

Tweaking electrolyte makes better lithium-metal batteries

Researchers found that adding a small amount of lithium hexafluorophosphate to an electrolyte makes rechargeable lithium-metal batteries stable, charge quickly, and have high voltage. The additive also helps create a protective layer on the battery's anode, preventing unwanted side reactions.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 1, 2017
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.

The world's first heat-driven transistor

Researchers at Linköping University developed the world's first heat-driven transistor, opening up new possibilities for temperature detection and medical applications. The transistor converts a 100 times greater temperature gradient to electric voltage than traditional thermoelectric materials.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 31, 2017