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Supercapacitors turbocharged by laxatives

A team of scientists from the University of Bristol and MIT has designed a new class of highly efficient ionic liquid electrolytes that can improve supercapacitor performance. These detergent-like electrolytes can self-assemble into sandwich-like bilayer structures on electrode surfaces, leading to improved energy storage capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 12, 2019

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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