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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

Salty batteries

Sodium-oxygen batteries have shown improved cycle life and rechargeability thanks to a highly concentrated electrolyte solution. The new approach stabilizes DMSO in the presence of sodium, resulting in a passivating protective layer that enhances battery performance.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 7, 2016

Self-healable battery

Scientists have developed thin, flexible lithium ion batteries that can self-heal after breaking, overcoming common wearables' power source limitations. The new batteries feature a self-healing polymer and gel electrolyte, allowing for safe use on the body.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 20, 2016

Body heat as a power source

Researchers have created a flexible, wearable thermocell that harnesses body heat to generate electricity. The device uses gel-based electrolytes and combines two different redox pairs to produce a current. This innovation overcomes previous challenges in wearable energy harvesting and storage devices.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 6, 2016

Battery components can take the heat

Researchers at Rice University have developed a combined electrolyte and separator for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that can operate at high temperatures, including 150 degrees Celsius, with negligible loss of efficiency. The 'white graphene' composite eliminates the need for conventional plastic or polymer separators and is desi...

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateApr 11, 2016

ECS publishes First Editors' Choice article

The Electrochemical Society (ECS) has published its first Editors' Choice article, detailing transformative findings in the dosage and spatial distribution of lithiation. The article uses a focused Li-ion beam to probe lithiation mechanism at the nanoscale, enabling precise dosage and control.

SourceThe Electrochemical Society·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateApr 4, 2016

Are you what you sweat?

A study found that marathon runners with 'salty' sweat had lower electrolyte levels in their blood despite proper hydration and nutrition. This suggests that sweat electrolyte concentration can impact physiological conditions during long-distance events.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateMar 30, 2016

Two-dimensional electron liquids

Researchers have discovered a novel form of superconductivity in two-dimensional electron liquids, characterized by the presence of quantum point contacts. These tiny channels enable the flow of superconducting currents, but with a twist: the spin degree of freedom is broken, allowing for new types of electron transport.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 9, 2014

Researchers build nonflammable lithium ion battery

Scientists at UNC Chapel Hill have identified a nonflammable alternative to the inherently flammable electrolyte used in current lithium-ion batteries, paving the way for safer and more efficient electric vehicles. The new material, PFPE, exhibits unique properties that make it an ideal replacement, with potential applications in aeros...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2014

Clay key to high-temperature supercapacitors

Researchers at Rice University have created a supercapacitor that operates reliably at temperatures of up to 200 degrees Celsius, overcoming key limitations of conventional energy storage devices. The device uses a clay-based membrane electrolyte, which provides high thermal stability and conductivity.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 3, 2013

Cobalt replacements make solar cells more sustainable

Researchers at the University of Basel have successfully replaced iodine in copper-based dye-sensitized solar cells with cobalt, increasing sustainability and improving long-term stability. This breakthrough uses a systems chemistry approach to optimize molecular components, paving the way for environmentally friendly energy production.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalChemical Communications·DateAug 2, 2013

Soaking up the Sun

Researchers from Drexel University and The University of Pennsylvania are exploring ways to improve the efficiency, durability, and affordability of dye-sensitized solar panels. They aim to streamline electron transfer processes using carbon nanotubes and replace liquid electrolytes with more effective polymers.

Nanotube electrodes improve solar cells

Researchers have discovered a low-cost, efficient alternative to silicon-based solar cells using nanotube electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells. The single-wall nanotube arrays show high electroactivity and potential for cheaper production than platinum, leading to improved efficiency and robustness.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 17, 2012

Study shows splitting bowel preparation dosage is most effective cleansing method before colonoscopy

A new study has found that a split-dosage schedule of bowel preparation is the most effective method for bowel cleansing before colonoscopy. The study found that procedures performed within six to eight hours of the end of preparation had significantly better cleansing than those performed more than eight hours after.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateAug 5, 2010

Capturing sunlight

Researchers have developed a new type of solar cell that uses indoline dye and ionic liquid to improve efficiency. The cells achieve an energy conversion yield of 7.2%, a record for this type of cell, and could potentially lead to more affordable renewable energy.

SourceWiley·DateFeb 28, 2008

Solar cells can take the heat

Researchers have developed a new type of solar cell that uses a binary ionic liquid electrolyte, achieving a record 7.6% light-conversion efficiency and stability in warm climates. The solvent-free design also enables the construction of flexible and lightweight devices.

SourceWiley·JournalSmall·DateJan 9, 2008

Controlled corrosion

Scientists study Cu3Au alloy's corrosion behavior, observing the formation of a protective passivation layer that protects against further corrosion. Controlled corrosion allows for nanometric-scale material structuring, potentially leading to new catalysts with high surface areas.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateFeb 10, 2006