Researchers at Harvard have developed a new flow battery that stores energy in organic molecules dissolved in neutral pH water. The battery loses only one percent of its capacity per 1000 cycles, making it long-lasting and cost-effective.
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.
Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University have found that electrochemical oxygen reduction in lithium-air batteries is plagued by side reactions, limiting recharge cycles. The team identified defect sites in carbon electrodes as a key factor in the reaction's progression.
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.
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.
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.
Berkeley Lab scientists create direct method to study electrochemical double layer using 'tender' X-rays, revealing changes in electric potential and charge properties. This breakthrough advances materials design and development of improved electrochemical systems.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a long-lasting zinc-ion battery that costs half the price of current lithium-ion batteries and provides high reversibility, rate, and capacity. The battery uses safe materials and a pH-neutral electrolyte, making it ideal for grid energy storage and renewable energy production.
Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have discovered a new phase transition in an oxide material, enhancing the performance of solid oxide fuel cells. This breakthrough could lead to more robust and efficient fuel cells with reduced emissions.
A study published in JAMA found that children with mild gastroenteritis and minimal dehydration experienced fewer treatment failures when offered half-strength apple juice followed by their preferred fluid choice compared to those who received electrolyte maintenance solution. The results suggest that diluted apple juice may be an appr...
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...
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.
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.
A Chinese research team has developed a novel aluminum-graphite dual-ion battery offering significantly reduced weight, volume, and fabrication cost. The new battery boasts higher energy density and lower production costs compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed a miniaturized solid oxide fuel cell that can power drones for more than an hour. The fuel cell's high power density and durability make it suitable for portable electronic devices, including smartphones and laptops.
Researchers have developed a flexible sensor system that measures metabolites and electrolytes in sweat, allowing for continuous non-invasive health monitoring. The device syncs data with smartphones and can alert users to health problems such as fatigue, dehydration, and high body temperatures.
Stanford researchers developed a lithium-ion battery that can be shut down by heating and restarted when the temperature cools. The new technology uses nanospikes to prevent overheating and reduce the risk of fires in batteries powered by devices like hoverboards and computers.
A new flow battery technology using organic aqueous materials is expected to cost 60% less than current standard flow batteries. The battery's active materials are inexpensive organic molecules, making it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option.
Researchers are developing an electrochemical separation process to remove challenging elements like cesium and strontium from used nuclear fuel. This approach aims to create less waste, separate out nuclear waste for better management, and extend the life of electrolyte solutions.
Researchers have developed a new lithium-air battery that utilizes unique materials to overcome common issues with efficiency and water tolerance. The battery's design features a lithium metal negative electrode, non-aqueous electrolyte, and positive electrode that work together to improve overall performance.
Researchers developed a material that acts as a superhighway for ions, making batteries more powerful and changing how gaseous fuel is turned into liquid fuel. The material also helps create membrane systems that purify gas mixtures, potentially replacing steam in fuel conversion processes.
A team of scientists created a microscope that can examine a full working battery in action, revealing how recharging leads to microscopic debris and cracks. The study aims to design cheaper and more powerful rechargeable batteries using metals like magnesium or aluminum.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have made a major breakthrough in developing a metal-free catalyst that performs as well as costly metal catalysts in an acidic fuel cell. The new carbon-based catalyst corrodes less and is more durable than traditional materials, paving the way for low-cost clean energy production.
A new zinc-polyiodide redox flow battery boasts an energy density exceeding other flow batteries of its kind and size. This design enables efficient long-duration energy storage for urban grids, enhancing resiliency and flexibility.
A new electrolyte for lithium batteries eliminates dendrites while maintaining high efficiencies and current densities. The discovery enables the development of powerful next-generation rechargeable batteries with improved safety and cost-effectiveness.
A study found that periods of extreme heat in the US were associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for older adults due to fluid and electrolyte disorders, kidney failure, and other heat-related illnesses. The risk was highest on the day of the heat wave and remained elevated for up to five days after.
Ebola virus disease is a febrile illness with severe gastrointestinal symptoms that can cause profound water and electrolyte depletion leading to circulatory collapse and death. Implementing practical protocols for managing fluids and electrolytes has not been given sufficient priority, which could substantially reduce the death rate.
A new electrolyte has been created that can be used in magnesium-sulfur battery cells, offering improved electrochemical stability and high efficiency. The electrolyte is also simple to produce and compatible with a sulfur cathode, making it an attractive alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have discovered that most Li-ion battery electrolytes are superhalogens containing toxic halogens. They propose using halogen-free electrolytes as a safer alternative.
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.
Graphene-based planar micro-supercapacitors provide a promising solution for on-chip energy storage with high power density and fast charging capabilities. The devices can deliver a superior cycling lifetime of millions of cycles, making them suitable for applications that require high power over a short timeframe.
Researchers at New York University and the University of Cambridge have developed a method to examine supercapacitors' inner workings using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This technique allows them to locate molecular events responsible for device performance and explore electrolyte concentration gradients.
Researchers have developed a prototype device that can analyze various electrolyte levels on the spot, providing real-time feedback to users. The wearable microneedle device is painless and samples only interstitial fluid, making it suitable for long-term use.
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...
Berkeley Lab researchers find that microscopic fibers of lithium form in the electrolyte during cycling, causing short circuits and overheating. The team discovered subsurface structures underneath dendrites, revealing a clear path forward for enabling widespread use of lithium anodes.
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.
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.
Researchers at Monash University have developed a new strategy for engineering supercapacitors, making them viable for widespread use in renewable energy storage and electric vehicles. The device achieves an unprecedented energy density of 60 Watt-hours per litre, comparable to lead-acid batteries.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a coating that can protect silicon-based electronics from interfering with the human body's electrolytes. This breakthrough technology could lead to sensors that detect organ rejection and enable the development of implantable devices that replace damaged nerves.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a high-efficiency zinc-air battery with improved catalytic activity and durability, paving the way for a low-cost alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
A study of nearly 1 million patients who underwent surgery found that preoperative hyponatremia was associated with a 44% increased risk of 30-day perioperative mortality. The condition also led to higher risks of major coronary events, surgical site infections, and prolonged hospital stays.
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.
Researchers used high-power X-ray imaging to study a working lithium-sulfur battery, finding that sulfur particles largely remained intact during discharge. This challenges previous experiments that found sulfur was chemically transformed into Li2S-polysulfide sheets, which prevented the battery from operating.
A new study by University of California, Berkeley and San Francisco State University researchers reveals that a deadly fungal infection causes severe dehydration in wild frogs, disrupting fluid and electrolyte balance. The study provides valuable insights into the disease progression and offers hope for potential treatments.
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.
Researchers at NIST and partners have demonstrated that the thickness of the electrolyte layer is crucial in determining the performance of nanoscale lithium batteries. The team found that below a threshold of 200 nanometers, electrons can cause a short circuit, leading to rapid discharge and breakdown of the electrolyte.
Researchers at UCLA have developed graphene-based electrochemical capacitors that store substantial amounts of charge, far surpassing traditional batteries. These devices exhibit ultrahigh energy density values while maintaining high power density and excellent cycle stability.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a new family of liquid salt electrolytes called MetILs, which could lead to batteries storing three times more energy than today's batteries. The breakthrough may help integrate large-scale intermittent renewable energy sources into the nation's electric grid.
Researchers at KIT have developed a new process to fill porous electrodes with liquid electrolyte more rapidly, increasing battery production efficiency. The innovative method uses a physico-chemical effect inspired by nature to reduce filling time from several hours to just minutes.
Scientists have developed a new type of solar cell that converts sunlight into electricity with an efficiency of 10%, outperforming conventional solar cells made from silicon. The device retained at least 95% of its sun-converting ability for 1,000 hours of testing.
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.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital discovered a pill that halves the required liquid intake for colonoscopy prep, improving bowel preparation quality and patient tolerance. The pill, lubiprostone, was added to an electrolyte mix, reducing volume requirements.
Researchers discovered that chlorella crude extract improves intestinal adaptation in rats with short bowel syndrome, increasing villi height and absorption rates. This finding suggests an alternative to commercial enteral products for treating SBS.
MIT engineers developed a new material that increases the power output of direct methanol fuel cells by more than 50 percent. The new material is also less expensive and has potential uses in other electrochemical systems, such as batteries.
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.
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.
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.
A recent study found that nearly a third of patients on commonly prescribed diuretics have their electrolyte levels tested, despite the risk of severe health problems. Low sodium levels were more common than low potassium levels, with 21% of tested patients having reduced sodium levels.
A new study found that chronic alcohol abuse can cause severe and persistent alterations in hormone levels regulating electrolyte and water balance. After 280 days of strict abstinence, researchers found suppressed AVP levels and elevated ANP levels, indicating long-lasting damage to the body's homeostatic systems.
A gene found in some people of African descent may increase the chance of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), which can be lethal in rare cases. Precautions such as taking alternative diuretics and staying hydrated during exercise may help reduce risk, say researchers.