Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have discovered a new proton conductor, Ba2LuAlO5, which shows high proton conductivity even without modifications. The material's unique structure and water absorption properties make it ideal for protonic ceramic fuel cells, promising a bright future for sustainable energy generation.
Scientists at TU Wien use microscopy techniques to observe chemical reactions on catalysts, revealing a wealth of detail that challenges previous understanding. The study shows that even simple catalytic systems are more complex than expected, with different scenarios prevailing on the micrometer scale.
Researchers review carbon-based ORR catalysts, focusing on active site fabrication, stability, and porous structure effects. They analyze causes of catalyst deactivation and strategies to improve stability and anti-poisoning properties.
Researchers developed a biofuel cell on a chip that measures blood glucose levels using a few microliters of blood. The sensor generates an electrical signal based on the enzyme's reaction with glucose, providing accurate readings using general-purpose devices like smartphones.
A team led by Professor Yoshihiro Yamazaki from Kyushu University discovered the chemical innerworkings of a perovskite-based electrolyte developed for solid oxide fuel cells. By combining synchrotron radiation analysis, large-scale simulations, machine learning, and thermogravimetric analysis, they found that protons are introduced at...
A team of researchers at ETH Zurich has created an implantable fuel cell that uses excess blood sugar to generate electrical energy. The device powers artificial beta cells that produce insulin, effectively regulating blood glucose levels.
The oxygen-ion battery has an extremely long service life due to its ability to regenerate and store capacity that does not decrease over time. It also solves the problem of fire hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries.
Researchers have identified the need for standardization of performance indices and a single frame for normalization methods to address concerns with bioelectrochemical systems. The study proposes strategies for up-scaling BES technologies, enabling resource recovery through on-site treatment of wastewater at an efficiency comparable t...
Developed by Incheon National University researchers, the new membranes exhibit high mechanical strength, phase separation, and ionic conductivity. The 40% crosslinked membrane showed the highest relative humidity, normalized conductivity, and peak power density, surpassing commercial membranes.
Researchers have developed a nano-scale platinum-cobalt alloy to reduce the need for rare and expensive platinum in hydrogen fuel cells, enhancing performance and stability. The new alloy achieves superior results at lower costs, paving the way for wider adoption of fuel-cell technology.
Researchers developed a small molecule-assisted impregnation approach to synthesize carbon-supported platinum intermetallic fuel cell catalysts. The optimal additive, sodium thioglycolate (STG), suppresses PtCo sintering by coordinating with Pt and Co to form precursors.
Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin used Auger photo-electron coincidence spectroscopy to study the occupation of outer d-orbital shells in copper, nickel, and cobalt. The results confirm known findings for copper and nickel, but reveal highly delocalized d electrons in cobalt.
Researchers at Boise State University and Argonne National Laboratory create high-performance battery electrode material with a unique crystalline structure. The material shows promise for fast charging and excellent storage capacity, potentially overcoming significant shortcomings in lithium-ion batteries.
Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology improve triboelectric nanogenerators by using mesoporous carbon spheres to enhance charge transport and surface charge densities. The device achieves a 1300-fold higher output current, enabling potential sustainable energy harvesting.
A team of researchers from Tokyo University of Science has developed a novel multi-proton carrier complex that shows efficient proton conductivity even at high temperatures. The resulting starburst-type metal complex acts as a proton transmitter, making it 6 times more potent than individual imidazole molecules.
Researchers use trace amounts of liquid platinum to create efficient chemical reactions at low temperatures, extending earth's reserves and offering CO2 reduction solutions. The liquid catalyst is over 1,000 times more efficient than its solid-state rival.
Researchers have used high-speed 4D neutron computed tomography to visualize the three-dimensional water distribution within fuel cells. This allows for optimized channel design and increased efficiency, as excess water can be drained without compromising membrane integrity.
A new method to produce hydrogen from water has been discovered, using cobalt and manganese as catalysts. This breakthrough could lead to a cleaner and more sustainable hydrogen economy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have developed a new technique for detecting hydrogen fuel cell failures using magnetic flux sensors. This breakthrough may lead to more reliable and efficient zero-emission vehicles with reduced carbon footprint.
A team of scientists from Korea Maritime and Ocean University has developed a novel synthesis route to produce a high-performance co-doped anode material for rechargeable seawater batteries. This breakthrough enables the creation of efficient and sustainable maritime applications, including emergency power supply for coastal nuclear pl...
Researchers found that hyaluronic acid is not only present in pancreatic tumors but also serves as a nutrient source for cancer cells. This discovery indicates potential new treatments for pancreatic cancer by targeting the sugar scavenging pathway.
The University of Central Florida researchers have developed an alcohol-based power source for cars and other technology that uses less fuel and produces fewer emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels. The ethanol fuel cell has achieved a maximum power density and operation time of over 5,900 hours, making it a promising alternat...
Researchers found that repeated fast charging causes atomic-level damage to the graphite particles in lithium-ion batteries, leading to degradation. This damage hinders the intercalation process, preventing lithium ions from moving into the particles, and ultimately impairing battery performance.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a new approach to modify the surface of copper catalysts, improving the conversion of carbon dioxide into useful fuels. The technique involves coating the copper with thin films of ionomers, which steer the reaction towards generating carbon-rich products.
Researchers developed a lightweight and flexible passive air-breathing PEMFC with simplified components. The new design allows for easy assembly and folding, reducing the number of parts and increasing power output when connected in series.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered a new method to improve oxygen reduction in fuel cells using iron-based single-atom catalysts. This breakthrough could unlock a level of efficiency never before realized, enabling large-scale deployment of fuel cells and their nearly limitless potential applications.
Scientists from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have successfully developed a new humidity measurement technique for anion conducting polymer thin films. The study revealed high hydroxide ion conductivity of 0.05 S cm^-1, comparable to thick membrane forms.
Researchers developed a hybrid material that effectively transports protons at high temperatures and humidity, solving a major challenge in proton-based fuel cell technology. The material demonstrated high proton conductivity at 368 degrees Kelvin and 50% humidity.
Direct ethanol fuel cells have high energy density, low toxicity, and easy operation, but lack robust electrocatalysts for anodic ethanol oxidation. The study proposes alloying effects with core-shell construction to optimize Pd shell surfaces, achieving highest mass activity and specific activity for catalyzing ethanol electro-oxidation
Researchers developed a ceramic fuel cell with reduced nickel content, improving stability and performance by 1.5 times compared to conventional cells. The new technology suppresses reduction-oxidation failure, allowing for frequent start-ups in applications like electric vehicles.
A study published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition reveals the role of pyridinic nitrogen in optimizing oxygen reduction reactions in PEM fuel cells. Nitrogen-doped carbon catalysts were found to have improved performance, paving the way for more sustainable transportation technologies.
Scientists at USTC created a new type of catalyst by etching Pd-Pt nanocubes, resulting in higher surface area and active sites. The new tesseracts framework structure showed improved atomic utilization and stability, achieving mass activities 11.6 times that of commercial Pt/C catalysts.
Scientists have developed a new metallic glass electrode made of thin palladium-based metallic glass films, which are 85% more efficient in oxidizing methanol than platinum-based analogs. The film is also resistant to corrosion and could replace existing materials in the energy sector.
Researchers developed a novel spectroelectrochemical cell to study electrolyte behavior, improve fuel cell performance, and analyze catalyst efficiency. The device can perform in situ infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption/diffraction analysis.
The new membraneless fuel cell, developed by INRS researchers, powers an LED for four hours using only 234 microlitres of methanol. The device uses selective electrodes to minimize crossover and can be optimized to use ethanol, a greener fuel.
Researchers have deciphered the movements of platinum atoms leading to surface degradation, enabling the development of more stable catalysts. This breakthrough paves the way for longer-lasting electrochemical energy conversion devices like fuel cells in the transportation sector.
Scientists studying CO-covered Pt(111) electrodes found that carbon monoxide can induce structural degradation under benign conditions. The presence of vacancies in the topmost Pt layer contributes to this effect.
The study establishes a cost-effective synthetic strategy to gain highly proton-conductive porous organic polymers (POPs) with excellent conductivity of 10-2 to 10-1 S cm-1. This design offers a universal means for evolving structural design for highly proton-conductive materials.
Researchers at USC Viterbi's Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science have discovered a fatal vulnerability in many cancer cells: their inability to adapt to alternative sugars like galactose. The discovery could lead to new metabolic treatments for cancer, targeting cells with specific genetic mutations.
Caltech's Wei Gao creates an electronic skin that runs on biofuel cells powered by lactate in human sweat, generating enough electricity to power sensors and a Bluetooth device. The e-skin can monitor heart rate, body temperature, and metabolic byproducts, enabling continuous health tracking.
Researchers at UFABC in Brazil developed a glycerol fuel cell powered by niobium, promising to replace batteries in small devices and power electric vehicles. The technology reduces the need for fossil fuels and offers a sustainable energy solution.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a method to create highly active catalysts from precious metal nanoparticles, improving fuel cells' efficiency. The new catalysts can also be recycled from spent catalysts, reducing waste and increasing their lifespan.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a new platinum-based catalytic system that is far more durable than traditional commercial systems. The system, which uses selenium anchors to stabilize platinum particles, shows enhanced durability and catalytic activity.
A team of UD engineers has developed a fuel cell system that can efficiently remove carbon dioxide from an air stream, making it possible to use fuel cells in transportation applications. The system uses an electrochemical pump to capture CO2, allowing for the production of a CO2-free air stream suitable for fuel cells.
Advancements in zero-emission fuel cells could make them economically practical for vehicle power, with improved durability and cost-effectiveness. The new technology has the potential to replace traditional gasoline engines and pave the way for a cleaner transportation system.
The University of Delaware team created poly(aryl piperidinium) polymers for hydroxide exchange membranes, achieving record power density and stability. This breakthrough enables the development of more efficient and cost-effective fuel cells for eco-friendly vehicles.
A team of engineers at Washington University in St. Louis developed a high-power fuel cell that operates at double the voltage of commercial fuel cells, powering unmanned underwater vehicles, drones, and eventually electric aircraft at significantly lower cost.
According to a study of expert assessments, the current cost of proton exchange membrane fuel cells is unlikely to meet US Department of Energy targets by 2020. Experts identify catalytic metals as a significant barrier to cost reduction, highlighting the need for research and development in catalysts and electrodes.
ORNL's automated plutonium-238 production increased annual output from 50g to 400g, moving closer to NASA's goal of 1.5kg/year by 2025. The lab also developed a novel cryogenic memory cell design that may boost storage while using less energy in future computing applications.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a cotton-based hybrid biofuel cell that provides twice as much power as conventional biofuel cells. The device uses gold nanoparticles assembled on cotton to create high-conductivity electrodes, improving efficiency and stability.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh developed a cost-effective method to create high-performance energy devices and diagnostic tests using nanoparticles. The electrospinning technique, which produces nanofibres with high surface area, has been successfully tested in fuel cell applications.
A team of researchers has developed a new mechanism to protect enzymes from oxygen as biocatalysts in fuel cells. The protective mechanism is based on oxygen-consuming enzymes that draw their energy from sugar, allowing for the production of a functional biofuel cell with high efficiency.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a plasma treatment method that modifies electrode surfaces to facilitate efficient water transport in fuel cells. This innovation enables fuel cells to operate effectively without excessive moisture, improving overall performance and energy conversion rates.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new solid polymer electrolyte with twice the proton conductivity of current state-of-the-art material. This breakthrough could enable faster recharge times and improved safety in energy storage devices.
Researchers developed a novel catalyst design by incorporating Pd interlayers into an icosahedral core shell. The Au60Pd40@Pt electrocatalyst showed remarkably enhanced activities and durabilities towards ORR in acid environment compared to commercial Pt/C and Au75Pd25@Pt icosahedra.
Researchers have created a new class of crystalline porous organic salts with exceptional proton conductivity, potentially revolutionizing fuel cell technology. The salts' unique structure and strong ionic bonds enable stable pore systems, making them highly efficient electrolytes for fuel cells.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new approach to designing battery materials that could lead to improved ion mobility and reduced reactivity. By analyzing the lattice properties of solid materials, they found a correlation between vibrational frequency and conductivity, allowing for accurate predictions of material properties.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new design for algae-powered fuel cells that is five times more efficient and potentially more cost-effective. The two-chamber system separates charging and power delivery processes, enabling enhanced performance and reduced electrical losses.
Researchers have uncovered a critical connection between cellular nutrient sensing and cell growth, implicating a new protein SLC38A9 as a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer. By probing lysosomal biochemical content, the team identified SLC38A9's role in regulating amino acid availability.
The University of Delaware team developed a new technology that can make fuel cells cheaper and more durable. They created a catalyst of tungsten carbide nanoparticles, which improves water management and reduces the burden on the humidification system in fuel cells.