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New age electrode with densely functionalized polymeric binder for high-performance lithium and sodium-ion batteries

Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology developed a densely functionalized polymeric binder for high-performance lithium and sodium-ion batteries. The new material showed exceptional electrochemical performance, high capacities, and great cycle stability.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateSep 17, 2024

Enhanced ion diffusion kinetics achieved through interpenetrated structures in electrochemical energy storage devices

Researchers developed interpenetrated electrode structures to enhance ion diffusion kinetics in electrochemical energy storage devices. The design reduced ion concentration gradients and increased surface area, leading to improved performance at low temperatures.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2024

Patterned doping for constructing 2D lateral p-n junction via ion implantation

A new method of constructing 2D lateral p-n junctions using low-energy ion implantation has been developed, enabling precise modulation of 2D material conductivity and fabricating patterned doping. This technique demonstrates the universality of the method on various 2D semiconductors.

Purdue physicists throw world’s smallest disco party

Physicists at Purdue University have achieved a groundbreaking milestone in levitated optomechanics by observing the Berry phase of electron spins in nano-sized diamonds. By levitating and spinning these tiny diamonds at incredibly high speeds, they were able to study the effects of fast rotation on spin qubits.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 14, 2024

Slipping a note to a neighbor: The cellular way

Researchers from PSI and ETH Zurich studied connexin-36 gap junction channels and found that antimalarial drug mefloquine binds to the channels, potentially explaining its severe side effects. The study provides new insights into how drugs interact with connexins and may lead to the development of therapies for neurological diseases.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalCell Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2024

Controlling ion transport for a blue energy future

A team from Osaka University demonstrates greater control of ion passage through a nanopore membrane by applying a voltage to a gate electrode. This leads to a six-fold increase in osmotic energy efficiency and a power density of 15 W/m^2, enabling the potential for scaling up the technology.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2024

“The magic of making electricity from metals and air” The vexing carbonate has achieved it!

Researchers from Pohang University of Science & Technology have developed a high-energy, high-efficiency all-solid-state sodium-air battery that can reversibly utilize sodium and air without additional equipment. The breakthrough overcomes the challenge of carbonate formation, increasing energy density and reducing voltage gap.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 28, 2024

Study helps understand how energy metabolism is regulated at cellular level

Researchers discovered a connection between mitochondrial calcium transport and autophagy, a process where cells break down and reuse components. The study found that NCLX protein plays a crucial role in regulating this link, which has implications for understanding energy metabolism and developing disease treatments.

Scientists solve chemical mystery at the interface of biology and technology

Researchers at the University of Washington have solved a long-standing chemical mystery in organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), which allow current to flow in devices like implantable biosensors. The study reveals that OECTs turn on via a two-step process, causing a lag, and off through a simpler one-step process.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

High-precision blood glucose level prediction achieved by few-molecule reservoir computing

Researchers from NIMS and Tokyo University of Science developed a compact AI device that utilizes molecular vibrations to predict blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. The device outperformed existing AI devices with a 50% error reduction, paving the way for low-power AI terminal devices with various sensors.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2024

NHM scientists discover first-ever mineral-based treatment for widespread disease using the structure of crystals

Researchers develop innovative treatment to alleviate deleterious effects of hyperkalemia, a disease affecting 350 million people worldwide. The new mineral-based therapy uses ion transfer to flush excess potassium from the body, offering a safer alternative to existing treatments.

SourceNatural History Museum of Los Angeles County·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2024

Researchers led by NTU Singapore and the University of Toulouse discover how our body's immune response to bacterial infections could be ‘hurting’ us

Researchers from NTU Singapore and the University of Toulouse discovered a link between ionophores, cellular ion balance, and inflammation. The study found that cells trigger an immune response when potassium ions fall below a certain level, releasing pro-inflammatory molecules.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2024

Opening pores for fuel cells and more

Researchers have developed a chemical etching method to widen the pores of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which could improve their applications in fuel cells and as catalysts. The new MOF structure enables faster transfer of chemicals, enhancing activity and stability.

SourceNagoya University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 29, 2024

A new chapter for all-attosecond spectroscopy

A team of researchers from the Max Born Institute has demonstrated a new approach to all-attosecond pump-probe spectroscopy using a compact intense attosecond source. This enables the investigation of extremely fast electron dynamics in the attosecond regime, which is not accessible by current attosecond techniques.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2024

The ties that bind

A common mineral in red soils, goethite locks away trace metals over time, rendering them unavailable for plants and animals. The study found that up to 70% of nickel was non-recoverable and only 8% of cadmium was irreversibly bound.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 15, 2024

Pioneering diamond manufacturing: Enhancing efficiency and precision with energy beam-based direct and assisted polishing techniques

Energy beam-based direct and assisted polishing technologies for diamonds improve surface quality and material removal rates, overcoming limitations of traditional methods. Researchers analyzed four latest polishing techniques, including laser polishing, ion beam polishing, plasma-assisted polishing, and laser-assisted polishing.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateDec 21, 2023

Researchers obtain promising results against capacity loss in vanadium batteries

A computational study conducted by Brazilian researchers found that current density and active species concentration are the main variables affecting capacity loss. The approach successfully mitigated cross-contamination, providing an optimal flow between electrolyte tanks under different operating conditions.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateNov 22, 2023

Atomic dance gives rise to a magnet

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a way to transform a rare-earth crystal into a magnet by using chirality in phonons. Chirality, or the twisting of atoms' motion, breaks time-reversal symmetry and aligns electron spins, creating a magnetic effect.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2023

Researchers unveil fire-inhibiting nonflammable gel polymer electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries

Researchers have created a fire-inhibiting, nonflammable gel polymer electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries, increasing ion conductivity by 33% and improving life characteristics by 110%. The electrolyte prevents radical chain reactions during combustion, effectively inhibiting battery fires.

Scaling up the power of nanotechnology

The team created a proof-of-concept nanocapsule capable of delivering specific payloads to targeted locations, with potential applications in drug delivery, nutrient transport, and other fields. By using calcium metal ions as building blocks, they can generate identical reservoirs for different substances.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalChemical Science·DateSep 21, 2023