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Research to enable cheaper and safer battery storage

Researchers developed a unique electrochemical ultrasonic force microscopy (EC-UFM) technique to observe sodium-ion battery interfaces during operation. The new method guides passivating layer formation, preserving charge carrier transport and enhancing battery performance.

SourceLancaster University·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2024

Multifunctional droplet manipulation technology combining femtosecond laser-designed slippery surface and electrostatic interactions

A new technology combines femtosecond laser-designed lubricated slippery surfaces with electrostatic interactions to manipulate droplets. This allows for diverse working conditions and functions, including driving droplets on inclined surfaces, manipulating various liquids, and sorting particles.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJun 19, 2024

New method unravels the mystery of slow electrons

Researchers have developed a new method to study slow electrons in solids, allowing for the deciphering of previously inaccessible information. By combining data from fast and slow electrons, scientists can now investigate how electrons release energy in their interaction with materials, crucial for applications such as cancer therapy ...

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

The biggest barrier to a vibrant second-hand EV market? Price

A Rutgers study reveals that price is the biggest barrier to a vibrant second-hand EV market, with lower-income buyers often priced out of the market. The study suggests that increasing charging station availability and expanding subsidies could promote greater used EV uptake across income groups.

SourceRutgers University·JournalTransportation Research Part D Transport and Environment·DateApr 19, 2024

World’s first real-time wearable human emotion recognition technology developed!

A groundbreaking technology recognizes human emotions in real time, combining verbal and non-verbal expression data for accurate emotional information extraction. The system features a personalized skin-integrated facial interface that enables self-powered, flexible, and transparent emotion recognition.

Understanding how soil traps carbon

Researchers found that electrostatic charges, structural features of carbon molecules, and surrounding metal nutrients play major roles in soil's ability to trap carbon. The study aims to help predict which soil chemistries are most favorable for trapping carbon.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2024

Attoscience unveils a light-matter hybrid phase in graphite reminiscent of superconductivity

ICFO researchers observed a light-induced increase and control of conductivity in graphite by manipulating its many-body state, showing signatures of superconductivity. The study uses attosecond soft-X-ray pulses to probe electronic dynamics, providing new insights into material properties and quantum states.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2023

Quantum batteries break causality

Researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed a new way to charge quantum batteries using optical apparatuses and the phenomenon of indefinite causal order. This approach enables significant gains in energy storage and thermal efficiency, even with lower power chargers.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2023

Making electric vehicles last

A new polymer binder is introduced to address durability issues in dual-ion batteries. The binder features azide and acrylate groups, which enhance the structural integrity of graphite during charge and discharge cycles. Dual-ion batteries equipped with this binder demonstrate exceptional performance, even after 3,500 recharge cycles.

New study unveils direct synthesis of FCMs via solid-state mechanochemical reaction between graphite and PTFE

Researchers developed a novel solid-state mechanochemical reaction to synthesize FCMs from PTFE and graphite, producing materials with enhanced storage capacity and electrochemical stability. The new method bypasses toxic reagents and offers a safer alternative for practical applications.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 22, 2023

Electrons take flight at the nanoscale

A new device design inspires improved integrated circuit designs by visualizing electric current flow lines around sharp bends. The research enables better understanding of heat generation in electronic devices, leading to more efficient circuit creation and reduced risk of overheating.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2023

A first for ferrocene: Organometallic capsule with unusual charge-transfer interactions

A ferrocene-based capsule with unusual charge-transfer interactions has been synthesized, allowing for reversible encapsulation and release of guest molecules. The capsule can bind to a variety of organic and inorganic dyes and electron-accepting molecules, demonstrating its potential applications in medicine, biotechnology, and chemic...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2023

New study finds ways to suppress lithium plating in automotive batteries for faster charging electric vehicles

A new study led by Dr. Xuekun Lu has found a way to prevent lithium plating in electric vehicle batteries, which could lead to faster charging times and improve the battery's energy density. The research also reveals that refining the microstructure of the graphite electrode can minimize the risk of lithium plating.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2023

Geomagnetic field protects Earth from electron showers

Researchers at Tohoku University found that the geomagnetic field plays a crucial role in protecting the Earth's lower atmosphere from harmful effects of electron precipitation. The study reveals that the mirror force caused by the magnetic field deflects relativistic electrons upwards, reducing their impact on the ionosphere.

SourceTohoku University·JournalEarth Planets and Space·DateAug 3, 2023

New study shatters conventional wisdom and unlocks the future of electrochemical devices

Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that ions conduct faster than electrons in conjugated polymer electrodes, challenging conventional wisdom. This finding provides valuable insights into the factors influencing charging speed and offers opportunities to engineer materials with improved performance.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2023

Don’t wait, desalinate: a new approach to water purification

Researchers at the Beckman Institute developed a new purification system that uses an electrified version of dialysis to separate salt and other unnecessary particles from wastewater. The method saves money and saps 90% less energy than its counterparts, making it a promising solution for global water scarcity.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2023

Full electrification of Uber and Lyft vehicles would provide only modest benefits to society, study shows

A new study estimates that the overall benefits of switching ride-hailing vehicles from gasoline to electric would be very modest, with a 3% gain per trip. The study found that traffic-related factors, such as congestion and crash risk, dominate societal costs, outweighing emissions reductions.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 8, 2023

Greener batteries

Researchers have developed a new type of organic battery that uses redox-organic electrode materials (OEMs) synthesized from natural materials. The battery features high capacity, scalability, and recyclability, making it a promising sustainable alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2023

Solar cells charging forward

Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully created silicon-based photovoltaics at room temperature using a hybrid PEDOT:PSS/silicon heterojunction. This breakthrough technology offers improved production speed and cost, with power generation efficiency above 10%. The new process has the potential to facilitate large-scale diffus...

SourceKyoto University·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2023

Revolutionary battery technology to boost EV range 10-fold or more

Researchers have developed a functional polymeric binder for stable, high-capacity anode material that can increase the current EV range at least 10-fold. The new polymer utilizes hydrogen bonding and Coulombic forces to control volumetric expansion, resulting in a thick high-capacity electrode and maximum energy density.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 28, 2023

Probe where the protons go to develop better fuel cells

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...

SourceKyushu University·JournalChemistry of Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023