Headline: Towards efficient lithium--air batteries with solution plasma-based synthesis of perovskite hydroxide catalysts

■ Release Date: 2023.6.26

■ Published by: Shibaura Institute of Technology

■ Keywords: lithium, air battery, perovskite

■ Abstract:

CoSn(OH)6 (CSO) is an effective oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst, necessary for developing next-generation lithium -- air batteries. However, current methods of synthesizing CSO are complicated and slow. Recently, an international research team synthesized CSO in a single step within 20 minutes using solution plasma to generate CSO nanocrystals with excellent OER catalytic properties. Their findings could boost the manufacturing of high energy density batteries.

Headline: An ingredient in toothpaste may make electric cars go farther

■ Release Date: 2023.6.28

■ Published by: DOE/Argonne National Laboratory

■ Keywords: electrolyte, lithium, battery

■ Abstract:

Scientists have developed a fluoride-containing electrolyte for lithium metal batteries that could boost the electric vehicle industry. The usefulness of this electrolyte extends to other types of advanced battery systems beyond lithium ion.

Headline: Electrochemical device captures carbon dioxide at the flick of a switch

■ Release Date: 2023.6.28

■ Published by: Rice University

■ Keywords: carbon capture, carbon dioxide, greenhouse gas

■ Abstract:

New carbon capture technology can generate a continuous, high-purity carbon dioxide stream from diluted, or low-concentration, gas streams using only electricity and a water-and-oxygen-based reaction.

Headline: Electronic skin' from bio-friendly materials can track human vital signs with ultrahigh precision

■ Release Date: 2023.6.28

■ Published by: Queen Mary University of London

■ Keywords: graphene, biodegradable materials, recyclable

■ Abstract:

Researchers have used materials inspired by molecular gastronomy to create smart wearables that surpassed similar devices in terms of strain sensitivity. They integrated graphene into seaweed to create nanocomposite microcapsules for highly tunable and sustainable epidermal electronics. When assembled into networks, the tiny capsules can record muscular, breathing, pulse, and blood pressure measurements in real-time with ultrahigh precision.

Headline: Neutrons look inside working solid-state battery to discover its key to success

■ Release Date: 2023.6.28

■ Published by: DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory

■ Keywords: battery, lithium, electrolyte

■ Abstract:

Researchers have used neutron reflectometry to peer inside a working solid-state battery and monitor its electrochemistry. They discovered that its excellent performance results from an extremely thin layer, across which charged lithium atoms quickly flow as they move from anode to cathode and blend into a solid electrolyte.

Headline: New method could break down PFAS left on water treatment filters

■ Release Date: 2023.6.28

■ Published by: University of Missouri-Columbia

■ Keywords: activated carbon, resin, synthetic chemicals

■ Abstract:

In a recent study, researchers demonstrate an innovative method using thermal induction heating to rapidly break down PFAS left on the surface of two solid materials -- granular activated carbon and anion exchange resins -- after these materials have been used to filter PFAS from municipal water systems. The team's goal is to clean the materials before they are properly disposed.

Headline: Soft, ultrathin photonic material cools down wearable electronic devices

■ Release Date: 2023.6.29

■ Published by: City University of Hong Kong

■ Keywords: photonic material, wearable electronics, silicon dioxide

■ Abstract:

Overheating of wearable skin-like electronic devices increases the risk of skin burning and results in performance degradation. A research team has now invented a photonic material-based 'soft, ultrathin, radiative-cooling interface' that greatly enhances heat dissipation in devices, with temperature drops more than 56°C, offering an alternative for effective thermal management in advanced wearable electronics.

Headline: Discovering features of band topology in amorphous thin films

■ Release Date: 2023.6.30

■ Published by: Tohoku University

■ Keywords: topological materials, iron, tin

■ Abstract:

Topological materials' unique properties make them a great choice for making next-generation devices. In order to exploit them, it was thought that crystalline materials, where atoms are highly ordered, were needed. But now, a research group has verified that even amorphous materials, where atoms are loosely arranged, can have these special properties.