Headline: Move over lithium-ion: Zinc-air batteries a cheaper and safer alternative

■ Release Date: 2023.8.21

■ Published by: Edith Cowan University

■ Keywords: zinc, lithium-ion, batteries

■ Abstract:

Zinc-air batteries have emerged as a better alternative to lithium in a recent study into the advancement of sustainable battery systems.

Headline: New approach shows hydrogen can be combined with electricity to make pharmaceutical drugs

■ Release Date: 2023.8.21

■ Published by: University of Wisconsin-Madison

■ Keywords: hydrogen, fuel cells, zinc

■ Abstract:

The world needs greener ways to make chemicals. In a new study, researchers demonstrate one potential path toward this goal by adapting hydrogen fuel cell technologies.

Headline: Steam condenser coating could save 460M tons of CO2 annually

■ Release Date: 2023.8.21

■ Published by: University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering

■ Keywords: coal, silicon, fossil fuel

■ Abstract:

If coal and natural gas power generation were 2% more efficient, then, every year, there could be 460 million fewer tons of carbon dioxide released and 2 trillion fewer gallons of water used. A recent innovation to the steam cycle used in fossil fuel power generation could achieve this.

Headline: New epoxy resin resists flames and reduces waste

■ Release Date: 2023.8.22

■ Published by: Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)

■ Keywords: epoxy resin, recycling, plastic

■ Abstract:

Researchers have developed an epoxy resin that can be repaired and recycled, in addition to being flame-retardant and mechanically strong. Potential applications range from coating for wooden flooring to composites in aerospace and railways.

Headline: The trio -- nickel, palladium, and platinum -- for enhanced hydrogen evolution

■ Release Date: 2023.8.22

■ Published by: Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)

■ Keywords: nickel, palladium, platinum

■ Abstract:

A research team enhanced hydrogen evolution catalyst through stepwise deposition.

Headline: Engineers use kirigami to make ultrastrong, lightweight structures

■ Release Date: 2023.8.22

■ Published by: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

■ Keywords: plate lattice, aluminum, metal

■ Abstract:

Researchers used kirigami, the art of Japanese paper cutting and folding, to develop ultrastrong, lightweight materials that have tunable mechanical properties, like stiffness and flexibility. These materials could be used in airplanes, automobiles, or spacecraft.

Headline: New platform could boost development of carbon-capturing batteries

■ Release Date: 2023.8.22

■ Published by: University of Surrey

■ Keywords: carbon-capturing, batteries, lithium

■ Abstract:

Efficient and cheap batteries that can also capture harmful emissions could be right around the corner, thanks to a new system that speeds up the development of catalysts for lithium-CO2 (Li-CO2) batteries.

Headline: Improvements in silicon-perovskite tandem cells that helped achieve a whopping 32.5 percent efficiency

■ Release Date: 2023.8.22

■ Published by: Kaunas University of Technology

■ Keywords: silicon, perovskite, solar cells

■ Abstract:

In the ongoing quest for more efficient solar cells, the most current published record for tandem perovskite solar cells is 32.5 percent. In a new paper, researchers report on the improvements in silicon-perovskite tandem cells that have made this possible.

Headline: Graphene discovery could help generate hydrogen cheaply and sustainably

■ Release Date: 2023.8.23

■ Published by: University of Warwick

■ Keywords: graphene, hydrogen, protons

■ Abstract:

Researchers have finally solved the long-standing puzzle of why graphene is so much more permeable to protons than expected by theory.

Headline: Towards better batteries and fuel cells with dispersibility estimation for carbon electrode slurries

■ Release Date: 2023.8.24

■ Published by: Tokyo University of Science

■ Keywords: batteries, fuel cells, carbon electrode

■ Abstract:

Carbon slurries, which consist of a suspension of carbon particles in a solvent, are used to mass-produce battery electrodes. However, there are no adequate methods to evaluate whether the particles are uniformly dispersed in the slurry during the manufacturing process. In a recent study, researchers used an innovative approach, combining viscosity and electrochemical impedance measurements, to accurately assess the dispersibility of slurries, opening doors to enhanced electric vehicles and fuel cell batteries.

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

■ Release Date: 2023.8.24

■ Published by: Queen Mary University of London

■ Keywords: lithium, battery, electric vehicles

■ Abstract:

A new study has found a way to prevent lithium plating in electric vehicle batteries, which could lead to faster charging times.

Headline: Scientists invent micrometers-thin battery charged by saline solution that could power smart contact lenses

■ Release Date: 2023.8.24

■ Published by: Nanyang Technological University

■ Keywords: battery, sodium, potassium

■ Abstract:

Scientists have developed a flexible battery as thin as a human cornea, which stores electricity when it is immersed in saline solution, and which could one day power smart contact lenses.