Headline: Development of a model capable of predicting the cycle lives of high-energy-density lithium-metal batteries

■ Release Date: 2024.8.19

■ Published by: National Institute for Materials Science, Japan

■ Keywords: battery, lithium, energy density

■ Abstract:

Scientists have developed a model capable of predicting the cycle lives of high-energy-density lithium-metal batteries by applying machine learning methods to battery performance data. The model proved able to accurately estimate batteries' longevity by analyzing their charge, discharge and voltage relaxation process data without relying on any assumption about specific battery degradation mechanisms. The technique is expected to be useful in improving the safety and reliability of devices powered by lithium-metal batteries.

Headline: Quality control: Neatly arranging crystal growth to make fine thin films

■ Release Date: 2024.8.21

■ Published by: Osaka Metropolitan University

■ Keywords: sodium acetate, copper, metal-organic framework

■ Abstract:

Researchers have succeeded in forming metal-organic framework thin films on a substrate while controlling the growth direction of crystals so that they are arranged neatly without gaps. The resulting thin films of unprecedented high quality can be expected for use as optical sensors, optical elements, and transparent gas adsorption sheets.

Headline: Dormant capacity reserve in lithium-ion batteries detected

■ Release Date: 2024.8.21

■ Published by: Graz University of Technology

■ Keywords: lithium iron phosphate, battery, cathode

■ Abstract:

Lithium iron phosphate is one of the most important materials for batteries in electric cars, stationary energy storage systems and tools. It has a long service life, is comparatively inexpensive and does not tend to spontaneously combust. Energy density is also making progress. However, experts are still puzzled as to why lithium iron phosphate batteries undercut their theoretical electricity storage capacity by up to 25 per cent in practice.

Headline: Quenching the intense heat of a fusion plasma may require a well-placed liquid metal evaporator

■ Release Date: 2024.8.21

■ Published by: DOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory

■ Keywords: liquid metal, lithium, plasma

■ Abstract:

New fusion simulations of the inside of a tokamak reveal the ideal spot for a 'cave' with flowing liquid lithium is near the bottom by the center stack, as the evaporating metal particles should land in just the right spot to dissipate excess heat from the plasma.

Headline: Catalyst for 'one-step' conversion of methane to methanol

■ Release Date: 2024.8.22

■ Published by: DOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory

■ Keywords: catalyst, methane, methanol

■ Abstract:

Scientists have engineered a highly selective catalyst that can convert methane, a major component of natural gas, into methanol, an easily transportable liquid fuel, in a single, one-step reaction. This direct process for methane-to-methanol conversion runs at a temperature lower than required to make tea and exclusively produces methanol without additional byproducts.

Headline: Kagome superconductor makes waves

■ Release Date: 2024.8.23

■ Published by: University of Würzburg

■ Keywords: superconductor, vanadium, potassium

■ Abstract:

Superconductivity theory proposed by physics team validated in international experiment: Cooper pairs display wave-like distribution in Kagome metals, enabling new technological applications like superconducting diodes.