https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/alternative_fuels/ Alternative fuel sources. From hydrogen cars and microbial fuel cells to break-throughs in bioconversion, browse the latest research in alternative fuels. en-us Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:03:23 EDT Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:03:23 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/alternative_fuels/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260416032604.htm Researchers have discovered lithium hidden in pyrite within ancient shale rocks—an unexpected find that could reshape how we source this critical battery material. It raises the possibility of extracting lithium from existing waste, reducing the need for new mining. Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:32:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260416032604.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260328212132.htm A new holographic storage technique uses light in three dimensions to dramatically increase how much data can be stored. It encodes information throughout a material using amplitude, phase, and polarization, rather than just on a surface. An AI model then reconstructs the data from light patterns, simplifying the process. This could pave the way for faster, denser, and more efficient data storage systems. Sun, 29 Mar 2026 00:58:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260328212132.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260307155938.htm Solid-state batteries could be safer and more energy-dense than today’s lithium-ion technology, but finding materials that allow ions to move quickly through solid electrolytes has been difficult. Researchers developed a machine learning pipeline that predicts Raman spectra and identifies a distinctive low-frequency signal linked to liquid-like ion motion inside crystals. This signal appears when rapid ion movement temporarily disrupts a crystal’s symmetry. The approach could dramatically speed up the discovery of superionic materials for advanced batteries. Sat, 07 Mar 2026 16:59:56 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260307155938.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260226042452.htm Green hydrogen could be a game-changer for the clean energy transition—but right now, it’s too expensive and still relies on harmful “forever chemicals.” A new EU-backed project called SUPREME aims to fix that by reinventing how hydrogen is made. Led by the University of Southern Denmark with partners across Europe, researchers are developing a PFAS-free electrolysis system that slashes the use of rare metals like iridium and dramatically cuts costs. Thu, 26 Feb 2026 04:24:52 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260226042452.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260220010830.htm Oxford researchers have found a way to visualize one of the most hidden — yet critical — components inside lithium-ion batteries. By tagging polymer binders with traceable markers, they revealed how these tiny materials are distributed at the nanoscale and how that affects charging speed and durability. Small manufacturing adjustments reduced internal resistance by up to 40%, potentially unlocking fastcer charging. The technique could help improve both today’s batteries and next-generation designs. Fri, 20 Feb 2026 03:18:56 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260220010830.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260218031603.htm A surprising breakthrough could help sodium-ion batteries rival lithium—and even turn seawater into drinking water. Scientists discovered that keeping water inside a key battery material, instead of removing it as traditionally done, dramatically boosts performance. The “wet” version stores nearly twice as much charge, charges faster, and remains stable for hundreds of cycles, placing it among the top-performing sodium battery materials ever reported. Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:17:03 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260218031603.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260212234154.htm Scientists at HKUST have unveiled a major leap forward in calcium-ion battery technology, potentially opening the door to safer, more sustainable energy storage for everything from renewable power grids to electric vehicles. By designing a novel quasi-solid-state electrolyte made from redox-active covalent organic frameworks, the team solved long-standing issues that have held calcium batteries back—namely poor ion transport and limited stability. Fri, 13 Feb 2026 02:00:23 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260212234154.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260118064641.htm Solid-state batteries could store more energy and charge faster than today’s batteries, but they tend to crack and fail over time. Stanford researchers found that a nanoscale silver treatment can greatly strengthen the battery’s ceramic core. The silver helps seal tiny flaws and prevents lithium from causing further damage. This simple approach could help unlock next-generation batteries. Sun, 18 Jan 2026 22:23:20 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260118064641.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260108231331.htm Scientists in South Korea have discovered a way to make all-solid-state batteries safer and more powerful using inexpensive materials. Instead of adding costly metals, they redesigned the battery’s internal structure to help lithium ions move faster. This simple structural tweak boosted performance by up to four times. The work points to cheaper, safer batteries for phones, electric vehicles, and beyond. Fri, 09 Jan 2026 07:50:25 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260108231331.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251225080734.htm A new catalyst design could transform how acetaldehyde is made from renewable bioethanol. Researchers found that a carefully balanced mix of gold, manganese, and copper creates a powerful synergy that boosts efficiency while lowering operating temperatures. Their best catalyst achieved a 95% yield at just 225°C and stayed stable for hours. The discovery points to a cleaner, more sustainable path for producing key industrial chemicals. Mon, 29 Dec 2025 16:09:23 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251225080734.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251016223116.htm Researchers discovered how to stabilize a high-performance sodium compound, giving sodium-based solid-state batteries the power and stability they’ve long lacked. The new material conducts ions far more efficiently and supports thicker, energy-dense cathodes. Because it relies on a proven technique, it’s also easier to scale up for real-world use. This could bring safer, cheaper, greener batteries much closer to reality. Fri, 17 Oct 2025 03:07:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251016223116.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250916221913.htm Scientists at Harvard have discovered how salts like lithium bromide break down tough proteins such as keratin—not by attacking the proteins directly, but by altering the surrounding water structure. This breakthrough opens the door to a cleaner, more sustainable way to recycle wool, feathers, and hair into valuable materials, potentially replacing plastics and fueling new industries. Wed, 17 Sep 2025 21:05:06 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250916221913.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250818103002.htm Lithium battery recycling offers a powerful solution to rising demand, with discarded batteries still holding most of their valuable materials. Compared to mining, recycling slashes emissions and resource use while unlocking major economic potential. Yet infrastructure, policy, and technology hurdles must still be overcome. Tue, 19 Aug 2025 23:03:48 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250818103002.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803011840.htm Long before stars lit up the sky, the universe was a hot, dense place where simple chemistry quietly set the stage for everything to come. Scientists have now recreated the first molecule ever to form, helium hydride, and discovered it played a much bigger role in the birth of stars than we thought. Using a special ultra-cold lab setup, they mimicked conditions from over 13 billion years ago and found that this ancient molecule helped cool the universe just enough for stars to ignite. Their findings could rewrite part of the story about how the cosmos evolved from darkness to light. Sun, 03 Aug 2025 09:49:03 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803011840.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250802022915.htm AI is helping scientists crack the code on next-gen batteries that could replace lithium-ion tech. By discovering novel porous materials, researchers may have paved the way for more powerful and sustainable energy storage using abundant elements like magnesium. Sat, 02 Aug 2025 03:57:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250802022915.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250727235859.htm Deep in Serbia's Jadar Valley, scientists discovered a mineral with an uncanny resemblance to Superman's Kryptonite both in composition and name. Dubbed jadarite, this dull white crystal lacks the glowing green menace of its comic book counterpart but packs a punch in the real world. Rich in lithium and boron, jadarite could help supercharge the global transition to green energy. Sun, 27 Jul 2025 23:58:59 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250727235859.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250602155511.htm Physicists have developed a lens with 'magic' properties. Ultra-thin, it can transform infrared light into visible light by halving the wavelength of incident light. Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:55:11 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250602155511.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250602154903.htm Researchers have discovered that the mixing of small particles between two solid electrolytes can generate an effect called a 'space charge layer,' an accumulation of electric charge at the interface between the two materials. The finding could aid the development of batteries with solid electrolytes, called solid-state batteries, for applications including mobile devices and electric vehicles. Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:49:03 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250602154903.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529155435.htm Researchers present new experimental and theoretical results for the bound electron g-factor in lithium-like tin which has a much higher nuclear charge than any previous measurement. The experimental accuracy reached a level of 0.5 parts per billion. Using an enhanced interelectronic QED method, the theoretical prediction for the g-factor reached a precision of 6 parts per billion. Thu, 29 May 2025 15:54:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529155435.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529124724.htm Lightweight, powerful lithium-ion batteries are crucial for the transition to electric vehicles, and global demand for lithium is set to grow rapidly over the next 25 years. A new analysis looks at how new mining operations and battery recycling could meet that demand. Recycling could play a big role in easing supply constraints, the researchers found. Thu, 29 May 2025 12:47:24 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529124724.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527180926.htm Researchers have designed a liquid hydrogen storage and delivery system that could help make zero-emission aviation a reality. Their work outlines a scalable, integrated system that addresses several engineering challenges at once by enabling hydrogen to be used as a clean fuel and also as a built-in cooling medium for critical power systems aboard electric-powered aircraft. Tue, 27 May 2025 18:09:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527180926.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527124115.htm Engineers developed a fuel cell that offers more than three times as much energy per pound compared to lithium-ion batteries. Powered by a reaction between sodium metal and air, the device could be lightweight enough to enable the electrification of airplanes, trucks, or ships. Tue, 27 May 2025 12:41:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527124115.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520122034.htm Scientists developed a smartphone-compatible ethanol sensor using a metal-organic framework called Cu-MOF-74. The sensor visually detects ethanol concentrations across a wide range, with no electronics or lab tools required. This technology has promising applications in environmental monitoring, healthcare, industrial processes, and alcohol breath analysis. Tue, 20 May 2025 12:20:34 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520122034.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520122027.htm Scientists have made a breakthrough in eco-friendly batteries that not only store more energy but could also help tackle greenhouse gas emissions. Lithium-CO2 'breathing' batteries release power while capturing carbon dioxide, offering a greener alternative that may one day outperform today's lithium-ion batteries. Tue, 20 May 2025 12:20:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520122027.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520121257.htm Imagine drawing on something as delicate as a living cell -- without damaging it. Researchers have made this groundbreaking discovery using an unexpected combination of tools: frozen ethanol, electron beams and purple-tinted microbes. By advancing a method called ice lithography, the team was able to etch incredibly small, detailed patterns directly onto fragile biological surfaces. Tue, 20 May 2025 12:12:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520121257.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509122247.htm A team partially replaced lithium in a lithium antimonide compound with the metal scandium. This creates specific gaps, so-called vacancies, in the crystal lattice of the conductor material. These gaps help the lithium ions to move more easily and faster, resulting in a new world record for ion conductivity. Fri, 09 May 2025 12:22:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509122247.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250502182514.htm Lithium-ion batteries have been a staple in device manufacturing for years, but the liquid electrolytes they rely on to function are quite unstable, leading to fire hazards and safety concerns. Now, researchers are pursuing a reliable alternative energy storage solution for use in laptops, phones and electric vehicles: solid-state electrolytes (SSEs). Fri, 02 May 2025 18:25:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250502182514.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250430141916.htm Lightweight lithium metal is a heavy-hitting critical mineral, serving as the key ingredient in the rechargeable batteries that power phones, laptops, electric vehicles and more. As ubiquitous as lithium is in modern technology, extracting the metal is complex and expensive. A new method enables high-efficiency lithium extraction -- in minutes, not hours -- using low temperatures and simple water-based leaching. Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:19:16 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250430141916.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250429162220.htm As global demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage surges, so does the need for affordable and sustainable battery technologies. A new study has introduced an innovative solution that could impact electrochemical energy storage technologies. Tue, 29 Apr 2025 16:22:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250429162220.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250425113755.htm Researchers found a strategy to create catalysts that make the production of hydrogen for clean fuel more efficient and affordable. Fri, 25 Apr 2025 11:37:55 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250425113755.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423112140.htm A research team has developed an innovative single-step laser printing technique to accelerate the manufacturing of lithium-sulfur batteries. Integrating the commonly time-consuming active materials synthesis and cathode preparation in a nanosecond-scale laser-induced conversion process, this technique is set to revolutionize the future industrial production of printable electrochemical energy storage devices. Wed, 23 Apr 2025 11:21:40 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423112140.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250418112806.htm A research team develops high-power, high-energy-density anode using nano-sized tin particles and hard carbon. Fri, 18 Apr 2025 11:28:06 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250418112806.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250415143638.htm Researchers have demonstrated a way to use corn protein to improve the performance of lithium-sulfur batteries, a finding that holds promise for expanding the use of the high-energy, lighter-weight batteries in electric vehicles, renewable energy storage and other applications. Tue, 15 Apr 2025 14:36:38 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250415143638.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250409114953.htm Iron and its alloys, such as steel and cast iron, dominate the modern world, and there's growing demand for iron-derived products. Traditionally, blast furnaces transform iron ore into purified elemental metal, but the process requires a lot of energy and emits air pollution. Now, researchers report that they've developed a cleaner method to extract iron from a synthetic iron ore using electrochemistry, which they say could become cost-competitive with blast furnaces. Wed, 09 Apr 2025 11:49:53 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250409114953.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250409114526.htm Preparing catalysts by sending hot, steamy car exhaust over them could improve their efficiency and reduce the amount of rare and expensive metals required in vehicle catalytic converters and many other emission control and industrial processes. Wed, 09 Apr 2025 11:45:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250409114526.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250404215615.htm An innovative new computational model developed by an engineer could lead to fast-charging lithium-ion batteries that are safer and longer-lasting. Fri, 04 Apr 2025 21:56:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250404215615.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250403123102.htm Overheating batteries are a serious risk, in the worst cases leading to fires and explosion. A team has now developed a simple, cost-effective method to test the safety of lithium-ion batteries, which opens up opportunities for research into new and safer batteries for the future. The researchers created an intentionally unstable battery which is more sensitive to changes that could cause overheating. The battery is one-fiftieth the size of conventional batteries, so is less resource intensive and tests can be carried out in a smaller lab environment. Thu, 03 Apr 2025 12:31:02 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250403123102.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250402122031.htm When spring arrives and the heating season comes to an end, keeping warm becomes less of an issue. However, scientists remind us that it is not just a seasonal necessity -- heat is also a valuable energy resource that can be stored and used when needed most. Researchers have discovered an innovative solution beneath our feet: using soil as an efficient thermal energy storage system. Wed, 02 Apr 2025 12:20:31 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250402122031.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250327141752.htm In silico analysis of five industrial microorganisms identifies optimal strains and metabolic engineering strategies for producing 235 valuable chemicals. Thu, 27 Mar 2025 14:17:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250327141752.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250326123740.htm Lithium-ion batteries, used in consumer devices and electric vehicles, typically last hours or days between charges. However, with repeated use, they degrade and need to be charged more frequently. Now, researchers are considering radiocarbon as a source for safe, small and affordable nuclear batteries that could last decades or longer without charging. Wed, 26 Mar 2025 12:37:40 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250326123740.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250324113848.htm To mitigate global climate change, emissions of the primary culprit, carbon dioxide, must be drastically reduced. A newly developed process helps solve this problem: CO2 is directly split electrochemically into carbon and oxygen. Oxygen could also be produced in this way under water or in space -- without requiring stringent conditions such as pressure and temperature. Mon, 24 Mar 2025 11:38:48 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250324113848.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250320144810.htm Lithium-6 is essential for producing nuclear fusion fuel, but isolating it from the much more common isotope, lithium-7, usually requires liquid mercury, which is extremely toxic. Now, researchers have developed a mercury-free method to isolate lithium-6 that is as effective as the conventional method. Thu, 20 Mar 2025 14:48:10 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250320144810.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250319143641.htm A recent study evaluating garnet-type solid electrolytes for lithium metal batteries finds that their expected energy density advantages may be overstated. The researchers posited that composite or quasi-solid-state electrolytes may be more viable alternatives. Wed, 19 Mar 2025 14:36:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250319143641.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250318141820.htm In advancing sustainable energy solutions, an international collaborative team of scientists has achieved a significant milestone in low-carbon chemical conversion. In their recent publication in Nature, the team, led by Professors Zhengxiao GUO of Department of Chemistry at The University of Hong Kong (HKU), Weixin HUANG of University of Science and Technology of China, Richard CATLOW of University College London and Junwang TANG of Tsinghua University, have discovered a photocatalytic approach to converting methane to ethanol with high selectivity of around 80% and a methane conversion rate of 2.3% in a single run using a packed-bed flow reactor. The system achieves an impressive apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of 9.4%, which measures how effectively it converts incident photons into electrons that participate in the reaction under specific wavelength conditions. Tue, 18 Mar 2025 14:18:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250318141820.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250311121518.htm A new strategy for recycling spent lithium-ion batteries is based on a hydrometallurgical process in neutral solution. This allows for the extraction of lithium and other valuable metals in an environmentally friendly, highly efficient, and inexpensive way. The leaching efficiency is improved by a solid-solid reduction mechanism, known as the battery effect, as well as the addition of the amino acid glycine. Tue, 11 Mar 2025 12:15:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250311121518.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250228214818.htm In the race to meet the growing global demand for lithium -- a critical component in batteries for electric vehicles -- a team of researchers has developed a breakthrough lithium extraction method that could reshape the industry. In their study, the researchers demonstrated near-perfect lithium selectivity by repurposing solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) as membrane materials for aqueous lithium extraction. While originally designed for the rapid conduction of lithium ions in solid-state batteries -- where there are no other ions or liquid solvents -- the highly ordered and confined structure of SSEs was found to enable unprecedented separation of both ions and water in aqueous mixtures. Fri, 28 Feb 2025 21:48:18 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250228214818.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250228114027.htm Scientists have come up with a lithium ion capacitor using electrodes produced from wood particles that are discarded as waste in sawmills. This biomass is both readily available and sustainable, inexpensive processes have been used to produce electrodes. The results reveal that the materials derived from biomass have excellent properties for obtaining eco friendly, cost-effective systems designed to store high-power energy. Fri, 28 Feb 2025 11:40:27 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250228114027.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250227165410.htm A research group has revealed fundamental insights into anode-free solid-state batteries, paving the way for efforts to improve their manufacturability. Thu, 27 Feb 2025 16:54:10 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250227165410.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250227125056.htm Researchers are working to enhance battery safety and efficiency by developing solid-state alternatives to lithium-ion batteries. These batteries offer improved energy efficiency and safety, but a major challenge has been the formation of an interphase layer at the junction of the solid electrolyte and cathode. This ultra-thin layer obstructs lithium ion and electron movement, increasing resistance and degrading battery performance. Thu, 27 Feb 2025 12:50:56 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250227125056.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250226125012.htm In a breakthrough that could transform bioelectronic sensing, an interdisciplinary team of researchers has developed a new method to dramatically enhance the sensitivity of enzymatic and microbial fuel cells using organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs). Wed, 26 Feb 2025 12:50:12 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250226125012.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250221125653.htm Rubidium could be the next key player in oxide-ion conductors. Researchers have discovered a rare rubidium (Rb)-containing oxide-ion conductor with exceptionally high conductivity. Identified through computational screening and experiments, its superior performance stems from low activation energy and structural features like large free volume and tetrahedral motion. Its stability under various conditions offers a promising direction for solid oxide fuel cells and clean energy technologies. Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:56:53 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250221125653.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250220164246.htm Chemical engineers have discovered that adding nickel atoms to silver catalysts could revolutionize the production of ethylene oxide by eliminating the need for toxic chlorine while maintaining efficiency. The breakthrough could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the $40 billion global ethylene oxide industry, which currently produces this crucial chemical used in plastics, textiles, antifreeze, and disinfectants through a process that emits millions of tons of carbon dioxide annually. Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:42:46 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250220164246.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250219154612.htm For decades, scientists have sought ways to counter our dependence on lithium-ion batteries. These traditional, rechargeable batteries energize today's most ubiquitous consumer electronics -- from laptops to cell phones to electric cars. But raw lithium is expensive and is often sourced through fragile geopolitical networks. This month, chemists have announced an exciting alternative that relies on an organic, high-energy cathode material to make sodium-ion batteries, advancing the likelihood that this technology will find commercialization with safe, cheaper, more sustainable components. Wed, 19 Feb 2025 15:46:12 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250219154612.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250219111358.htm Scientists have discovered how to turn common minerals into materials that spontaneously remove and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In the lab, the materials pull CO2 from the air thousands of times faster than occurs with natural rock weathering. Wed, 19 Feb 2025 11:13:58 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250219111358.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250214225032.htm Researchers have explored a 'quantum-inspired' technique to make the 'ones' and 'zeroes' for classical computer memory applications out of crystal defects, each the size of an individual atom. This turns milimeter-sized crystals into computer memory devices capable of storing terabytes of data. This interdisciplinary revolution in computer memory took its inspiration from the radiation dosimeters worn by hospital employees working with X-ray machines. Fri, 14 Feb 2025 22:50:32 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250214225032.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250214123935.htm Over time, batteries break down. Studying this process in-depth with imaging techniques may help us improve the lifespan of batteries. Fri, 14 Feb 2025 12:39:35 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250214123935.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250213143557.htm Researchers have quantified the role of the 'hydrogen economy' in making our society more sustainable. They present the results of extensive modelling of pathways to decarbonizing the European economy by 2050. They conclude that when it comes to providing a sustainable primary source of energy, electrification will prove to be the most cost-efficient route for most economic sectors with an average total share of around 60% in final energy consumption. In contrast, the projected share of direct hydrogen use will be 10% at the highest. Thu, 13 Feb 2025 14:35:57 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250213143557.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250213143549.htm Researchers have discovered why LiNiO2 batteries break down, and they are testing a solution that could remove a key barrier to widespread use of the material. The team plans first to manufacture LiNiO2 batteries in the lab and ultimately to work with an industry partner to commercialize the technology. Thu, 13 Feb 2025 14:35:49 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250213143549.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250210183627.htm A trove of lithium-rich brine exists underground in Bolivia. Researchers conducted the first comprehensive chemical analysis of wastewater associated with mining the resource. Mon, 10 Feb 2025 18:36:27 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250210183627.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250210153920.htm A new paper has demonstrated that improving the texture of the soft metal used in battery anodes greatly improved performance. The team added a thin layer of silicon between lithium metal and the current collector to create the ideal grain orientation. Mon, 10 Feb 2025 15:39:20 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250210153920.htm