http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/batteries/ Read the latest research on everything from new longer life batteries and batteries with viruses to a nano-size battery. en-us Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:05:02 EST Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:05:02 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/batteries/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120212192557.htm Researchers have developed methodology, based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to examine batteries without destroying them. Their technique creates the possibility of improving battery performance and safety by serving as a diagnostic of its internal workings. Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120212192557.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209135838.htm Scientists have found that a new type of battery has the potential to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of solar power. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209135838.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201181449.htm Aerospace engineers have developed a prototype device that could power a pacemaker using a source that is surprisingly close to the heart of the matter: vibrations in the chest cavity that are due mainly to heartbeats. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201181449.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220193312.htm Chemists have solved the 150 year-old mystery of what gives the lead-acid battery, found under the bonnet of most cars, its unique ability to deliver a surge of current. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220193312.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220133938.htm Engineers have developed a self-healing system that restores electrical conductivity to a cracked circuit in less time than it takes to blink. As a crack propagates, microcapsules filled with liquid metal break open and the liquid fills the gap, restoring electrical flow. The technology is especially attractive for applications where repair is impossible, such as a battery, or finding the source of a failure is difficult, such as an air- or spacecraft. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220133938.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220133709.htm Researchers have developed a new and significantly cheaper method of manufacturing fuel cells. A noble metal nanoparticle catalyst for fuel cells is prepared using atomic layer deposition. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220133709.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216084221.htm Researchers have observed the extremely fast onset of electrical resistance in a semiconductor by following electron motions in real-time. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216084221.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129185929.htm Solving the mystery of prematurely dead cell phone and laptop batteries may prove to be a vital step toward creating a sustainable energy grid according to researchers. Scientists now call for a new, standardized gauge of performance measurement for energy storage devices. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129185929.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123151916.htm Researchers have used nanoparticles of a copper compound to develop a high-power battery electrode that is so inexpensive to make, so efficient and so durable that it could be used to build batteries big enough for economical large-scale energy storage on the electrical grid -- something researchers have sought for years. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123151916.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123133510.htm New developments may lead to insects monitoring hazardous situations before humans are sent in. The principal idea is to harvest the insect's biological energy from either its body heat or movements. The device converts the kinetic energy from wing movements of the insect into electricity, thus prolonging the battery life. The battery can be used to power small sensors implanted on the insect (such as a small camera, a microphone or a gas sensor) in order to gather vital information from hazardous environments. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:35:35 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123133510.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114142047.htm Engineers have created an electrode for lithium-ion batteries that allows the rechargeable batteries to hold a charge up to 10 times greater than current technology. The batteries also can charge 10 times faster than current batteries. The researchers combined two chemical engineering approaches to address two major battery limitations -- energy capacity and charge rate -- in one fell swoop. The technology could pave the way for better batteries for cellphones, iPods and electric cars. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114142047.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021125521.htm Researchers have developed a new concept for rechargeable batteries. Based on a fluoride shuttle -- the transfer of fluoride anions between the electrodes -- it promises to enhance the storage capacity reached by lithium-ion batteries by several factors. Operational safety is also increased, as it can be done without lithium. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021125521.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017124340.htm Electric and hybrid vehicles will be conquering the cities: cars, bicycles, buses and trains. This is why new ideas are in demand for individual and public transportation. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017124340.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017102604.htm Engineers have been inspired by nature. To fill the porous electrodes of lithium-ion batteries more rapidly with liquid electrolyte, they are using a physico-chemical effect that also provides for transport in trees. The new process increases the throughput of battery production and reduces investment costs. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017102604.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014080045.htm Today there is a wide variety of energy storage technologies at very different stages of development. Among them, the Redox Flow Battery (RFB) is an innovative solution based on the use of liquid electrolytes stored in tanks and pumped through a reactor to produce energy. Researchers are currently working in the development of high performance RFBs. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014080045.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013185008.htm An international team of researchers has invented new artificial muscles strong enough to rotate objects a thousand times their own weight, but with the same flexibility of an elephant's trunk or octopus limbs. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013185008.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005110409.htm Engineers in Germany have replaced a battery box for lithium-ion batteries in electric cars with a lightweight component. Not only does the housing save weight and sustain no damage in an accident -- for the first time ever, it can also be mass-produced. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:04:04 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005110409.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110929074021.htm Researchers in Singapore have developed a novel membrane with a performance that surpasses existing rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors, promising a low-cost, environmentally-friendly energy source. Thu, 29 Sep 2011 07:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110929074021.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110923105508.htm Lithium-ion batteries power everything from smart phones to electric cars, but especially when it comes to lowering the cost and extending the range of all-electric vehicles, they need to store a lot more energy. The critical component for energy storage is the anode, and scientists have developed a new anode material that can absorb eight times the lithium and has far greater energy capacity than today's designs. Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110923105508.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110909111628.htm Costs of manufacture of batteries and power trains of electric vehicles can be halved by 2018, if the gaps in the innovation chain can be closed. For reaching this objective, scientists develop concrete, close-to-industry solutions for energy stores and power trains and combine them on the system level. Fri, 09 Sep 2011 11:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110909111628.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908145335.htm Batteries could get a boost from a discovery that increases power, energy density and safety while dramatically reducing charge time. Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908145335.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908145104.htm By looking to Mother Nature for solutions, researchers have identified a promising new binder material for lithium-ion battery electrodes that could not only boost energy storage, but also eliminate the use of toxic compounds now used in manufacturing the components. Known as alginate, the material is extracted from common, fast-growing brown algae. Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908145104.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110831115918.htm Solar power heavily reliant on lead batteries has the potential to release more than 2.4 million tons of lead pollution in China and India, according to new research. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110831115918.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110831093919.htm Researchers have been operating a canal boat with a fuel cell drive for three years now. In the world of shipbuilding, however, different rules apply than those in the automobile manufacturing industries. Weight is of practically no significance, but the propulsion plant must have an operating lifetime as long as that of the boat itself. The hydride storage system -- the hydrogen tank -- must meet this challenging requirement. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 09:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110831093919.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110823115139.htm In a new paper, researchers describe a new energy-harvesting technology that promises to dramatically reduce our dependence on batteries and instead capture the energy of human motion to power portable electronics. Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110823115139.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822152533.htm Researchers have created a solid-state, nanotube-based supercapacitor that promises to combine the best qualities of high-energy batteries and fast-charging capacitors in a device suitable for extreme environments. Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822152533.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810133118.htm Researchers have developed a new and improved iron-based catalyst capable of generating even more electric power in fuel cells for transportation applications. Previously, only platinum-based catalysts could produce similar performance. Wed, 10 Aug 2011 13:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810133118.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110809132232.htm While roofs across the world sport photovoltaic solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity, an engineer believes a novel hybrid system can wring even more useful energy out of the sun's rays. Instead of systems based on standard solar panels, an engineer proposes a hybrid option in which sunlight heats a combination of water and methanol in a maze of glass tubes on a rooftop. After two catalytic reactions, the system produces hydrogen much more efficiently than current technology without significant impurities. The resulting hydrogen can be stored and used on demand in fuel cells. Tue, 09 Aug 2011 13:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110809132232.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110730180245.htm A new photovoltaic energy-conversion system can be powered solely by heat, generating electricity with no sunlight at all. While the principle involved is not new, a novel way of engineering the surface of a material to convert heat into precisely tuned wavelengths of light -- selected to match the wavelengths that photovoltaic cells can best convert to electricity -- makes the new system much more efficient than previous versions. Sat, 30 Jul 2011 18:02:02 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110730180245.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110729175607.htm Scientists have packed an entire lithium ion energy storage device into a single nanowire. The researchers believe their creation is as small as such devices can possibly get, and could be valuable as a rechargeable power source for new generations of nanoelectronics. Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110729175607.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727171505.htm Researchers have built a high-capacity energy storage device for lithium ion batteries by constructing a unique nanoscale sandwich of graphene and tin. The device is engineered to improve electrochemical cycling of the battery, which reduces charging time and allows repeated recharging without degrading battery performance. Wed, 27 Jul 2011 17:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727171505.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110721150450.htm A team of engineering students at the Ohio State University's Center for Automotive Research recently began running aerodynamics simulations at the Ohio Supercomputer Center, one of the first steps in the long and careful process of researching, designing, building and racing the fourth iteration of their record-breaking, alternative-fuel streamliner. In partnership with Venturi and A123 Systems, the team began the development process for a completely re-engineered test vehicle designed to break the 400-mph mark. Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:04:04 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110721150450.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110713121301.htm A novel application of carbon nanotubes shows promise as an innovative approach to storing solar energy for use whenever it's needed. Storing the sun's heat in chemical form -- rather than converting it to electricity or storing the heat itself in a heavily insulated container -- has significant advantages, since in principle the chemical material can be stored for long periods of time without losing any of its stored energy. The problem with that approach has been that until now the chemicals needed to perform this conversion and storage either degraded within a few cycles, or included the element ruthenium, which is rare and expensive. Wed, 13 Jul 2011 12:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110713121301.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110713101946.htm Following months of preliminary work on computer simulations, the first completed prototype of the new electric concept car showed in its first driving tests that it possesses excellent driving properties -- not only in theory, but also in practice. Wed, 13 Jul 2011 10:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110713101946.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110712162826.htm A new system to send electricity over short distances has been shown to reliably power a mechanical heart pump. The system could free patients from being tethered to a battery or external power source, lowering their chance of infection and improving their quality of life. Tue, 12 Jul 2011 16:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110712162826.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110707131545.htm Researchers have discovered a way to capture energy transmitted by such sources as radio and television transmitters and cell phone networks. By scavenging this ambient energy from the air around us, the technique could provide a new way to power networks of wireless sensors or other devices. Thu, 07 Jul 2011 13:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110707131545.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110630171715.htm A graduate student has found a way to double the battery life of mobile devices -- such as smartphones or laptop computers -- by making changes to WiFi technology. Thu, 30 Jun 2011 17:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110630171715.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110619133512.htm Scientists have devised a way to measure Nafion's internal structure and, in the process, have discovered how to manipulate this structure to enhance the material's applications. Sun, 19 Jun 2011 13:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110619133512.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110616193909.htm When Hansel and Gretel ventured into the forest, they left a trail of breadcrumbs to find their way home. In today's world, digital signals connect us to friends, family, and colleagues and help us find our location and map our routes. Yet, with few exceptions, today's firefighters still rely on 20th century radios, whose outdated analog signals have trouble penetrating the modern forest. Thu, 16 Jun 2011 19:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110616193909.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110615103042.htm Scientists are reporting development of the first self-powered nano-device that can transmit data wirelessly over long distances. Researchers say it proves the feasibility of a futuristic genre of tiny implantable medical sensors, airborne and stationary surveillance cameras and sensors, wearable personal electronics, and other devices that operate independently without batteries on energy collected from the environment. Wed, 15 Jun 2011 10:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110615103042.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110615062237.htm Cheap, much lighter than before and allowing for continuous operation – what traditional batteries can not offer – direct formic acid fuel cells can revolutionize the portable electronics market. A new catalyst will enable a widespread use of fuel cells, researchers say. Wed, 15 Jun 2011 06:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110615062237.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110607121139.htm By adding the right amount of heat, researchers have developed a method that improves the electrical capacity and recharging lifetime of sodium ion rechargeable batteries, which could be a cheaper alternative for large-scale uses such as storing energy on the electrical grid. Researchers have used nanomaterials to make electrodes that can work with sodium. Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110607121139.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110531160727.htm A team of scientists has developed a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell technology for future U.S. Department of Defense and commercial applications. Tue, 31 May 2011 16:07:07 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110531160727.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110531155359.htm A team of engineers has developed a rapid and low-cost imprinting process that can stamp out a variety of devices that have unique optical, electrical, chemical and mechanical properties. Tue, 31 May 2011 15:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110531155359.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110523101913.htm Chemical engineering students have developed a portable microreactor that converts liquid fuels into hydrogen for fuel cell batteries. Mon, 23 May 2011 10:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110523101913.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110518131457.htm A U.S. nationwide survey asked consumers what changes to the common complaints of charging time and limited range are worth. For longer range, they'd pay $35-$75/mile. For faster charging, they'd pay up to $3,250/hour. A second study showed longer range isn't absolutely necessary for many. The current 100-mile range could work for 32 percent of people. Wed, 18 May 2011 13:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110518131457.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110509065640.htm The first forklift trucks in Europe that will run on fuel cells and with hydrogen in their tanks are on the way to the market. No fewer than 30 demonstration units are to be tested, and Norway is among the countries potentially involved in the trials. Mon, 09 May 2011 06:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110509065640.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110505131643.htm Researchers have developed a fundamentally new approach to glasses-free 3-D, called HR3D, which they say could double the battery life of devices without compromising screen brightness or resolution. Among other advantages, the technique could also expand the viewing angle of a 3-D screen, making it practical for larger devices with multiple users, and it would maintain the 3-D effect even when the screen is rotated -- something that happens routinely with handheld devices. Thu, 05 May 2011 13:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110505131643.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110426091126.htm Scientists have demonstrated significant progress in the efficiency and cost effectiveness of light ions in the fast ignition of fusion targets. Light ions such as lithium or carbon are easier to produce technologically and the ion beam properties can be manipulated and tailored best to suit the necessary requirements for fast ignition. Tue, 26 Apr 2011 09:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110426091126.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110422090201.htm One of the most important decisions facing designers of plug-in electric or hybrid vehicles is related to battery choice. Now, researchers have used a life cycle analysis to examine three vehicle battery types to determine which does the best job of powering the vehicle while causing the least amount of environmental impact during its production. Fri, 22 Apr 2011 09:02:02 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110422090201.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110418201736.htm Researchers in America have shown that ozone -- a known pollutant at low levels in Earth's atmosphere, causing harmful effects on the respiratory system and sensitive plants -- can be reduced, on average, when electric vehicle charging is done at night time. Mon, 18 Apr 2011 20:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110418201736.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110415113958.htm Limits imposed by using corrosive electrolytes often result in severe restrictions to battery geometry and the need for special corrosive-resistant battery containers. The use of reactive ionic liquids in non-aqueous cells replace the more hazardous highly alkaline electrolytes. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110415113958.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110414161404.htm A dramatic and surprising magnetic effect of light discovered by researchers could lead to solar power without traditional semiconductor-based solar cells. The researchers found a way to make an "optical battery." In the process, they overturned a century-old tenet of physics. Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110414161404.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110406142347.htm Unlike many conventional chemical detectors that require an external power source, researchers have now developed a nanosensor that relies on semiconductor nanowires, rather than traditional batteries. Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110406142347.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110406123025.htm Battery technology hasn't kept pace with advancements in portable electronics, but the race is on to fix this. One revolutionary concept being pursued involves creating "wearable energy harvesters" capable of converting movement from humans or found in nature into battery power. Wed, 06 Apr 2011 12:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110406123025.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110406085630.htm Li-air batteries are a promising opportunity for electric cars. The Achilles' heel of the electric car is the limited energy density of the batteries, which will only provide short drives. Wed, 06 Apr 2011 08:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110406085630.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110404084751.htm In the future, the growing amounts of solar and wind energy will need to be stored for dark or low-wind periods. One solution is redox flow batteries that can supply current for up to 2000 households. Scientists are now working on these fluid batteries of the future. Mon, 04 Apr 2011 08:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110404084751.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110404084445.htm Electric cars are cleaner, quieter and more efficient than gasoline- or diesel-powered vehicles. Even so, they have not yet caught on. Now, however, a new era is beginning: the era of electric mobility. Mon, 04 Apr 2011 08:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110404084445.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110330214713.htm The next-generation battery, like next-generation TV, may be 3-D, scientists say. They have described a new lithium-ion battery, already available in a prototype version, with a three-dimensional interior architecture that could be perfect for the electric cars now appearing in auto dealer showrooms. Wed, 30 Mar 2011 21:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110330214713.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110329134254.htm Researchers have developed a rechargeable battery that uses freshwater and seawater to create electricity. Aided by nanotechnology, the battery employs the difference in salinity between fresh and saltwater to generate a current. A power station might be built wherever a river flows into the ocean. Tue, 29 Mar 2011 13:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110329134254.htm