https://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 Sat, 18 Apr 2026 11:56:42 EDT Sat, 18 Apr 2026 11:56:42 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/batteries/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260416071956.htm A new quantum sensing approach could dramatically improve how scientists measure low-frequency electric fields, a task that has long been limited by bulky setups and blurry resolution. Instead of relying on traditional vapor-cell methods, researchers developed a system using chains of highly sensitive Rydberg atoms that respond collectively to electric fields. As the field shifts, it subtly changes how these atoms interact, allowing both the strength and direction of the field to be decoded with remarkable precision. Fri, 17 Apr 2026 07:56:32 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260416071956.htm 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/2026/04/260409101103.htm A new chip design from UC San Diego could make data centers far more energy-efficient by rethinking how power is converted for GPUs. By combining vibrating piezoelectric components with a clever circuit layout, the system overcomes limitations of traditional designs. The prototype achieved impressive efficiency and delivered much more power than previous attempts. Though not ready for widespread use yet, it points to a promising future for high-performance computing. Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:45:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260409101103.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260403224452.htm Scientists have taken a major step toward futuristic energy tech by building a working prototype of a quantum battery—one that can charge, store, and release energy using the strange rules of quantum physics instead of chemistry. This tiny, laser-powered device hints at a future where energy storage is not only faster but actually improves as systems get larger, flipping the rules of conventional batteries. Sat, 04 Apr 2026 23:00:42 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260403224452.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260322020249.htm Scientists in Australia have demonstrated a prototype quantum battery that could revolutionize energy storage. By harnessing quantum effects, it can absorb energy in a rapid “super absorption” event, enabling much faster charging than conventional batteries. Even more surprisingly, the system becomes more efficient as it scales up. The research opens the door to ultra-fast, next-generation energy technologies. Sun, 22 Mar 2026 23:14:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260322020249.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260308201623.htm Scientists have found a way to significantly boost “blue energy,” which generates electricity from the mixing of saltwater and freshwater. By coating nanopores with lipid molecules that create a friction-reducing water layer, they enabled ions to pass through much more efficiently while keeping the process highly selective. Their prototype membrane produced about two to three times more power than current technologies. The discovery could help bring osmotic energy closer to becoming a practical renewable power source. Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:48:24 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260308201623.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/2026/02/260220010830.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/2026/02/260204121538.htm Researchers have built a paper-thin chip that converts infrared light into visible light and directs it precisely, all without mechanical motion. The design overcomes a long-standing efficiency-versus-control problem in light-shaping materials. This opens the door to tiny, highly efficient light sources integrated directly onto chips. Thu, 05 Feb 2026 23:39:29 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204121538.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204114540.htm A new optical device allows researchers to generate and switch between two stable, donut-shaped light patterns called skyrmions. These light vortices hold their shape even when disturbed, making them promising for wireless data transmission. Using a specially designed metasurface and controlled laser pulses, scientists can flip between electric and magnetic modes. The advance could help pave the way for more resilient terahertz communication systems. Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:51:31 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204114540.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260131084129.htm nside electrochemical devices, strong electric fields dramatically alter how water molecules behave. New research shows that these fields speed up water dissociation not by lowering energy costs, but by increasing molecular disorder once ions form. The reaction becomes entropy-driven—exactly the opposite of what happens in ordinary water. The findings also reveal that intense fields can push water from neutral to highly acidic, with major implications for hydrogen production. Sat, 31 Jan 2026 09:58:25 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260131084129.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260118233604.htm As global energy demand surges—driven by AI-hungry data centers, advanced manufacturing, and electrified transportation—researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory have unveiled a breakthrough that could help squeeze far more power from existing electricity supplies. Their new silicon-carbide-based power module, called ULIS, packs dramatically more power into a smaller, lighter, and cheaper design while wasting far less energy in the process. Mon, 19 Jan 2026 07:05:39 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260118233604.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/2026/01/260116035319.htm Engineers have created a device that generates incredibly tiny, earthquake-like vibrations on a microchip—and it could transform future electronics. Using a new kind of “phonon laser,” the team can produce ultra-fast surface waves that already play a hidden role in smartphones, GPS systems, and wireless tech. Unlike today’s bulky setups, this single-chip device could deliver far higher performance using less power, opening the door to smaller, faster, and more efficient phones and wireless devices. Sat, 17 Jan 2026 10:43:09 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260116035319.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/2026/01/260106001907.htm A new chip-based quantum memory uses nanoprinted “light cages” to trap light inside atomic vapor, enabling fast, reliable storage of quantum information. The structures can be fabricated with extreme precision and filled with atoms in days instead of months. Multiple memories can operate side by side on a single chip, all performing nearly identically. The result is a powerful, scalable building block for future quantum communication and computing. Tue, 06 Jan 2026 02:14:34 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260106001907.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251227004144.htm A major breakthrough in battery science reveals why promising single-crystal lithium-ion batteries haven’t lived up to expectations. Researchers found that these batteries crack due to uneven internal reactions, not the grain-boundary damage seen in older designs. Even more surprising, materials thought to be harmful actually helped the batteries last longer. The discovery opens the door to smarter designs that could dramatically extend battery life and safety. Mon, 29 Dec 2025 12:19:13 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251227004144.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251224015653.htm A new advance in bromine-based flow batteries could remove one of the biggest obstacles to long-lasting, affordable energy storage. Scientists developed a way to chemically capture corrosive bromine during battery operation, keeping its concentration extremely low while boosting energy density through a two-electron reaction. This approach sharply reduces damage to battery components and allows the use of cheaper materials. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 17:30:33 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251224015653.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251204024241.htm Kyushu University scientists have achieved a major leap in fuel cell technology by enabling efficient proton transport at just 300°C. Their scandium-doped oxide materials create a wide, soft pathway that lets protons move rapidly without clogging the crystal lattice. This solves a decades-old barrier in solid-oxide fuel cell development and could make hydrogen power far more affordable. Fri, 05 Dec 2025 02:33:17 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251204024241.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251104094141.htm Engineers at the University of Delaware have uncovered a way to bridge magnetism and electricity through magnons—tiny waves that carry information without electrical current. These magnetic waves can generate measurable electric signals within antiferromagnetic materials, offering a possible foundation for computer chips that operate faster and use less power. Wed, 05 Nov 2025 04:31:37 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251104094141.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251023031612.htm A team of researchers has designed a theoretical model for a topological quantum battery capable of long-distance energy transfer and immunity to dissipation. By exploiting topological properties in photonic waveguides, they showed that energy loss can not only be prevented but briefly enhance charging power. This breakthrough may lead to efficient nanoscale batteries and pave the way for practical quantum devices. Fri, 24 Oct 2025 03:46:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251023031612.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/2025/10/251007081823.htm Researchers at Columbia have created a chip that turns a single laser into a “frequency comb,” producing dozens of powerful light channels at once. Using a special locking mechanism to clean messy laser light, the team achieved lab-grade precision on a small silicon device. This could drastically improve data center efficiency and fuel innovations in sensing, quantum tech, and LiDAR. Tue, 07 Oct 2025 08:18:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251007081823.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251007081814.htm Solar energy is now the cheapest source of power worldwide, driving a massive shift toward renewables. Falling battery prices and innovations in solar materials are making clean energy more reliable than ever. Yet, grid congestion and integration remain key challenges. Experts say smart grids and sustained policy support are crucial to accelerate the transition. Tue, 07 Oct 2025 08:18:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251007081814.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250919085242.htm CHESS thin-film materials nearly double refrigeration efficiency compared to traditional methods. Scalable and versatile, they promise applications from household cooling to space exploration. Sat, 20 Sep 2025 11:53:01 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250919085242.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250908175458.htm Artificial intelligence is consuming enormous amounts of energy, but researchers at the University of Florida have built a chip that could change everything by using light instead of electricity for a core AI function. By etching microscopic lenses directly onto silicon, they’ve enabled laser-powered computations that cut power use dramatically while maintaining near-perfect accuracy. Tue, 09 Sep 2025 00:45:37 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250908175458.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250828060040.htm In just one afternoon, scientists used a nanoparticle “megalibrary” to find a catalyst that matches or exceeds iridium’s performance in hydrogen fuel production, at a fraction of the cost. Thu, 28 Aug 2025 09:20:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250828060040.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/2025/08/250810093246.htm ETH Zurich scientists have levitated a tower of three nano glass spheres using optical tweezers, suppressing almost all classical motion to observe quantum zero-point fluctuations with unprecedented precision. Achieving 92% quantum purity at room temperature, a feat usually requiring near absolute zero, they have opened the door to advanced quantum sensors without costly cooling. Mon, 18 Aug 2025 02:50:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250810093246.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/2025/07/250726234421.htm A team at KAUST has revealed that the short lifespan of aqueous batteries is primarily due to "free water" molecules triggering harmful chemical reactions at the anode. By adding affordable sulfate salts like zinc sulfate, they significantly reduced this issue—boosting battery life over tenfold. The sulfate acts as a “water glue,” stabilizing the water structure and halting the energy-wasting reactions. Not only is this solution simple and cost-effective, but early results suggest it may be a universal fix for various types of metal-anode aqueous batteries. Sun, 27 Jul 2025 06:44:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250726234421.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250618094455.htm As electric vehicles grow more popular, their warning sounds may not be doing enough to protect pedestrians. A Swedish study shows that these signals are hard to locate, especially when multiple vehicles are involved, leaving people unable to tell where danger is coming from or how many cars are nearby. Wed, 18 Jun 2025 09:44:55 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250618094455.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250617014159.htm In a leap toward greener tech, researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute have discovered a way to control magnetic textures using electric fields no bulky magnets needed. Their star material? A strange crystal called copper oxyselenide, where magnetic patterns like helices and cones swirl at low temperatures. By zapping it with different electric fields, they could bend, twist, and even flip these patterns a first in the world of magnetoelectrics. This opens the door to ultra-efficient data storage, sensors, and computing, all while saving tons of energy. Tue, 17 Jun 2025 01:41:59 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250617014159.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/2025/05/250528131533.htm Researchers have released new insights on a pilot program involving all-electric buses in Ithaca, NY, USA -- with implications for cities, schools and other groups that are considering the electrification of their fleets, as well as operators, policymakers and manufacturers. Wed, 28 May 2025 13:15:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528131533.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/2025/05/250521124807.htm Researchers have unveiled a breakthrough in solid-state cooling technology, doubling the efficiency of today's commercial systems. Driven by the Lab's patented nano-engineered thin-film thermoelectric materials and devices, this innovation paves the way for compact, reliable and scalable cooling solutions that could potentially replace traditional compressors across a range of industries. Wed, 21 May 2025 12:48:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124807.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124123.htm Researchers have demonstrated that by using a semiconductor with flexible bonds, the material can be moulded into various structures using nano containers, without altering its composition, the discovery could lead to the design of a variety of customised electronic devices using only a single element. Wed, 21 May 2025 12:41:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124123.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/2025/05/250519131041.htm A new AI chip works without the cloud server or internet connections needed by existing chips. The AI Pro, designed by Prof Hussam Amrouch, is modelled on the human brain. Its innovative neuromorphic architecture enables it to perform calculations on the spot, ensuring full cyber security. It is also up to ten times more energy efficient. Mon, 19 May 2025 13:10:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519131041.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519131026.htm Researchers have developed a 3D micro-printed sensor for highly sensitive on-chip biosensing, opening new opportunities for developing high-performance, cost-effective lab-on-a-chip devices for early disease diagnosis. Mon, 19 May 2025 13:10:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519131026.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250515132449.htm A research team has unveiled a breakthrough in improving the performance of zinc-air batteries (ZABs), which are an important energy storage technology. This breakthrough involves a new catalyst that significantly boosts the efficiency of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), a crucial process in ZABs. The development could lead to more efficient, long-lasting batteries for practical applications. Thu, 15 May 2025 13:24:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250515132449.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514111356.htm New device can give peace of mind and reduce anxiety for breastfeeding moms. It uses bioimpedance, which is currently used to measure body fat, and streams clinical-grade data to a smartphone or tablet in real time. Developed by physicians and engineers, device was tested by new moms. Technology could particularly benefit fragile babies in the NICU, who have precise nutritional needs. Wed, 14 May 2025 11:13:56 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514111356.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/2025/05/250508113141.htm Researchers have developed a more efficient chip as an antidote to the vast amounts of electricity consumed by large-language-model artificial intelligence applications like Gemini and GPT-4. Thu, 08 May 2025 11:31:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508113141.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505170824.htm A new article puts artificial intelligence and machine learning on the task of finding new, powerful electrolytes for designing next-generation batteries for electric vehicles, phones, laptops and grid-scale energy storage. The paper outlines a new framework for finding molecules that maximize three components that make an ideal battery electrolyte -- ionic conductivity, oxidative stability and Coulombic efficiency. Mon, 05 May 2025 17:08:24 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505170824.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/2025/04/250430141837.htm A more efficient and environmentally friendly approach to extracting rare earth elements that power everything from electric vehicle batteries to smartphones could increase domestic supply and decrease reliance on costly imports. Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:18:37 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250430141837.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/2025/04/250428221919.htm Multipath interference disrupts wireless signals, causing issues like TV ghosting and fading. Now, researchers have developed a passive metasurface that overcomes traditional filtering limits. Using a time-varying interlocking mechanism with field-effect transistors, it transmits the first signal while blocking delayed ones from other angles -- without power or processing. This innovation enables low-cost, reliable wireless communication, which is ideal for IoT applications and environments prone to interference. Mon, 28 Apr 2025 22:19:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250428221919.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250428220921.htm Researchers have developed a new catalyst design capable of pushing the projected fuel cell catalyst lifespans to 200,000 hours. The research marks a significant step toward the widespread adoption of fuel cell technology in heavy-duty vehicles, such as long-haul tractor trailers. While platinum-alloy catalysts have historically delivered superior chemical reactions, the alloying elements leach out over time, diminishing catalytic performance. The degradation is further accelerated by the demanding voltage cycles required to power heavy-duty vehicles. To address this challenge, the team has engineered a durable catalyst architecture with a novel design that shields platinum from the degradation typically observed in alloy systems. Mon, 28 Apr 2025 22:09:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250428220921.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/2025/04/250416135347.htm Physicists have created a compact laser that emits extremely bright, short pulses of light in a useful but difficult-to-achieve wavelength range, packing the performance of larger photonic devices onto a single chip. Wed, 16 Apr 2025 13:53:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250416135347.htm