How a rare element could fuel the next generation of space missions
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) are taking a fresh look at neptunium, a rare radioactive metal that...
Scientists create cold-proof battery that won’t fail in extreme weather
Extreme winter weather can do more than make people uncomfortable—it can also cripple the batteries that power electric vehicles, backup systems, and everyday devices.
When...
New 3D concrete technology could transform how buildings are made
As cities become more crowded and construction companies struggle to find enough workers, the building industry is searching for faster and more efficient ways...
New calcium battery lasts 1,000 cycles, offering lithium alternative
As the world moves toward renewable energy and electric vehicles, the need for better batteries is becoming more urgent. Today, most devices — from...
Scientists create “liquid solar battery” that works without electricity
One of the biggest challenges of renewable energy is what happens when the sun is not shining.
Solar panels produce electricity during the day, but...
Scientists develop stretchable patch that detects toxic gas on your skin
Ammonia gas is one of the most widely produced chemicals in the world and plays a major role in modern life.
It is used in...
Scientists identify key bottlenecks slowing sodium-ion batteries
Sodium-ion batteries are emerging as a promising alternative to today’s lithium-ion batteries.
While lithium-ion technology powers everything from smartphones to electric cars, lithium is relatively...
New compact device turns sunlight and waste heat into clean hydrogen at 28% efficiency
Hydrogen is often described as a fuel of the future because when it is used, it produces only water instead of harmful emissions.
But making...
How 3D printing is making energetic materials safer and more predictable
Making energetic materials—such as explosives, propellants, and fireworks—is a bit like baking a very sensitive cake.
The ingredients must be carefully measured, the mixing must...
Scientists turn desert sand into eco-friendly bricks to cut cement emissions
Cement is one of the most widely used building materials in the world, but it comes at a high environmental cost.
Portland cement alone is...