New thermal switches could dynamically moderate heat of electronic devices
Modern devices that use lithium-ion batteries, like smartphones and electric cars, seem pretty robust.
But try to use one in extreme heat or cold, and...
Microbatteries on chips could help make wearable sensors
Fitbits, car windows, oil refineries—the roll call of devices and technologies that rely on ultra-small sensors already numbers in the hundreds of billions.
Sensors measure...
Stretching may help lithium batteries last longer, shows study
Batteries are widely used in everyday applications like powering electric vehicles, electronic gadgets and are promising candidates for sustainable energy storage.
However, as you’ve likely...
This stretchable device could turn motion into electricity – even underwater
Researchers at North Carolina State University have created a soft, stretchable device that converts movement into electricity and works in both dry and wet...
Scientists discover novel thermoelectric material
Researchers participating in a U.S. National Science Foundation-sponsored study have discovered a new material that is effective in fabricating thermoelectric devices that convert heat...
Scientists make rechargeable batteries that store six times more charge
Scientists have developed rechargeable batteries that can store up to six times more charge than ones that are currently commercially available.
The advance, detailed in...
Janus graphene opens doors to sustainable sodium-ion batteries
Even though lithium ions work well for energy storage, lithium is an expensive metal with concerns regarding its long-term supply and environmental issues.
Sodium, on...
New sensor can detect valuable rare earth element in non-traditional sources
A new luminescent sensor can detect terbium, a valuable rare earth element, from complex environmental samples like acid mine waste.
The sensor, developed by researchers...
Efficient buildings could save thousands of lives in U.S. every year, shows Yale study
Buildings in the U.S. are responsible for 40% of the country’s total energy consumption.
By improving the energy efficiency of new and existing buildings, the...
Scientists set new record with bifacial solar cells
Scientists at The Australian National University (ANU) have produced a more efficient type of solar cell, using laser processing and setting a new world...