Next-gen battery electrolyte made from wood offers record conductivity

Today’s lithium batteries commonly use a liquid electrolyte to carry ions between the two electrodes, but scientists eyeing solid alternatives see some exciting opportunities ahead. Among them are the authors of a new study who have used cellulose deri… Continue reading Next-gen battery electrolyte made from wood offers record conductivity

Next-gen range-boosting EV battery cathodes test mettle in race car

Better batteries are the key to more practical, universally embraced electric vehicles, and better cathode chemistry is a one of the key elements in creating better batteries. The race for a better cathode has everyone from national laboratories to Nob… Continue reading Next-gen range-boosting EV battery cathodes test mettle in race car

Perfect pressure boosts high-density lithium metal battery performance

Lithium metal batteries are one of the more promising alternatives to the lithium-ion architecture commonly used today, with the potential to hold many times the energy. Material scientists have taken a step toward this future, demonstrating how applyi… Continue reading Perfect pressure boosts high-density lithium metal battery performance

“Dead zone” discovery could bring high-density silicon batteries to life

With the potential to hold many times more energy than the graphite it would replace, silicon is an enticing proposition for scientists working on next-generation lithium batteries. The trouble is that the silicon doesn’t stand up so well to the stress… Continue reading “Dead zone” discovery could bring high-density silicon batteries to life

Flotation tank treatment separates battery materials for easy recycling

The increasing popularity of electric vehicles is undoubtedly a good thing for the planet, but there is a problem mounting in the background as more and more take to the road. The lithium-ion batteries used in EVs don’t last forever, and a massive infl… Continue reading Flotation tank treatment separates battery materials for easy recycling

New all-solid-state battery holds promise for grid storage and EVs

Two highly promising pathways in the pursuit of next-gen battery technology involve using solid-state electrolytes rather than liquid ones, and adding silicon to the anode component to boost energy density. A newly developed architecture places these t… Continue reading New all-solid-state battery holds promise for grid storage and EVs

Lithium-carbon battery lets electric mopeds recharge in 90 seconds

German outfit Mahle has teamed up with battery-maker Allotrope Energy to put forward a new fast-charging solution for electric vehicles. The duo’s novel lithium-carbon battery borrows elements from the world of supercapacitors to deliver charge times t… Continue reading Lithium-carbon battery lets electric mopeds recharge in 90 seconds

Sugar-doped lithium sulfur battery promises up to 5 times the capacity

Among the many exciting chemistries being pursued for next-generation batteries, lithium-sulfur is one with significant potential, owing to its ability to store up to five times as much energy as today’s lithium-ion solutions. Scientists in Australia h… Continue reading Sugar-doped lithium sulfur battery promises up to 5 times the capacity

Zero-emission freight ship uses swappable containers as its batteries

Large container ships that carry goods all over the world are massive sources of pollution, and we’ve seen some interesting ideas around how to curtail their emissions, such as massive sails and hydrogen powertrains. One Dutch company is turning this t… Continue reading Zero-emission freight ship uses swappable containers as its batteries