adminNew design points a path to the ‘ultimate’ battery
Researchers have successfully demonstrated how several of the problems impeding the practical development of the so-called ‘ultimate’ battery could be overcome.
Extending a battery’s lifetime with heat
Over time, the electrodes inside a rechargeable battery cell can grow tiny, branch-like filaments called dendrites, causing short circuits that kill the battery or even ignite it in flames. But thanks to new experiments and computer simulations, researchers have explored in detail how higher temperatures can break down these dendrites — and possibly extend battery lifetimes.
New flow battery offers lower-cost energy storage
Renewable energy can be stored for less with a new organic aqueous flow battery, which uses inexpensive and readily available materials. The new battery is expected to cost about 60 percent less than today’s standard flow batteries.
Numerous bats killed by German wind turbines: Migratory bats at risk
Numerous bats are killed by German wind turbines. The number of such turbines, already very high, is planned to be increased further. More than two-thirds of bats being killed by wind turbines on German ground are migrants on their way between summer and winter habitats. Due to its geographical location in Europe, Germany has consequently a central responsibility for the conservation of migratory bats.
Quantum dots made from fool’s gold boost battery performance
Vanderbilt engineers have discovered that adding quantum dots made from fool’s gold to the electrodes of standard lithium batteries can substantially boost their performance.
