Tag: battery

Contorting molecules can store energy for as long as necessary. Meanwhile, a Hong Kong research team has turned to tofu in its drive to develop an environmentally-friendly, durable, cost-efficient battery. Water with salts of magnesium and calcium (similar to tofu brine) created the electrolyte. Due to its pH-neutrality, it attacked neither the highly conductive polymer anode nor the Prussian...

Crustaceans make conductive gel in zinc-ion batteries more environmentally-friendly. And now a Toronto-based university research team has likewise found inspiration in nature while developing sustainable electrodes. During batteries’ charge and discharge cycles, ions move from a conductive layer (conglutinated with the energy-saving base material of the electrodes - zinc) back and forth between cathode and anode. Instead of forever...

Illuminated marine bacteria make light sources more sustainable. Now, a startup in Singapore has developed an environmentally-friendly source of electricity. Its rechargeable battery is fully biodegradable (except for the casing) and made from cellulose and water-based electrolytes, betting on zinc and manganese. With a similar lifespan to lithium batteries, manufacturing costs per kWh are around 2 times cheaper. But...

Innovative pacemakers imitate our respiratory patterns. But most device batteries still need replacing. Enter a research team from China which has hit upon an apparently inexhaustible supply of electricity. Using biocompatible materials, the team created a cathode from highly porous gold and an alloy comprising sodium, gallium and tin for the anode. Both react with the oxygen present in...

Security labels without silicon can prevent theft. Still, no electronic sensor functions without a wireless connection. The power supply required for such devices has an impact on battery size. Which is why a Norwegian-based startup has developed a new circuit architecture for wireless chips, so that they work in the subthreshold region. At 3.3 volts, conventional components need around...

Edible furniture can supply important energy in emergencies. Our digestive system is crucial and requires regular examination - whether it’s by ultrasound, colonoscopy, or a mini camera that can be swallowed. Now, an Italian research team has developed an edible prototype to replace the metal batteries used in these devices. Acting as anode and cathode respectively, Vitamin B2 and...

Tailored prosthetics create optimal conditions for movement. When it comes to the body of electric cars, design depends on established battery sizes and desired performance. In order to create more flexibility, a US startup has developed a manufacturing process, whereby solid-state batteries are 3D printed. Different sorts of powder made from glass, ceramics or metal can be combined in...

A natural alternative to single-use plastic was inspired by spiders. Now, an international research team from India and the US has turned its attentions to the animal kingdom to generate sustainable electricity for domestic use. The team struck lucky while experimenting with silkworm cocoons. When dry, the protein membrane is insulating. But with the help of water vapour it...