University of North Carolina

New battery startup promises safe lithium batteries

Scientists have worked for many years trying to find a way to improve the safety of lithium-ion batteries.

Organic solar cells more efficient with molecules face-to-face

New research reveals that energy is transferred more efficiently inside of complex, three-dimensional organic solar cells when the donor molecules align face-on, rather than edge-on, relative to the acceptor.

Researchers build nonflammable lithium ion battery

Developing a new generation lithium-ion battery that doesn't spontaneously combust at high temperatures.

Researchers build nonflammable lithium ion battery

Researchers have identified a surprising replacement for the only inherently flammable component of today's lithium-ion batteries: the electrolyte.

Storing energy in chemical bonds of molecules

Researchers have built a system that converts the sun's energy not into electricity but hydrogen fuel and stores it for later use, allowing us to power our devices long after the sun goes down.

$18.5 million grant to develop self-powered health devices

Penn State, North Carolina State University, the University of Virginia and Florida International University will collaborate on a national nanotechnology research effort to create self-powered devices to help people monitor their health and understand how the surrounding environment affects it.

New way to store energy from the sun

One of the great advantages of the new approach to harnessing solar energy, Grossman says, is that it simplifies the process by combining energy harvesting and storage into a single step.

Making a point

Northwestern researchers have developed an innovative method for printing nanostructures using hard, sharp "pen" tips that float on soft polymer springs. The technique quickly and inexpensively produces patterns of high quality and with high resolution and density.

NSF Spintronics grant helps NC State researchers

NSF Spintronics grant will help NC State researchers develop smaller, faster electronic devices