US Department of Energy

New technique reveals lithium in action

Exactly what goes inside advanced lithium-air batteries as they charge and discharge has always been impossible to observe directly. Now, a new technique developed by MIT researchers promises to change that, allowing study of this electrochemical activity as it happens.

Anode material triples capacity while lowering LIB cost up to 70%

Start-up company, California Lithium Battery, has announced the record-setting performance of its new GEN3 silicon graphene composite anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).

High-efficiency quantum dot solar cells

Research shows newly developed solar powered cells may soon outperform conventional photovoltaic technology.

Nano-technology solar cell achieves 18.2% efficiency

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have produced solar cells using nanotechnology techniques at an efficiency - 18.2% -- that is competitive.

New techniques stretch carbon nanotubes, make stronger composites

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed new techniques for stretching carbon nanotubes and using them to create carbon composites that can be used as stronger, lighter materials in everything from airplanes to bicycles.

Next generation of lithium-ion batteries longer lasting

Researchers work to improve the energy storage capacity of batteries so that laptops, cellphones, electric cars and other mobile devices will last longer between charges.

Supercapacitors USA presents the record breakers

The supercapacitor market continues to power up at 30% yearly with some little-known names taking some of the biggest orders at well over $10 million dollars each. These represent volume breakthroughs in applications such as train energy capture and the new application of protection and enhancement of electric car traction batteries.

Hybrid delivery vans show nearly 20 percent higher fuel economy

A recent National Renewable Energy Laboratory study shows significant fuel economy benefits of hybrid electric delivery vans compared to similar conventional vans.

Using sponges to improve and store alternative fuels

Mircea Dincă is working on turning these sponges into materials for batteries and for organic photovoltaics.

Consolidation and growth in RTLS and WSN

Recently there has been consolidation in the RTLS and WSN market, with acquisitions of companies such as Aeroscout, MicroStrain and Dust Networks.

Printed Electronics Asia returns to Tokyo next week

IDTechEx's Printed Electronics Asia conference and exhibition returns to Tokyo, Japan next week.

Thermoelectric material is world's best

Northwestern University scientists claim they have developed a thermoelectric material that is the best in the world at converting waste heat to electricity.

Chemical and component opportunities in Asia

As Asia has dominated in displays, photovoltaics, semiconductor manufacture and other technology sectors, so too will it dominate in making and integrating better components and consumer electronics using the new materials that are enabling devices to be lighter, more robust, flexible, more power efficient and higher performance. Some of these most exciting material developments and their uses are covered at Printed Electronics Asia 2012.

Energy harvesting, WSN, supercaps: 3 Events, 2 Days, 1 Venue

For the first time in this year's event in Washington DC on the 7th and 8th of November, a third event, focusing on supercapacitor technologies will be co-located, highlighting the advances, applications and adoption trends in this closely related field.

Self charging power cell converts and stores energy in a single unit

Researchers have developed a self-charging power cell that directly converts mechanical energy to chemical energy, storing the power until it is released as electrical current.

Fuel cell electric vehicles make rapid progress in range, durability

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently completed a seven-year project to demonstrate and evaluate hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and hydrogen fueling infrastructure in real-world settings.