Energy Storage

Supercapacitors promise recharging of phones and other devices in seconds and minutes as opposed to hours for batteries. But current technologies are not usually flexible, have insufficient capacities, and for many their performance quickly degrades with charging cycles.

Most of the lithium used to make the lithium-ion batteries that power modern electronics comes from Australia and Chile. But Stanford scientists say there are large deposits in sources in America: supervolcanoes.

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The rapid development of wearable technology has received another boost from a new development using graphene for printed electronic devices.

Researchers in China have engineered bendable batteries that can run on body-inspired liquids such as normal IV saline solution and cell-culture medium.

Tesla is riding high and Elon Musk has proved right in almost all respects, with his company valued up with the top three auto companies despite Tesla's output being a tiny percentage of theirs. One of the reasons is his record orderbook for pure electric vehicles recognised to be the future.

The Battery Innovation Center has announced BrightVolt as a substantial new partner.

Researchers have developed the next step in microbial fuel cells: a battery activated by spit that can be used in extreme conditions where normal batteries don't function.

IDTechEx forecasts no let up in the growth of the global lithium-ion battery market even in 2027. These batteries are now steadily replacing lead acid in its last strongholds such as mobility vehicles for the disabled, fork lift trucks, golf carts and cars though there is a long way to go in each case.

Dr Richard Collins & Dr David Pugh discuss the latest EV developments on this weeks IDTechEx #TechRoundUp

University scientists have made wood into an electrical conductor by turning its surface into graphene.

Eliminating batteries is key says IDTechEx Research in the new report Battery Elimination in Electronics and Electrical Engineering 2018-2028. They have serious limitations of cost, weight, space, toxicity, flammability, explosions, energy density, power density, leakage current, reliability, maintenance and/ or life.

Researchers are developing a revolutionary technology that will allow people to act as their own "power source" by wearing clothing such as "smart" shirts and shoes that harvest and store electricity.

Researchers have developed a new type of user-interactive electronic skin, with a colour change perceptible to the human eye, and achieved with a much-reduced level of strain. Their results could have applications in robotics, prosthetics and wearable technology.

The launch of the first phase of a £246 million government investment into battery technology to ensure the UK builds on its strengths and leads the world in the design, development and manufacture of electric batteries.

A team of researchers has developed a technique for printing flexible electronics that uses laser driven micro-bubbles to write or make patterns on transparent surfaces.

The greatest challenge in entertaining young children is keeping their toys powered up. Now, one group reports that they are one step closer to battery-free interactive games.

Tesla copycats overcome the fear of entrepreneurship. As countries like China threaten to steal vital parts of the automotive value chain, European industries and decision makers launch an all-out offensive to preserve their grip on the market.

Supercapacitors are an aptly named type of device that can store and deliver energy faster than conventional batteries. They are in high demand for applications including electric cars, wireless telecommunications and high-powered lasers.

VSParticle was established in 2014 and is a spin out from Delft University of Technology. The University had been developing the technology for 15 years and the IP is now being commercialized by VSParticle.