US Department of Energy

Scientists develop quick-destructing battery for transient devices

Self-destructing electronic devices could keep military secrets out of enemy hands. Or they could save patients the pain of removing a medical device. Or, they could allow environmental sensors to wash away in the rain.

Scientists optimize formula for cadmium-tellurium solar cells

Solar cells based on cadmium and tellurium could move closer to theoretical levels of efficiency because of some sleuthing by researchers.

Technique leads to improved perovskite solar cells

Scientists have devised a method to improve perovskite solar cells, making them more efficient and reliable with higher reproducibility.

Novel self-assembly can tune the electronic properties of graphene

A new self-assembly mechanism that drives negatively charged molecules to clump together to form islands when graphene is supported by an electrical insulator.

Discovery could dramatically boost perovskite efficiency

Scientists have discovered a possible secret to dramatically boosting the efficiency of perovskite solar cells hidden in the nanoscale peaks and valleys of the crystalline material.

3D printing with bamboo fiber

Researchers are using bamboo fiber in 3-D printing experiments to determine whether bio-based feedstock materials are feasible in additive manufacturing.

Tesla the follower

Tesla is a leader in the design and commercialisation of pure electric cars. It lacks profit but has an orderbook that its competition can only dream about. Since last year Tesla has also been selling batteries based on Panasonic cells that can power homes and businesses copying several other companies that were there before

Hanergy launches full solar power vehicles that can be commercialized

Hanergy Holding Group has launched four full solar power vehicles at a grand ceremony themed "Disruptive Innovations Drive the Future."

Voltaiq

Voltaiq has developed a cloud-based software that enables a fast and intuitive analysis of large amounts of battery testing data. According to the company, this can save several hours of work and help spot faulty batteries more efficiently.

Hybrid and electric systems R&D at the U.S.-DOE

This paper first presented at EVS29 Montreal Canada provides an overview of the Fiscal Years 2015-2016 Hybrid and Electric Systems research and development activities - with emphasis on its advanced electric drive research -funded by the Vehicles Technologies Office of the U.S. Department of Energy.

Trapped electrons to blame for lack of battery efficiency

Research has the potential to create more efficient batteries by shedding light on the cause of one of their biggest problems -- a "traffic jam" of ions that slows down their charging and discharging process.

Which traction motor wins?

In this article IDTechEx analyzes the trends in traction motors at EVS29 in Montreal, Canada last week.

Extend life and improved performance of fuel cell electrodes

Researchers have developed a practical and physically-based way of treating the surface of materials called perovskite oxides, to make them more durable and improve their performance. These materials are promising candidates to serve as electrodes in energy-conversion devices such as fuel cells and electrolyzers.

24m Technologies

24M is a spin-out of battery company A123 that has developed a semi-solid, flexible electrode structure for their Li-ion batteries. We recently interviewed President and CEO Throop Wilder.

Labs in NNSA lead the way in 3D printing

Award-winning researchers from NNSA labs have 3D-printed beads to capture carbon dioxide to mitigate climate change, better armor material for warfighters, and even living tissue. NNSA material scientists have found that 3D-printed foam works better than standard materials in durability and long-term mechanical performance.

Scientists design energy-carrying 'Topological Plexcitons'

Scientists have engineered "topological plexcitons," energy-carrying particles that could help make possible the design of new kinds of solar cells and miniaturized optical circuitry.

PolyPlus Battery Company

Polyplus is a US company that develops solid-state and semi-solid state electrolytes for lithium-air, lithium-sulphur and advanced lithium-ion batteries. After 20 years of R&D, they are now ready to enter both military and consumer electronics applications.

Seeo

Seeo is a US battery start-up that was recently acquired by Bosch. They have developed an innovative solid polymer electrolyte that can be coupled with lithium metal to boost gravimetric and volumetric energy density, while making the device safer.

New path forward for next-generation lithium-ion batteries

In the quest for a radically better lithium-ion battery, a promising direction is the so-called "lithium-rich" cathode, in which the cathode contains a higher proportion of lithium than normal.