US Department of Energy

Copper atoms bring a potential new battery material to life

A team of researchers has studied one member of a class of materials, called transition metal fluorides, that are potential cathodes for future lithium ion batteries.

Imperfect graphene opens door to better fuel cells

Researchers have discovered that if the graphene naturally has a few tiny holes in it, you have a proton-selective membrane that could lead to improved fuel cells.

New electrolyte rids batteries of short-circuiting fibres

A new electrolyte for lithium batteries eliminates dendrites while also enabling batteries to be highly efficient and carry a large amount of electric current.

Two-dimensional materials show great potential for battery life-span

Researchers have discovered a high performance cathode material with great promise for use in next generation lithium-sulfur batteries that would last far longer than what is used today.

A better method for making perovskite solar cells

Research has revealed a new way to make light-absorbing perovskite films for use in solar cells.

Alphabet Energy, Inc.

Alphabet Energy is a company that's focused on developing, designing and manufacturing thermoelectric waste heat recovery products based on exclusive IP from Michigan State University and the Berkeley National Labs

Innovative lower cost sensors, controls yield better energy efficiency

Regulating comfort in small commercial buildings could become more efficient and less expensive thanks to an innovative low-cost wireless sensor technology.

3-D printing of semiconductors for new technologies

A research team has demonstrated how semiconductors can be soldered and still deliver good electronic performance.

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.

Improving electric vehicle sales

In 2011, an important national priority was declared: Put 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2015.

How to prevent dendrite formation in batteries

Dendrites-deposits that form on electrode surfaces during the charging process-cause the batteries to short circuit, leading to serious safety hazards.

Precision growth of light-emitting nanowires

A novel approach to growing nanowires promises a new means of control over their light-emitting and electronic properties.

New technique could produce the ideal light-absorbing material

The electronic band gap is a fundamental material parameter required for controlling light harvesting, conversion, and transport technologies.

Perovskites provide big boost to silicon solar cells

Stacking perovskites, a crystalline material, onto a conventional silicon solar cell dramatically improves the overall efficiency of the cell, according to a new study.

Clocking energy-transfer rates in quantum dots

Energy transfer in light-sensitive materials such as quantum dots is of interest for better solar cells, LEDs, and other devices.

Compact batteries enhanced by spontaneous silver matrix formations

In a promising lithium-based battery, the formation of a highly conductive silver matrix transforms a material otherwise plagued by low conductivity.

Possible avenue to better electrolyte for lithium ion batteries

Researchers looking for a better understanding of liquid electrolyte may have found a pathway forward.

45.7% efficiency for concentrator solar cell

The demonstration of a 45.7 percent conversion efficiency for a four-junction solar cell at 234 suns concentration.

Silver particles improve performance of battery material

Researchers are working to create an electric car battery that is smaller, cheaper and allows drivers to go farther on a charge.

From nutshell to supercapattery

Scientists have created a hybrid sodium ion capacitor from peanut shells in a pioneering study bridging the gap between conventional ion batteries and supercapacitors.