University of California

Balance is key to making quantum-dot solar cells work

There has been great interest in recent years in using tiny particles called quantum dots to produce low-cost, easily manufactured, stable photovoltaic cells. But, so far, the creation of such cells has been limited by the fact that in practice, quantum dots are not as good at conducting an electric charge as they are in theory.

Composite organic/inorganic thermoelectric more than sum of its parts

Researchers have discovered highly conductive polymer behavior occurring at a polymer/nanocrystal interface.

7th Annual CAFE Electric Aircraft Symposium: First day

This excellent event "7th Electric Aircraft Symposium" in Santa Rosa, USA was acclaimed as the best ever in the series. Over 150 people attended, an eclectic mix from NASA and Siemens to hobbyists, universities and technology startups were there.

Research and development collaboration for 3D printing

The scope of the collaboration will be to research the properties of graphene contained matter as working material for 3D printing.

New technique to boost solar cell efficiency

The principle behind the barrier-busting technique has been known theoretically since the 1960s.

Engineers craft material for high-performance supercapacitor

Taking a significant step toward improving the power delivery of systems ranging from urban electrical grids to regenerative braking in hybrid vehicles, researchers have synthesized a material that shows high capability for both the rapid storage and release of energy.

Progress with autonomous robotic jellyfish

Virginia Tech College of Engineering researchers are working on a multi-university, nationwide project for the U.S. Navy that one day will put life-like autonomous robot jellyfish in waters around the world.

ORNL research paves way for larger, safer lithium ion batteries

Looking toward improved batteries for charging electric cars and storing energy from renewable but intermittent solar and wind, scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed the first high-performance, nanostructured solid electrolyte for more energy-dense lithium ion batteries.

Prospects of graphene transistors for high-frequency electronics

In the end graphene transistors currently look extremely promising for revolutionize both, high-frequency electronics and plastic electronics, especially as the expected performance has been proven recently at least in single devices.

New technique promises more efficient solar cells

A new technique developed could lead to significantly more efficient solar cells.

A new way of harvesting energy from the sun

Though still in its infancy, the research promises to convert sunlight into energy using a process based on metals that are more robust than many of the semiconductors used in conventional methods.

DVD burner fabricates micro-scale graphene-based supercapacitors

A groundbreaking technique that uses a DVD burner to fabricate micro-scale graphene-based supercapacitors.

New technique for production of graphene micro-capacitors

While the demand for ever-smaller electronic devices has spurred the miniaturization of a variety of technologies, one area has lagged behind in this downsizing revolution: energy-storage units, such as batteries and capacitors.

Biomimicry could improve solar cells and lithium-ion batteries

Scientist is using the teeth of a marine snail found off the coast of California to create less costly and more efficient nanoscale materials to improve solar cells and lithium-ion batteries.

New battery for wearable electronics

Imprint Energy, Inc based in California, USA, is developing its proprietary Zinc Poly™ batteries for small portable electronics markets, including mobile accessories, compact wireless devices, wearable technology, health and fitness monitoring, and medical devices.

Common materials lead to new thermoelectric material

By using common materials found pretty much anywhere there is dirt, a team of researchers have developed a new thermoelectric material.

Flexible PV: growing more than three-fold in the next 5 years

Although it is often the case that flexible solar panels are assumed to be related to organic photovoltaic technologies, that is not always the case.

DoE awards up to $120 million for battery hub to Argonne-led group

A multi-partner team led by Argonne National Laboratory has been selected for an award of up to $120 million over five years to establish a new Batteries and Energy Storage Hub.

$120 million for battery research

The Hub, to be known as the Joint Center for Energy Storage Research (JCESR), will combine the R&D firepower of five DOE national laboratories, five universities, and four private firms in an effort aimed at achieving revolutionary advances in battery performance.