University of Cambridge

Watts up - aeroplanes go hybrid-electric

An aircraft with a parallel hybrid engine - the first ever to be able to recharge its batteries in flight - has been successfully tested in the UK.

Future batteries: lithium-sulfur with a graphene wrapper

Lithium-sulfur batteries are of great commercial interest because they boast theoretical specific energy densities considerably greater than those of their already-well-established cousin, lithium ion batteries.

New research lights the way to super-fast computers

Researchers have discovered a material that could use light to bring together different computing functions into one component, leading to all-optical systems.

Simulation method identifies materials for better batteries

Researchers have devised a new simulation technique which reliably predicts the structure and behaviour of different materials, in order to accelerate the development of next-generation batteries for a wide range of applications.

3D printed flight-critical aerospace components go into production

GE Aviation, the world's largest manufacturer of jet engines, announced this month that they are investing $50 million to create a 3D printing production facility in Auburn, Alabama.

Graphene and related materials promise cheap, flexible printed cameras

Dr Felice Torrisi, University Lecturer in Graphene Technology, has been awarded a Young International Researchers' Fellowship from the National Science Foundation of China to look at how graphene and two-dimensional materials could enable printed and flexible eyes.

Flexible backplane technologies for OLED displays

Flexible OLED displays have been in the making for the past several years. We have already witnessed many prototypes but the technology challenges have persisted and prevented full scale commercialisation. The technology challenges are now nearly solved and all the pieces of the puzzle are coming together. Already, we have seen mass manufactured mobiles phones on plastic substrates as well as examples of commercial curved (not yet fully flexible) displays.

Government investment drives UK lead in IoT

A consortium of more than 40 UK-based technology companies funded by the UK's innovation agency, Technology Strategy Board, has delivered on the first phase of its initiative to accelerate the widespread move to the Internet of Things.

Supercapacitors Leap Ahead: Electric Vehicles, Graphene & Printing

Consider three supercapacitor riddles as we reveal how the supercapacitor industry is in good health in 2014 with added potential. What takes a lot of space and no space? What has a rival that is a partner? What do fuel cells need next?

New PhD analyst expands IDTechEx coverage in China

Dr Xiaoxi He is a physicist with a background in emerging technologies including organic electronics.

Getting more electricity out of solar cells

When sunlight shines on today's solar cells, much of the incoming energy is given off as waste heat rather than electrical current. In a few materials, however, extra energy produces extra electrons — behavior that could significantly increase solar-cell efficiency.

The automotive sector strengthens adoption of supercapacitors

Overall, 2014 is expected to be a great year for the supercapacitor industry. Based on 2013 industry results, IDTechEx confirms its outlook for a 30% CAGR External Link in the next 10 years. The supercapacitor market will reach a value of $6 billion in 2024.

Findings from Supercapacitors Europe 2014

IDTechEx's Supercapacitor Europe 2014 conference brought together the best of supercapacitor developments in the region and internationally in Berlin on 1-2 April last week.

Highlights from the IDTechEx emerging technology events in Berlin

IDTechEx recently organised a co-located conference and tradeshow on printed electronics, energy harvesting, 3D printing, graphene and supercapacitors. In this article series, we will provide some of the latest highlights from these conferences.

Revolutionary solar cells double as lasers

Latest research finds that the trailblazing 'perovskite' material used in solar cells can double up as a laser, strongly suggesting the astonishing efficiency levels already achieved in these cells is only part of the journey.

Archipelago Technology debuts new ink manufacturing process in Berlin

Archipelago Technology, at St John's Innovation Centre, has developed a new ink manufacturing process to help unlock the huge potential of printed electronics.

Components to advance battery technology

Johnson Controls and Fraunhofer Gesellschaft have signed a collaboration agreement to develop the next generation of more energy efficient, cost effective cooling systems for vehicle batteries.

Supercapacitors Europe 2014 is next week!

IDTechEx's Supercapacitors Europe 2014 conference External Link is bringing the best of supercapacitor developments in the region and internationally - 1-2 April, Berlin.

Moss powered FM radio

Designer Fabienne Felder in collaboration with Dr. Paolo Bombelli from the University of Cambridge has created Moss FM, the world's first plant-powered radio.