Updated: 2025-03-11 04:15:18
A new strategy for recycling spent lithium-ion batteries is based on a hydrometallurgical process in neutral solution. This allows for the extraction of lithium and other valuable metals in an environmentally friendly, highly efficient, and inexpensive way. The leaching efficiency is improved by a solid-solid reduction mechanism, known as the battery effect, as well as the addition of the amino acid glycine.
Updated: 2025-03-01 02:48:18
In the race to meet the growing global demand for lithium -- a critical component in batteries for electric vehicles -- a team of researchers has developed a breakthrough lithium extraction method that could reshape the industry. In their study, the researchers demonstrated near-perfect lithium selectivity by repurposing solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) as membrane materials for aqueous lithium extraction. While originally designed for the rapid conduction of lithium ions in solid-state batteries -- where there are no other ions or liquid solvents -- the highly ordered and confined structure of SSEs was found to enable unprecedented separation of both ions and water in aqueous mixtures.
Updated: 2025-02-28 16:40:27
Scientists have come up with a lithium ion capacitor using electrodes produced from wood particles that are discarded as waste in sawmills. This biomass is both readily available and sustainable, inexpensive processes have been used to produce electrodes. The results reveal that the materials derived from biomass have excellent properties for obtaining eco friendly, cost-effective systems designed to store high-power energy.
Updated: 2025-02-27 21:54:10
A research group has revealed fundamental insights into anode-free solid-state batteries, paving the way for efforts to improve their manufacturability.
Updated: 2025-02-27 05:50:56
Researchers are working to enhance battery safety and efficiency by developing solid-state alternatives to lithium-ion batteries. These batteries offer improved energy efficiency and safety, but a major challenge has been the formation of an interphase layer at the junction of the solid electrolyte and cathode. This ultra-thin layer obstructs lithium ion and electron movement, increasing resistance and degrading battery performance.
Updated: 2025-02-25 05:15:28
Researchers have developed a battery that can convert nuclear energy into electricity via light emission, a study suggests.
Updated: 2025-02-19 20:46:12
For decades, scientists have sought ways to counter our dependence on lithium-ion batteries. These traditional, rechargeable batteries energize today's most ubiquitous consumer electronics -- from laptops to cell phones to electric cars. But raw lithium is expensive and is often sourced through fragile geopolitical networks. This month, chemists have announced an exciting alternative that relies on an organic, high-energy cathode material to make sodium-ion batteries, advancing the likelihood that this technology will find commercialization with safe, cheaper, more sustainable components.
Updated: 2025-02-18 16:40:34
An innovative circuit design could enable miniature devices, such as microdrones and other microrobotics, to be powered for longer periods of time while staying lightweight and compact. Using miniaturized solid-state batteries, the circuit combines high energy density with an ultra lightweight design.
Updated: 2025-02-14 05:39:35
Over time, batteries break down. Studying this process in-depth with imaging techniques may help us improve the lifespan of batteries.
Updated: 2025-02-13 19:35:49
Researchers have discovered why LiNiO2 batteries break down, and they are testing a solution that could remove a key barrier to widespread use of the material. The team plans first to manufacture LiNiO2 batteries in the lab and ultimately to work with an industry partner to commercialize the technology.
