Material & Energy

Abandoned Mines May Be Repurposed as Gravity-Powered Batteries

Credit: PixabayA gravity battery generates electricity by releasing a heavy load, converting potential energy into power when grid demand is high. When surplus energy is available, the system lifts the load back up for future use.A common example is pumped-storage hydroelectric systems, where water flows downhill to generate power and is pumped back up...

Thermal stabilization of a conductive polymer streamlines bioelectronics manufacturing.

Overview of the heat treatment process, demonstrated with a screen printed PEDOT:PSS pattern on fabric that remains stable after washing in detergent. Credit: Advanced Materials (2025). DOI: 10.1002/adma.202415827Recent advancements in materials science have unlocked new opportunities for bioelectronics manufacturing, especially for devices intended for use in or on the human body. These devices help monitor and...

Converting Liquor Waste into Energy: Baijiu Sediment Repurposed as a Sodium-Ion Battery Anode

Synthesis process of hard carbon and the application of the battery. Credit: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2025). DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c17922A research team from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, collaborating with baijiu manufacturer Wuliangye, has developed a carbon-based anode for sodium-ion batteries using baijiu sediment. Their study, published in ACS Applied Materials &...

High-Performance Ni-Rich Cathode Materials for Advanced All-Solid-State Batteries

Schematic illustration of strategies to overcome each factor of capacity fading in ASSBs. Credit: Nature Energy (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41560-025-01726-8Energy researchers are continuously exploring new battery technologies to advance the electronics industry. Their goal is to develop batteries that charge faster, last longer, and offer extended overall lifespans. Among the most promising options are all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs),...

Versatile Solar Film Nears Market Readiness

Power Roll's solar film is inching closer to becoming cheap to produce, and more efficient at generating energy as wellPower Roll / The University of SheffieldSince 2012, UK-based Power Roll has been developing a cost-effective way to print solar film for clean energy generation. Now, the company has taken a major step toward large-scale...

Two innovative methods for shaping bread-derived carbon electrodes.

Credit: David BujdosA team of engineers from Saint Vincent College and the University of Pittsburgh has introduced two innovative methods for shaping bread-derived carbon electrodes. Their study, published in Royal Society Open Science, builds on previous work by David Bujdos, Zachary Kuzel, and Adam Wood, who sought to repurpose stale bread for sustainable electrode...

Mass Production of Floating Nuclear Plants for US Coast

A Core Power floating nuclear power plantCore PowerThe UK-based company Core Power has announced its plans to mass-produce a fleet of floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs) with advanced reactor design and modular shipbuilding, aiming to anchor them off the US coast in about 10 years.Challenges in Nuclear Sector GrowthNuclear power is experiencing something of...

France Sets New Record by Operating Fusion Reactor for 22 Minutes

The plasma chamber of the WEST Tokamak reactorCEAFrance has made a significant advancement in the pursuit of fusion energy by successfully sustaining a plasma reaction for more than 22 minutes, setting a new record. This achievement took place on February 12 at the CEA's WEST Tokamak reactor in France.The Promise of Fusion Energy: Unlimited...

E Ink Upgrades Color ePaper for Outdoor Displays

E Ink Kaleido 3 is good to used as Digital Out-of-Home advertising signage and is suitable for outdoor use in varying temperature ranges," explains E Ink. "It offers dynamic color display capabilities, poster-like visual quality, and a low-carbon and eco-friendly display solution."E InkOver the past few years, we've seen E Ink's Kaleido 3 technology...

Guiding Electricity Through the Air Using Ultrasound Pulses

Plasma sparks naturally (left) and ultrasound-guided (right)Josu IrisarriElectricity is naturally unpredictable, typically requiring wires and circuits for control. However, researchers in Europe and Canada have successfully directed sparks through open air and around obstacles using ultrasound waves.In open air, electricity naturally spreads in unpredictable directions—much like a lightning bolt. Its path is influenced by...