The battery heals itself. Free Technical Library News

NEWS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, NOVELTY IN ELECTRONICS
Free technical library / timeline

The battery heals itself

22.11.2013

Scientists from Stanford University have developed the first electrode that has the property of self-healing. This can significantly extend the life of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, smartphones and other devices. The secret lies in the coating of the electrode with an elastic polymer, which tightens microcracks in the electrode material that occur during battery operation.

"Self-healing plays a critical role in the survival and longevity of animals and plants," commented Chao Wang, a Stanford University researcher and co-lead of the project. "So we decided to provide this property to lithium-ion batteries so they can last longer. ".

Wang came up with the idea of covering the electrode with an elastic polymer after meeting a team in a lab that is developing electronic skin for robots. He took the material used for this purpose as a basis, adding graphite nanoparticles to the polymer so that the material conducts an electric current.

“We found that the lifetime of the silicon electrodes increased 10 times after we coated them with the polymer we created,” Wang said, explaining that within a few hours, the polymer completely eliminates any microcracks in the thickness of the electrode.

Under laboratory conditions, the researchers were able to perform 100 battery recharge cycles without degrading its capacity. The goal is to achieve 500 cycles for a smartphone battery and 3 cycles for an electric car battery.

As the scientists explained, they took the silicon electrode because silicon is the most promising material for the manufacture of electrodes, since it contains a huge number of ions. However, this property has a downside - with each charge, the electrode increases in size by a maximum of 3 times, again decreasing to the nominal size when the battery is discharged. This process leads to a rapid destruction of the structure of the material and a drop in the properties of the battery.

<< Back: The conductivity of the crystal is increased by 400 times 23.11.2013

>> Forward: Fundamentally new computer architecture 22.11.2013

Latest news of science and technology, new electronics:

Artificial leather for touch emulation 15.04.2024

In a modern technology world where distance is becoming increasingly commonplace, maintaining connection and a sense of closeness is important. Recent developments in artificial skin by German scientists from Saarland University represent a new era in virtual interactions. German researchers from Saarland University have developed ultra-thin films that can transmit the sensation of touch over a distance. This cutting-edge technology provides new opportunities for virtual communication, especially for those who find themselves far from their loved ones. The ultra-thin films developed by the researchers, just 50 micrometers thick, can be integrated into textiles and worn like a second skin. These films act as sensors that recognize tactile signals from mom or dad, and as actuators that transmit these movements to the baby. Parents' touch to the fabric activates sensors that react to pressure and deform the ultra-thin film. This ... >>

Petgugu Global cat litter 15.04.2024

Taking care of pets can often be a challenge, especially when it comes to keeping your home clean. A new interesting solution from the Petgugu Global startup has been presented, which will make life easier for cat owners and help them keep their home perfectly clean and tidy. Startup Petgugu Global has unveiled a unique cat toilet that can automatically flush feces, keeping your home clean and fresh. This innovative device is equipped with various smart sensors that monitor your pet's toilet activity and activate to automatically clean after use. The device connects to the sewer system and ensures efficient waste removal without the need for intervention from the owner. Additionally, the toilet has a large flushable storage capacity, making it ideal for multi-cat households. The Petgugu cat litter bowl is designed for use with water-soluble litters and offers a range of additional ... >>

The attractiveness of caring men 14.04.2024

The stereotype that women prefer "bad boys" has long been widespread. However, recent research conducted by British scientists from Monash University offers a new perspective on this issue. They looked at how women responded to men's emotional responsibility and willingness to help others. The study's findings could change our understanding of what makes men attractive to women. A study conducted by scientists from Monash University leads to new findings about men's attractiveness to women. In the experiment, women were shown photographs of men with brief stories about their behavior in various situations, including their reaction to an encounter with a homeless person. Some of the men ignored the homeless man, while others helped him, such as buying him food. A study found that men who showed empathy and kindness were more attractive to women compared to men who showed empathy and kindness. ... >>

Electronic helmet for truck drivers 14.04.2024

Road safety, especially for drivers of heavy construction equipment, is a top priority for engineers and scientists. In light of this, the German Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Strength and System Reliability has introduced a new product - an electronic helmet, which is designed to protect drivers from serious injury when driving construction vehicles. A new electronic helmet developed by a team of engineers from the Fraunhofer Institute opens up new perspectives for the safety of truck and construction equipment drivers. The device is capable of monitoring the level of shaking in the car cabin and warning the driver of possible danger. The basis of the helmet's operation is a built-in piezoelectric sensor, which generates electricity during physical deformation. This mechanism allows the device to respond to intense vibrations typical of construction equipment. When the level of deformation exceeds safe values, an alarm system is activated on the helmet, ... >>

Antivitamins instead of antibiotics 13.04.2024

The problem of bacterial resistance to antibiotics is becoming increasingly serious, posing a threat to the effective treatment of infections. In light of this, researchers are looking for new ways to combat superbugs. One of the promising directions is the use of antivitamins that can have an antibacterial effect. Antivitamins, although known as the opposite of vitamins, have proven to be a promising tool in the fight against bacterial antibiotic resistance. A study conducted by scientists from the University of Göttingen in Germany confirmed their potential in creating new drugs to combat dangerous infections. With the rise of antibiotic-resistant superbugs, there is a need to find alternative treatments. Antivitamins are molecules similar to vitamins, but capable of inhibiting bacterial activity without harm to the human body. At the moment, science knows only three antivitamins: rose ... >>

Random news from the Archive

solar fabric 23.03.2010

In one of the stories of science fiction writer Vladimir Nemtsov, Soviet scientists invent a solar battery in the form of fabric, which is much more convenient to handle than rigid solar panels.

The dream of a science fiction writer was realized by American specialists, among them Alan Heeger, who received the Nobel Prize in 2000 for creating the first electrically conductive polymers. On the basis of these polymers, as well as thin steel and silver wires coated with a photosensitive polymer, flexible and thin (about a millimeter) panels are produced that generate an electric current when illuminated.

The efficiency is only 3%, but the creators of the photovoltaic fabric claim that this is an "honest" efficiency obtained in real conditions, including in a normally lit room, and not on a clear noon at the equator, as measured by other manufacturers.

From flexible solar panels, you can, for example, sew tents for tourists and climbers and even clothes. On their basis, they have already begun to make convenient power sources rolled into a small roll for charging cell phones and bags for laptops that recharge the battery of a computer hidden in a bag.

See full Archive of science and technology news, new electronics

All languages of this page

Home page | Library | Articles | Website map | Site Reviews