electrodes

A breakthrough in hybrid supercapacitors has been achieved by increasing the active material in electrodes through a novel method involving β-Ni(OH)2 and NH4F. This innovation leads to more efficient energy storage, opening new possibilities for advanced energy systems. Credit: SciTechDaily.comNew research enhances hybrid supercapacitors by creating more efficient electrodes, marking a significant step forward in energy storage technology.Like batteries, supercapacitors are a type of energy-storage device. However, while…

MIT engineers have created a soft, conductive polymer hydrogel that could serve as a biocompatible, metal-free implantable electrode. The material, which can be made into printable ink, might be used in a variety of medical applications, such as pacemakers and deep-brain stimulators. It has shown promise in preliminary animal tests for maintaining stability and effectively transmitting electrical pulses, with less inflammation and scarring compared to traditional metal electrodes.A new Jell-O-like material could replace…

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking model membrane electrode featuring an ordered array of hollow giant carbon nanotubes (gCNTs) within a nanoporous membrane. The novel electrode was constructed by developing a uniform carbon coating technique on anodic aluminum oxide (AAO), resulting in vertically aligned gCNTs with nanopores of various dimensions. This model is designed to minimize contact resistance and enhance understanding of electrochemical behaviors.Scientists have created an innovative model membrane…

A team at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, led by Yan Wang, has developed a solvent-free, cost-effective process for producing lithium-ion battery electrodes that charge faster than those currently on the market.New manufacturing technique tackles a key obstacle confronting the electric vehicle sector.A research group led by Yan Wang, a researcher from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), has pioneered a solvent-free methodology for the production of lithium-ion battery electrodes. This novel approach yields greener,…

Researchers have developed an innovative, minimally invasive cortical electrode array inspired by soft robotics actuation. The array, which measures 4 cm in diameter when deployed, can be inserted through a 2 cm hole in the skull and placed between the skull and the brain without causing damage. The array features six spiraled arms that maximize surface area and electrode contact with the cortex. It is folded inside a cylindrical loader and deployed using an eversion mechanism that gently unfolds each spiraled arm over…

Although it is possible to control devices using brain waves, doing so usually involves having electrodes and conductive gel applied to one's head. Now, however, scientists have developed a new-and-improved type of "dry" electrode – and it's been used to mind-control a robot.One of the obvious problems with conductive gel is the fact that users are left with a bunch of goop on their head, which they have to wash off. Additionally, some people's skin may have an allergic reaction to the gel.Dry electrodes which don't…

Scientists experimenting with key components in lithium batteries have come up with a promising new design that could one day see electric vehicles charge much faster, and offer twice the range at the same time. The breakthrough centers on a new, thickened electrode made up of vertically stacked layers that allows for easier transport of lithium ions.Led by scientists at the University of Texas at Austin, the work was carried out in pursuit of high-power energy storage systems that could be put to use in electric vehicles…

Credit: University of Texas at Austin As electric vehicles grow in popularity, the spotlight shines more brightly on some of their remaining major issues. Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin are tackling two of the bigger challenges facing electric vehicles: limited range and slow recharging.…

Of the many different designs being explored by scientists in pursuit of better batteries, lithium-metal is an architecture that holds great potential. One problem holding the technology back, however, is the formation of tentacle-like growths called dendrites that quickly cause battery failure. Scientists at Rice University have put forward a promising solution to this problem in the form of fine powder that can be brushed onto electrode surfaces to ensure their survival.A lithium-metal battery would see the graphite…

While medical electrodes are vital to the monitoring of electrical activity within the body, they're typically rigid and costly, plus they don't stay on well when the wearer is moving. A new sugar-cube-derived electrode, however, addresses those shortcomings.Currently, the best-performing electrodes incorporate a conductive silver disc that makes contact with the skin. Because that disc isn't very soft or flexible, it doesn't conform well to the contours of the skin – this means it can be uncomfortable to wear, plus it's…