A team of engineers at the University of New South Wales has developed a process to print solid-state polymer electrolytes into any shape desired for use in energy storage. According to the research team, the 3D-printing process of such material could be particularly useful in the development of medical devices that would benefit from small, intricately designed energy … [Read more...] about New 3D-printing process offers novel energy-storage design options
Materials
New process uses cheap brines to extract silver from old PV cells
Scientists from the University of Leicester have developed an alternative process for recovering high-purity silver and aluminium from end-of-life photovoltaic (PV) cells, the functioning units of solar panels, that uses cheap solvents and is environmentally friendlier than the most common process used at present The process, developed by Guillaume Zante and his team in the … [Read more...] about New process uses cheap brines to extract silver from old PV cells
New method developed to turn waste plastic into valuable products
A team of researchers from Washington State University has developed a simple, cheap and efficient way to convert polylactic acid (PLA), a bio-based plastic used in products such as filament, plastic silverware and food packaging, into a high-quality resin. About 270,000 tonnes of PLA are produced annually and its use is increasing dramatically. ‘We found a way to … [Read more...] about New method developed to turn waste plastic into valuable products
New, more sustainable battery uses crab-shell derivative as its electrolyte
Scientists at the University of Maryland have created a zinc battery with a biodegradable electrolyte from an unexpected source – crab shells. ‘Vast quantities of batteries are being produced and consumed, raising the possibility of environmental problems,’ said Liangbing Hu, director of the university’s Center for Materials Innovation. ‘For example, polypropylene and … [Read more...] about New, more sustainable battery uses crab-shell derivative as its electrolyte
MIT researchers develop battery made from cheap, abundant materials
Researchers at MIT and elsewhere have developed a new kind of battery made from abundant and inexpensive materials. The new battery architecture uses aluminium and sulphur as its two electrode materials, with a molten salt electrolyte in between. ‘I wanted to invent something that was better, much better, than lithium-ion batteries for small-scale stationary storage, and … [Read more...] about MIT researchers develop battery made from cheap, abundant materials
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