Using high pressure, scientists have created the first high-entropy metal alloy made of common metals to have a hexagonal close-packed (HCP) atomic structure. This makes it lighter and stronger than comparable metal alloys with different structures. Traditional alloys typically consist of one or two dominant metals with a pinch of other metals or elements thrown in. Classic examples include adding tin to copper to make bronze, or carbon to iron to create steel. In contrast, “high-entropy” alloys consist of multiple…
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By: Erin Baker, University of Massachusetts Amherst The U.S. Department of Energy spends US$3-$4 billion per year on applied energy research. These programs seek to provide clean and reliable energy and improve our energy security by driving innovation and helping companies bring new clean energy sources to market. President Trump’s detailed budget request reportedly will ask Congress to cut funding for the Energy Department’s clean energy programs by almost 70 percent, from $2 billion this year to $636 million in…
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Semiconductor materials make possible many of today’s technological advances, from handheld electronics to solar cells and even electric vehicles. Specifically, wide bandgap semiconductors have opened new opportunities in ultra-high power electronics applications for utility grid management, military radar systems, and smart grid technologies. In order for these emerging technologies to be successful, researchers are looking to develop materials that are stronger, faster, and more efficient than ever before. “New materials are the cornerstone of innovation in technology since they allow...
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The electric vehicle market continues to build momentum every year, with consumers around the world growing more interested. But in order for EVs to pave the way for the future of transportation, more efficient, longer-lasting batteries will need to be developed. That’s where ECS member Jeff Dahn, leader of Tesla’s researcher partnership through his Dalhousie University research group, comes in. Recently, Dahn and his team unveiled new chemistry that could increase battery lifecycle at high voltages without significant degradation.

Researchers have created a flexible electronic device that can easily degrade just by adding a weak acid like vinegar. “In my group, we have been trying to mimic the function of human skin to think about how to develop future electronic devices,” says Stanford University engineer Zhenan Bao. She described how skin is stretchable, self-healable, and also biodegradable—an attractive list of characteristics for electronics. “We have achieved the first two [flexible and self-healing], so the biodegradability was something we wanted…
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Thank you to the SOFC-XV Exhibitors! The exhibitors in Hollywood Florida will showcase some of the greatest innovations in the industry including cutting-edge instruments, materials, systems, publications, and software, as well as other products and services. Don’t miss the opportunity to gain face to face time with industry experts. Location The Exhibit Hall will be located in the Grand Ballroom East. Exhibit Hours Monday, July 24 0800-1300h Exhibitor Move-In 1800-2000h Technical Exhibit & Poster Session Tuesday, July 25 1800-2000h Technical...
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The 7th International ECS Electrochemical Energy Summit: Human Sustainability Monday October 2 – Thursday, October 5 ECS’s Electrochemical Energy Summit brings together policymakers and researchers from around the globe to discuss the ways in which science impacts the planet’s key sustainability issues. In National Harbor, the 7th International ECS Electrochemical Energy Summit: Human Sustainability – Energy, Water, Food, and Health is set to include three distinct symposia: Energy-Water Nexus; The Brain and Electrochemistry; and Sensors for Food Safety, Quality, and…
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Exploring the possibilities of Gallium Oxide Semiconductor materials make possible many of today’s technological advances, from handheld electronics to solar cells and even electric vehicles. Specifically, wide bandgap semiconductors have opened new opportunities in ultra-high power electronics applications for utility grid management, military radar systems, and smart grid technologies. In order for these emerging technologies to be successful, researchers are looking to develop materials that are stronger, faster, and more efficient than ever before. “New materials are the cornerstone of…
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Pennington, NJ – (April 20, 2017) – The Electrochemical Society (ECS) is pleased to announce the 11 award winners for the Society’s spring biannual meeting. All awards will be presented at the upcoming 231st ECS Meeting, taking place May 28-June 1, 2017 in New Orleans, LA, where ECS will celebrate its 115th anniversary. “ECS has a rich history of providing award recognition for scientists and engineers in our field,” says Roque Calvo, executive director of ECS. “The awards being presented...
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Tech Highlights was prepared by Colm Glynn and David McNulty of University College Cork, Ireland, David Enos of Sandia National Laboratories, Zenghe Liu of Verily Life Science, and Donald Pile of Rolled-Ribbon Battery Company. Each article highlighted here is available free online. Performance of Three-Dimensional LiMn2O4/Carbon Composite Cathodes Prepared Via Sol-Gel Impregnation With the ever advancing improvements in electronics and display technologies, it is crucial that Li-ion batteries are able to rise to the challenge of powering next generation consumer…
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