28 Nov 09 Algae Could Be the Key To Ultra-Thin Batteries
MikeChino writes "Algae is often touted as the next big thing in biofuels, but the slimy stuff could also be the key to paper-thin biodegradable batteries, according to researchers at Uppsala University in Sweden. Uppsala researcher Maria Stromme and her team has found that the smelly algae species that clumps on beaches, known as cladophora, can also be used to make a type of cellulose that has 100 times the surface area of cellulose found in paper. That means it can hold enough conducting polymers to effectively recharge and hold electricity for long amounts of time. Eventually, the bio batteries could compete with commercial lithium-ion batteries."Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Tagi: university in sweden, stromme, uppsala university in sweden, biofuels, clumps, cellulose, algae, surface area, lithium, polymers, batteries, researcher, electricity, beaches
12 Feb 10 Kia Announces 'Ray' Plug-in Hybrid Concept
Kia Motors America has unveiled the Ray Plug-in Hybrid concept at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. The Ray features a roof top "cool-glazing" solar glass, drive-by-wire steering, touch screen controls, and a lithium-polymer battery.Tagi: lithium polymer battery, kia motors america, solar glass, chicago auto, touch screen, lithium, kia, ug
09 Oct 10 FAA Reports Heat In Cargo Holds Can Ignite Laptop Batteries
SpuriousLogic writes "US aviation officials are warning air carriers that new research shows lithium batteries are sensitive to heat and can ignite in-flight if transported in cargo compartments that get too hot. The Federal Aviation Administration also acknowledged publicly for the first time Friday that a United Parcel Service 747-400 plane that crashed in Dubai last month killing both pilots was carrying a large quantity of lithium batteries. Since the early 1990s, there have been dozens of incidents of batteries igniting in flight. But it has not been known what triggered many of the fires. FAA now says recent research has identified heat as the trigger and is offering air carriers advice on how to reduce the risk of fire."
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Tagi: united parcel service, lithium batteries, cargo compartments, laptop batteries, slashdot, air carriers, there have been dozens, mth, ane, lithium, rk, fires, early 1990s, faa
