Month: January 2013

Using snails’ teeth to improve solar cells and batteries :: ElectronicsOnline

by Paul, posted in News Snippets that catch my eye

“Kisailus is using the lessons learned from this biomineralisation pathway as inspiration in his lab to guide the growth of minerals used in solar cells and lithium-ion batteries. By controlling the crystal size, shape and orientation of engineering nanomaterials, he believes he can build materials that will allow the solar cells and lithium-ion batteries to operate more efficiently … and the lithium-ion batteries could need significantly less time to recharge … (and) engineering nanocrystals can be grown at significantly lower temperatures, which means significantly lower production costs.”

via Using snails’ teeth to improve solar cells and batteries :: ElectronicsOnline.

Electromagnetic harvester can charge your batteries from thin air – PC & Tech Authority

by Paul, posted in News Snippets that catch my eye

Electromagnetic harvester can charge your batteries from thin air – PC & Tech Authority.

“This tiny device will wirelessly suck up energy from power lines, coffee machines, photocopiers and pretty much anything else.”

“The harvester uses coils and high frequency diodes to capture the energy, while an LED indicates the strength of the signal. One thing to consider: Siegel says it takes about a day to charge a single AA battery, depending on the signal strength …”

The Battery Controlled – Button battery safety

by Paul, posted in Australian ICT, News Snippets that catch my eye

The Battery Controlled – Button battery safety

via The Battery Controlled – Button battery safety.

“If a child swallows a button battery, the battery can get stuck in the child’s throat and burn through the oesophagus in as little as two hours. Repair can require feeding and breathing tubes and multiple surgeries.”

“In Australia, an estimated four children per week present to an emergency department with an injury related to a button battery.”