Author: Paul

The UCLA researchers have developed a groundbreaking technique that uses a DVD burner to fabricate microscale graphene-based supercapacitors – devices that can charge and discharge a hundred to a thousand times faster than standard batteries. These microsupercapacitors, made from a one-atom-thick layer of graphitic carbon, can be easily manufactured and readily integrated into small devices such as next-generation pacemakers.

via Scaling up production of graphene microsupercapacitors :: ElectronicsOnline.

“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.

“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 …”