 |
Charging Ahead With Nanotechnology
Author: David Tanguay  | Posted: 19-05-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 5 | Rating: (65)  (?) 
With all of the technology that is being continuously introduced and used, it would only seem logical in our quest for a green world to apply some of the renewable energy efforts to this spectrum. That is exactly what some scientists are looking into with their research on how nanotechnology can be used with lithium batteries.
According to Science News, a report that will be published in International Journal of Nanomanufacturing asserts that "carbon nanotubes can prevent such batteries from losing their charge capacity over time." The batteries they are speaking of are the lithium-based batteries that are found in commonly used devices such as MP3 players, laptop computers, and cell phones.
As any of us who partake of these various technologies are quite aware of, with continued use, the battery power just seems to lose its life. As the news story reports, elements such as hot and cold temperatures help this reduction process along even more. Scientists have been researching this degradation process for awhile, and have looked into silicon to replace the universally used lithium-ion batteries. However, due to the fast rate that silicon also degrades, they have had to search even further.
This is where nanotechnology comes into play. As Science News states, "Shengyang's Hui-Ming Cheng and colleagues have turned to carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to help them use silicon (Si) as the battery anode but avoid the problem of large volume change during alloying and de-alloying." By introducing the carbon nanotubes to the silicon, they seem to be solving some of the problems that previously existed.
The whole process is quite amazing. "The researchers grew carbon nanotubes on the surface of tiny particles of silicon using a technique known as chemical vapor deposition in which a carbon-containing vapor decomposes and then condenses on the surface of the silicon particles forming the nanoscopic tubes. They then coated these particles with carbon released from sugar at a high temperature in a vacuum. A separate batch of silicon particles produced using sugar but without the CNTs was also prepared."
The scientists used these two diverse batches and compared them. What they found was remarkable - the batch using the carbon produced a discharge capacity twice that of the one which only contained the silicon particles.
There seems to be many reasons that have prompted research into better material used to create batteries. Reports of fires found to be ignited by lithium-ion batteries, although rare, seem to have caused much attention to be placed on safer materials. The general complaint many have regarding the increased reduction of device batteries after continued use is likely another reason that prompted the research. Whatever the likely combination was, this new research could be monumental in how users of technological devices power up their gadgets.
Nanotechnology is not the only material researchers are using in their quest for a better battery, but it does seem to be one of the options that show much promise.
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/charging-ahead-with-nanotechnology-418560.html
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Related Articles
The Masdar Initiative
By: David Tanguay | 05/05/2008 | Environment
Is it possible to have an entire city be carbon and waste free? The Masdar Initiative is undertaking just that. The initiative is "a global cooperative platform for open engagement in the search for solutions to some of mankind's most pressing issues: energy security, climate change and truly sustainable human development."
Gimme a Green Cell Phone
By: David Tanguay | 17/03/2008 | Environment
In today's world of eco-friendly inventions, the electric car is getting its fair share of exposure. Not only are gas prices at an all-time high right now, but the fuel emissions that emanate from petroleum juiced engines cause a breakdown in what we desire to be clean air. An electric car emits absolutely no emissions due to the lack of a tailpipe, as well as zero evaporative dischargefrom a fuel system.
The Revolution of Wind Power
By: David Tanguay | 05/05/2008 | Environment
Although the study and implementation of wind power is not a novice idea, it does seem to be a widespread deal lately. One look at a renewable energy news resource shows numerous pages of stories specifically on the topic of wind power. The purpose of today's post is to take a look at the news stories of one day, today, and give briefings on each.
Energy Solutions for Various Types of Buildings Part 2
By: David Tanguay | 28/05/2008 | Environment
In yesterday's post, we started looking at the helpful tips that the Department of Energy's Building Technologies Program provides on their website to assist in making various types of buildings more energy efficient. Because the department has been obliging enough to provide tips for 10 different types of buildings, we are splitting this up over the next couple of days. Yesterday we looked solutions for single family homes, multifamily homes, and office buildings, and today we will continue this series.
Gimme a Green Cell Phone
By: David Tanguay | 18/03/2008 | Environment
No, I'm not talking about LG's green-hued Mint Chocolate phone (although, if I were in the market for a new Chocolate, the green Mint would be my preference). What I'm actually referring to is a new type of technology that the wireless industry is testing out that will use alternate energy to power cell phones. Cell companies have "heard the call" of millions ofgreen energy advocates and, in response, have begun working on ways to change the methods they have had in place for years.
More Programs Through the US Department of Energy
By: David Tanguay | 05/05/2008 | Environment
In the last article we looked at half of the energy programs that are currently being implemented by the United States Department of Energy. Today, we will look at the last five of these programs.
Hydrogen Vehicles
By: David Tanguay | 29/05/2008 | Environment
Hydrogen cars are becoming more and more popular as car manufacturers are heeding the call to become more energy efficient. Last week there were a few posts regarding various initiatives, namely Norway's HyNor and California's Hydrogen Highway Network, which looked at how these two places were working on ways to bring the technologies of hydrogen to their locations. Today, I thought we would end the month by looking at various hydrogen vehicles that are currently manufactured.
Painting Solar Cells Onto Steel
By: David Tanguay | 19/03/2008 | Environment
Who knew painting could be so energy efficient? Swansea University researchers are looking into ways of painting solar cells onto pliable steel surfaces in the hope of generating electricity from the process. The allegation is that this method could produce the same amount of electricity as 50 wind farms.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by: 
Latest Environment Articles
"enviromentally Friendly" or "eco" Glass Filter Media Should be Recycled From UK Glass- Durafilter is 100% British
By: pete | 21/08/2008
In order for recycled glass filter media to be considered enviromentally friendly and "eco" it should used in the country of source.
Nature Reaches to Frustration Level
By: Dr John Anne | 21/08/2008
Man is totally dependent on nature. All the basic needs he gets from nature. Nature provides food, shelter and water to humans. Most importantly nature gives oxygen to people, which are the most important thing for every human being
Earth Day Inspires Global Change
By: Ann Knapp | 21/08/2008
Since 1970, Earth Day has inspired and challenged millions from Tokyo to Togo to Toledo. This past spring, millions were galvanized for a Call to Climate, the 2008 Earth Day global warming action theme
No More Oil?
By: Ron Wolf | 20/08/2008
Some say we can be free of using oil in our lifetime. But, have they thought this through to any real conclusions, or is it just election campaign rhetoric?
Making Money With Renewable Energy
By: Koz Huseyin | 20/08/2008
Wouldn't it be a great thing to be able to help the environment, and at the same time, earn money? One of the greatest things that is happening in this millennium is that people are creating there own personal power plants! Discover how you too can make money with renewable energy.
Are Wood Stoves Good for the Environment?
By: Ariel Vanderhorst | 20/08/2008
That depends on the stove you have in your mind's eye. The old-fashioned, pot-belly stoves that appear in most Western movies didn't do the atmosphere any favors. But today's wood burning stoves, engineered with fuel economy in mind, are a different story.
An Introduction To The Concept Of Sustainable Industrial Cleaning
By: Shaun Parker | 20/08/2008
An informative introductory companion to the essential practice of sustainability in the manufacture and distribution of cleaning products.
Vastu Shastra V/s Feng Shui
By: Dr John Anne | 20/08/2008
Vastu shastra refers to the Indian art of placement. Vastu is a Sanskrit word and it means house of dwelling, and is in harmony with nature. Vastu shastra is an ancient principal of home management
More from David Tanguay
Thin-film Solar Panels
By: David Tanguay | 30/05/2008 | Environment
Due to rising energy costs, various cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions, such as solar energy, are on the rise. One of the newest advancements in solar panels is thin-film solar panels. According to Sam Greyhawk, "thin-film solar panels use a manufacturing process which involves applying multiple thin layers of a sunlight reactive substance onto a base material."
Global Warming 101
By: David Tanguay | 30/05/2008 | Environment
We hear about global warming all the time. It is a highly debated topic, and one that has sparked action regarding renewable energy sources, environmentally friendly products, and a whole host of other things. But what is it?
Hydrogen Vehicles
By: David Tanguay | 29/05/2008 | Environment
Hydrogen cars are becoming more and more popular as car manufacturers are heeding the call to become more energy efficient. Last week there were a few posts regarding various initiatives, namely Norway's HyNor and California's Hydrogen Highway Network, which looked at how these two places were working on ways to bring the technologies of hydrogen to their locations. Today, I thought we would end the month by looking at various hydrogen vehicles that are currently manufactured.
Energy Solutions for Various Types of Buildings Part 2
By: David Tanguay | 28/05/2008 | Environment
In yesterday's post, we started looking at the helpful tips that the Department of Energy's Building Technologies Program provides on their website to assist in making various types of buildings more energy efficient. Because the department has been obliging enough to provide tips for 10 different types of buildings, we are splitting this up over the next couple of days. Yesterday we looked solutions for single family homes, multifamily homes, and office buildings, and today we will continue this series.
Creating an Eco-friendly Datacenter Cont'd
By: David Tanguay | 22/05/2008 | Environment
In the last post we focused on what a datacenter was and the reasons for trying to make it as eco-friendly as possible. We learned 5 tips in making your datacenter "greener." Today, we will continue with itmanagement.com's remaining steps to help you have the most environmentally friendly datacenter.
Creating an Eco-friendly Datacenter
By: David Tanguay | 22/05/2008 | Environment
In a world that is turning "green" everywhere you look, what other areas could possibly come more eco-friendly? One place to look is your business. The ability to turn your datacenter green is a very possible and practical step. But first, for those who do not know, let's define what a datacenter is. A data center is the location owned by a websitehost that contains the web servers. So how can you make this location that runs on so much energy into an environmentally friendly place?
Ingenuity? No Engineuity
By: David Tanguay | 22/05/2008 | Environment
In light of rising fuel costs, more research resources and creativity are being used in order to try to find transportation methods that stay away from traditional use of petroleum. In Israel it is no different. In fact, Israel may have outshined every one with the new vehicle they have called Engineuity.
Biodiesel Fuel
By: David Tanguay | 17/05/2008 | Environment
Biodiesel fuel is a form of "green energy for cars." Although a debate on the pros and cons regarding biodiesel seems to be pretty endless, those advocating it speak quite highly of how fueling your car with biodiesel is a pretty amazing thing.
|
|
News and Society 
