Articles tagged with "electrochemistry"
IBM Advances Quantum Computing with Nighthawk for Clean Energy Transformations - CleanTechnica
IBM has made significant advances in quantum computing with the introduction of its Nighthawk processor, a 120-qubit system unveiled in November 2025. Unlike previous generations focused on demonstrating feasibility, Nighthawk is engineered to scale circuit depth rather than just qubit count, addressing a critical bottleneck in quantum computing development. Paired with IBM’s Loon chip, which isolates errors instead of relying solely on brute-force error correction, this approach aims to manage noise and decoherence more realistically. Together, these technologies support IBM’s goal of achieving 1,000 logical qubits by 2028, integrated closely with classical high-performance computing in a hybrid model that augments rather than replaces classical systems. Nighthawk’s architecture uses a square lattice topology allowing each qubit to connect to four neighbors, enabling quantum circuits with up to 5,000 two-qubit gates—a 30% improvement over IBM’s previous Heron processor. IBM plans to increase this to 7,500 gates by
quantum-computingclean-energyIBM-Nighthawkquantum-processorsfault-tolerant-quantum-computingmaterials-scienceelectrochemistryEnergy Efficiency Is Forever, But US Presidents Come And Go
The article discusses the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) continued commitment to advancing energy efficiency and storage technologies despite shifts in federal energy policy. A recent initiative involves a $155 million investment in 16 projects across national laboratories aimed at improving the competitiveness and energy efficiency of energy-intensive industries such as iron and steel, cement, chemicals, forest products, and food and beverage. While the DOE’s announcement downplayed the decarbonization aspect, the funding is intended to drive technological innovation that reduces costs and energy consumption, ultimately benefiting American workers and consumers. A notable project within this initiative is the SCCALE (Solutions Center for Commercial Advancement of Large-Scale Electrochemistry) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, which received $12.5 million. SCCALE focuses on lowering capital costs and safety risks by reducing reliance on extreme temperatures and pressures in electrochemical processes, thereby saving energy. Electrochemistry is highlighted as a key area with broad sustainability implications, including renewable energy, water purification,
energy-efficiencyrenewable-energyelectrochemistryindustrial-decarbonizationenergy-storageDepartment-of-Energyclean-technologyGame-changing solid battery material moves ions as fast as liquid
Scientists at the University of Oxford have developed a novel class of organic materials called state-independent electrolytes (SIEs) that maintain high ionic conductivity even after solidifying, challenging the long-held electrochemical principle that ion movement slows drastically when a liquid electrolyte solidifies. These SIEs enable ions to move through solid structures as quickly as they do in liquid form, overcoming the "freezing out" effect that has hindered the performance of solid-state batteries compared to their liquid-based counterparts. The key innovation lies in the molecular design: disc-shaped molecules with flexible sidechains stack into rigid columns while their "soft bristles" create a permeable environment, allowing negative ions to flow freely through the solid matrix. This breakthrough offers significant advantages for battery manufacturing and safety. The electrolyte can be heated and poured as a liquid to thoroughly infiltrate battery electrodes, then cooled to form a stable solid that eliminates leakage and fire risks typical of liquid electrolytes, all without sacrificing performance. Due to their lightweight, flexible
energysolid-state-batteryelectrolyteionic-conductivitymaterials-scienceelectrochemistryorganic-materialsNew forensic method uses electricity to lift prints from fired bullets
Researchers at Maynooth University in Ireland have developed a novel electrochemical method to reveal fingerprints on fired bullet casings, a task previously considered nearly impossible due to the extreme heat and pressure inside gun barrels that destroy traditional fingerprint residues. Unlike conventional techniques that rely on sweat and skin oils to visualize prints, this new approach uses the fingerprint residues as a protective stencil on the brass surface. When a low voltage is applied, a metallic coating forms only in the spaces between fingerprint ridges, producing a high-contrast negative image even if the residues have been thermally altered during firing. While promising, the technique is still in early development and faces challenges related to different metal types, surface corrosion, and environmental exposure. The researchers have demonstrated good results on brass but note that materials like stainless steel or aluminum, as well as extreme heat or long-term exposure, may reduce effectiveness. Before the method can be adopted in forensic practice and withstand legal scrutiny, it requires extensive validation, blind testing, and inter-laboratory
energyelectrochemistryforensic-sciencefingerprint-detectionmetallic-coatingbrass-surfacescrime-investigationMIT maps lithium’s hidden speed limits to unlock next-gen EV batteries
MIT researchers have developed a new model called the Coupled Ion-Electron Transfer (CIET) model that redefines the fundamental chemical reaction of lithium-ion intercalation in batteries. This reaction governs how lithium ions insert into solid electrodes, directly affecting battery charging and discharging speeds. Previous models, notably the Butler-Volmer equation, assumed ion diffusion was the rate-limiting step, but experimental data often conflicted with these predictions. Using a novel electrochemical technique involving repeated short voltage bursts, the MIT team precisely measured intercalation rates across over 50 electrolyte-electrode combinations, including common battery materials like lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide and lithium cobalt oxide. The study found that lithium intercalation rates are significantly slower than previously thought and are controlled by the simultaneous transfer of both lithium ions and electrons to the electrode—a process described by the CIET model. This coupled transfer lowers the energy barrier for the reaction and is the true speed-limiting step in battery operation. The insights from this
energylithium-ion-batterieselectric-vehiclesbattery-technologymaterials-scienceelectrochemistryenergy-storageThe engineers turning waste salt into the energy transition's missing link
The article highlights how two engineers, Bilen Aküzüm and Lukas Hackl, co-founders of Aepnus Technology, identified a significant but overlooked bottleneck in the battery supply chain: the chemical waste generated during mineral processing. Specifically, lithium extraction and battery recycling plants produce large amounts of sodium sulfate waste while simultaneously importing costly reagents like caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) and sulfuric acid. This linear chemical use results in high operating expenses—up to 30-40% of costs—and environmental burdens due to waste disposal. Motivated by this paradox, the engineers developed an innovative electrolyzer system that converts waste sodium sulfate back into valuable reagents, effectively closing the loop on industrial chemistry. After five years of research, pilot projects, and material science advances, Aepnus Technology’s electrolyzer has demonstrated reliable, energy-efficient conversion of sodium sulfate into high-purity caustic soda and sulfuric acid without relying on rare catalysts. This breakthrough addresses a critical but under
energybattery-technologychemical-recyclingelectrochemistrysustainable-materialsclean-energy-transitionindustrial-chemistryNuclear fusion gets electrochemical shock to boost reaction rates
Scientists at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have developed a novel method to enhance nuclear fusion reaction rates at room temperature using a compact, bench-top reactor called the Thunderbird Reactor. This device combines a particle accelerator with an electrochemical cell to load deuterium fuel into a palladium metal target from two sides: a plasma field on one side and electrochemical loading on the other. The electrochemical process, which applies just one volt of electricity, effectively "squeezes" more deuterium into the metal, achieving what normally requires extremely high pressures. This dual-loading approach resulted in a 15% increase in deuterium–deuterium fusion events, marking the first demonstration of fusion using this combination of techniques, although the experiment did not achieve net energy gain. This research represents a significant shift from traditional fusion experiments that rely on large, high-temperature reactors, potentially democratizing fusion science by enabling smaller-scale, more accessible laboratory setups. The work builds on a 2015
energynuclear-fusionelectrochemistryparticle-acceleratordeuteriumpalladiumfusion-researchHidden layer in solid-state batteries could unlock faster, safer power storage
energymaterialssolid-state-batteriesbattery-technologyion-transportsafer-batterieselectrochemistryMagnetic fields supercharge catalysts for cleaner water and cheaper ammonia
energymaterialscatalystsammonia-productionwastewater-treatmentmagnetic-fieldselectrochemistry