Scientists Develop Potassium Batteries That Charge Faster, Cost Less Than Lithium

THIS WEEK’S TOP STORIES

This Week’s Top 5 News Articles

💸 Scientists Develop Potassium Batteries That Charge Faster, Cost Less Than Lithium

🔋 Industrial Waste Heat Now Power Source with Zero-Emission Technology

⚡️ Waste Polystyrene Patch Produces Electricity with Just Airflow

🛖 Microsoft’s Fire-Resistant Wood Data Centers Set to Cut AI’s Carbon Footprint

🏍️ High Performance Meets Low Emissions in Alpine’s New Hydrogen Engine

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Scientists Develop Potassium Batteries That Charge Faster, Cost Less Than Lithium LINK

• University of Glasgow researchers developed a high-performing potassium-ion battery using a chromium selenide cathode, nearing max capacity at 125 mAh/g and retaining 85% capacity during rapid charging, which could replace lithium-ion for renewable storage.

• Potassium’s abundance and simpler production promise more affordable batteries for stationary storage, freeing lithium resources for mobile, high-energy applications like electric vehicles.

• The team is exploring optimal electrolyte options to further enhance potassium-ion batteries and is seeking robotics collaboration to accelerate testing of chemical combinations for improved performance.

Industrial Waste Heat Now Power Source with Zero-Emission Technology LINK 

• Advanced Thermovoltaic Systems (ATS) has developed panels that generate electricity solely from waste heat, allowing industrial facilities to convert ambient thermal energy into power without light or moving parts, reducing the need for fossil fuels.

• This scalable, compact solution integrates easily into industrial plants and has been successfully piloted with a major cement company, demonstrating its efficiency in environments where traditional turbines are considered too risky.

• ATS aims to expand into 100+ facilities by 2030, with a target of saving 3.5 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, and is a finalist for the 2024 Earthshot Prize for its potential impact on industrial energy efficiency.

Waste Polystyrene Patch Produces Electricity with Just Airflow LINK

• RMIT and Riga Technical University developed a device from recycled polystyrene that generates static electricity from airflow, repurposing waste and addressing energy needs simultaneously.

• The thin, layered polystyrene patch can capture energy from airflow in air conditioners and high-traffic areas, potentially reducing energy demand by up to 5% and generating up to 230 volts, which could supplement local energy supply.

• Durable and resilient due to polystyrene's long decomposition time, the technology holds potential for commercial use, with RMIT filing a provisional patent and seeking industry partnerships.

Microsoft’s Fire-Resistant Wood Data Centers Set to Cut AI’s Carbon Footprint LINK

• Microsoft is building its first wood-based data centers using fire-resistant cross-laminated timber (CLT) in Virginia, aiming to cut carbon emissions by 35% compared to steel construction and 65% compared to concrete.

• The company’s $1 billion Climate Innovation Fund backs green materials, including hydrogen-based steel from Stegra and zero-carbon cement from Prometheus Materials, aligning with its goal to be carbon negative by 2030 and offset all past emissions by 2050.

• Microsoft’s size and influence position it as a market leader in sustainable construction, helping accelerate adoption of eco-friendly materials across industries.

High Performance Meets Low Emissions in Alpine’s New Hydrogen Engine LINK

• Alpine’s Alpenglow Hy6 showcases a 3.5-liter, hydrogen-powered V6 engine developed with ORECA, delivering 730 horsepower and minimal CO2 emissions, offering a unique sustainable twist to traditional motorsport engines.

• Capable of over 330 km/h, the Hy6 signals hydrogen’s potential in racing, aligning with shifting global regulations while preserving the high-rev, internal combustion feel with up to 9,000 rpm.

• Although near-zero CO2, the hydrogen engine emits nitrogen oxides (NOx), reminding us that it’s not fully emission-free but a major step toward sustainable high-performance racing.