April 12, 2021
Combining nanomaterials in 3D to build next-generation imaging devices
UC San Diego nanoengineering professor Oscar Vazquez-Mena is taking nanomaterials to the next dimension. By integrating different nanoscale materials together in 3D, he is creating a new generation of devices for environmental monitoring, energy harvesting and biomedical applications. Vazquez-Mena recently received a CAREER Award through the NSF to develop devices that can "see" wavelengths of light that are invisible to the human eye, such as IR and UV light. He also received a DARPA Director's Fellowship to develop a material that can let ultrasound through the skull and do non-invasive imaging and stimulation of the human brain. Full Story
March 9, 2021
'Wearable microgrid' uses the human body to sustainably power small gadgets
This shirt harvests and stores energy from the human body to power small electronics. UC San Diego nanoengineers call it a "wearable microgrid"—it combines energy from the wearer's sweat and movement to provide renewable power for wearable devices. Full Story
February 25, 2021
Weakness is strength for this low-temperature battery
Nanoengineers at the University of California San Diego have discovered new fundamental insights for developing lithium metal batteries that perform well at ultra-low temperatures; mainly, that the weaker the electrolyte holds on to lithium ions, the better. By using such a weakly binding electrolyte, the researchers developed a lithium metal battery that can be repeatedly recharged at temperatures as low as -60 degrees Celsius—a first in the field. Full Story
.jpg)
February 23, 2021
New material is next step toward stable high-voltage long-life solid-state sodium-ion batteries
A team of researchers designed and manufactured a new sodium-ion conductor for solid-state sodium-ion batteries that is stable when incorporated into higher-voltage oxide cathodes. This new solid electrolyte could dramatically improve the efficiency and lifespan of this class of batteries. A proof of concept battery built with the new material lasted over 1000 cycles while retaining 89.3% of its capacity--a performance unmatched by other solid-state sodium batteries to date. Full Story
February 23, 2021
Tracking melting points above 4000 degrees Celsius
A materials engineer at the University of California San Diego is leading the development of a new research platform for studying high-performance materials, in particular new materials that melt above 4000 degrees Celsius (C). Full Story