Quarter-Million Lifecycle Battery Developed By Scientists
Led by Professor Gao Chao in ZJU’s Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, a research team aimed to address issues regarding the inability of aluminum-ion batteries in competing with lithium-ion batteries and super capacitors, due to their inadequate performance. The researchers proposed a “tri-high tri-continuous (3H3C) design” to attain the ideal graphene film cathode with excellent electrochemical performances. The ordered assembly of graphene liquid crystals formed a highly oriented structure-satisfying requirement. High temperature annealing and concomitant gas pressure simultaneously prompted high quality and channeling graphene structure, resulting in the formation of aluminum-graphene batteries. These power sources have attained lengthy lifecycles, with 91.7 percent retaining their charging capabilities after 250,000 cycles.
Automotive Overtaking At CES
Held in Las Vegas, Nevada, the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) was in full swing this week, attracting thousands of vendors, media outlets, and other attendees. While smartphones, small gadgets, and other portable devices have normally been the primary topics of interest, automobiles were the talk of the show this year. Major industry conglomerates like Toyota, Kia, Hyundai, and Ford had strong presences this week, along with countless other industry manufacturers, suppliers, and software developers. Among the biggest standouts was Toyota, who displayed their self-driving mini-buses. Toyota claims these crafts will also serve as “bite-sized” stores. While still in development, Toyota claimed the vehicles will be self-driving, and transport passengers to locations where potential buyers can try on clothes, shoes, or sift through flea market items. These crafts will even give employees fully functioning office space to utilize on their commutes. Toyota says the project is still in its conceptual stage, however the company is optimistic these vehicles can make a live appearance at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
Sony’s Robot Pet
To commemorate the Year of the Dog, Japanese-based electronics company Sony unveiled a new robotic canine companion containing Internet connectivity and high levels of artificial intelligence. Known as “Aibo,” the ivory-white puppy-sized robot displayed typical dog-like gestures like shaking its head, wagging its tail, and was the focus of a “birthday ceremony” held in Tokyo. The robotic device measures about one foot in length, features flapping ears, and contains a cutting-edge light-emitting display in its eyes. Aibo contains an array of sensors, cameras, microphones, and is capable of exhibiting various emotions. The device’s owner can interact with the pet via smartphone, and even teach Aibo tricks to perform. The robotic canine builds up a “character” by engaging with people, and is generally friendly toward those who show the device kindness.
Tiangong-1 Makes One Of Its Final Appearances
Although originally taken back in November, the image recently surfaced of China’s Tiangong-1 space station (the name meaning Heavenly Palace). The image was captured from a ski area in Southeast France’s Hautes-Alpes region during the evening hours. Tiangong-1 appears as a white streak in the lower right of the photo, an apparent consequence from several seconds of exposure, just above the Eyssina Peak summit. Tiangong-1 measures 12 meters in length, with a diameter of 3.3 meters, and has a launch mass of 8506 kg. The space station has been unoccupied since 2013, and hasn’t had any human contact since 2016. Tiangong-1 is about 280 km above the Earth’s surface, and is expected to burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere within the next couple of months.