Small self-powered systems, including wireless sensors and small robots currently under development, can use triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) and piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) as prime power sources. TENGs and PENGs offer large open circuit voltages, low materials cost, ease of fabrication, and good energy conversion efficiencies. TENGs use triboelectricity, commonly called static electricity, to convert common mechanical […]
Sweat and tears make stretchable batteries better
A group of researchers hailing from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have devised stretchable silver electrodes whose conductivity can be enhanced by human sweat. The stretchable electrodes were fabricated by directly printing an ink composed of conductive silver flakes and specially designed elastic binder called hydrophilic poly(urethane-acrylate) (HPUA) on hydrophilic textiles. Researchers say the HPUA…
Battery pack protection keeps EVs on the road
A few best practices for handling transients and over-currents help make electronic drivetrains more reliable. James Colby • Littelfuse, Inc. Automotive market analysts predict that by 2025, high-end vehicles will contain more than $6,000 in electronic components. Most of these advanced electronics will be in the growing number of electric vehicles (EVs). To ensure robust, […]
What are the applications of 3D and 4D printed electronics?
3D printing is the fabrication of a three-dimensional object under computer control, with one or more materials being added layer by layer. 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is used across various electronics applications, including circuit boards, energy storage devices, actuators, and sensors. It can be implemented using a variety of technologies, including selective laser sintering […]
What is an electrolyte?
The electrolyte in a battery is the substance that allows electrical current to flow between the anode and the cathode. Electrolytes may be fluids or solids. Soluble salts, acids, and bases can generally act as electrolytes. While current flows through a metallic conductor in the form of lone electrons, within an electrolyte current flows in…
Battery pack protection keeps EVs on the road
A few best practices for handling transients and over-currents help make electronic drivetrains more reliable. James Colby • Littelfuse, Inc. Automotive market analysts predict that by 2025, high-end vehicles will contain more than $6,000 in electronic components. Most of these advanced electronics will be in the growing number of electric vehicles (EVs). To ensure robust, […]
What is an anode?
An anode is an electrode where oxidation reactions occur, involving atoms giving up electrons. The negatively charged free electrons then flow out of the negative terminal of the battery to produce an electrical current. It should be noted that conventionally, electricity is considered to flow in the opposite direction to the flow of electrons. Anions,…
Say goodbye to cross-country road trips
Leland Teschler • Executive editor Officials estimate it will cost $50 billion to field the chargers needed for the expected number of electric vehicles on U.S. roads by 2030. But it’s possible that spending every penny of this amount won’t prevent the extinction of the cross-country road trip. Here’s the logic behind that statement: It’s […]
What is a cathode?
A cathode is an electrode where reduction reactions occur, in which atoms gain electrons. Negatively charged free electrons flow into the positive terminal of a battery as an electrical current. Because electrons are negatively charged, electricity is conventionally considered to flow in the opposite direction to the flow of electrons. Cations, positively charged atoms which…
Understanding battery management systems
A battery-management system (BMS) is an electronic system or circuit that monitors the charging, discharging, temperature, and other factors influencing the state of a battery or battery pack. It’s used to monitor and maintain the health and capacity of a battery. Today’s BNS devices are advanced and will often provide pop-up notifications as you’ve likely…