Industry News
Nanoalloys reduce the need for platinum in fuel cells
European researchers have shown that it is possible to significantly reduce the need for platinum in fuel cells through the development of a new type of nanocatalyst. [ + ]
Wearable electronics could be powered by body motion
Researchers have been investigating the ability of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) — small devices that convert movement into electricity — to create wearable electronics powered solely by the wearer's day-to-day body motion. [ + ]
u-blox's cellular module acquisition terminated
Swiss module manufacturer u-blox has announced that it will not proceed with its acquisition of the SIMCom cellular module product line from Shanghai-based SIM Technology Group. [ + ]
World's thinnest hologram developed
Australian and Chinese scientists have designed a nano-hologram that is simple to make, can be seen without 3D goggles and is 1000 times thinner than a human hair. [ + ]
'Printed solar' demonstration site opens
The University of Newcastle (UON) has officially unveiled its 100 m2 printed solar demonstration site, said to be the first in Australia and the third of its size in the world. [ + ]
Battery controller for EVs under development
Semiconductor company STMicroelectronics, Chinese R&D institute IMECAS and technology company EPOCH are partnering in the development and marketing of a battery management system for new energy vehicles (NEVs). [ + ]
Electronic sustainment centre coming to Western Sydney
Global security company Northrop Grumman is making a $50 million investment in the development of an advanced defence electronics maintenance and sustainment centre for Western Sydney. [ + ]
Avoiding the coffee ring effect in printed electronics
Japanese researchers have discovered a solution to a problem that occurs when printing words on electronics — the dreaded 'coffee ring effect'. [ + ]
Open source 3D printing materials now available
Aleph Objects and IC3D Industries have announced the availability of what is claimed to be the world's first certified open-source hardware 3D printing filament. [ + ]
Australian laser technology shipped to China
Surface engineering company LaserBond has shipped its first customised laser cladding system to China in a deal worth $1.4 million. [ + ]
Membrane technology fills a gap for hydrogen-fuelled vehicles
CSIRO intends to fill a gap in the global energy technology chain by supplying fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) with low-emissions hydrogen sourced from Australia. [ + ]
Tiny chip to extend battery life
Researchers have received a $50,000 grant to commercialise a chip that can make lower power electronics, like mobile phones, work more efficiently. [ + ]
Switching crystals off and on again
Kyoto University researchers have demonstrated an on/off switching behaviour in a coordination polymer crystal. [ + ]
Safer batteries made from zinc sponges
US researchers have demonstrated nickel–zinc (Ni–Zn) batteries in which a three-dimensional Zn 'sponge' replaces the powdered zinc anode traditionally used. [ + ]
Organic single-crystal electronics on the way
Japanese researchers have succeeded in developing a method for high-performance doping of an organic single crystal, as well as Hall effect measurement of the crystal. [ + ]