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Expanded graphite as a superior anode for sodium-ion batteries

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Researchers at the University of Maryland, with colleagues at the University of Illinois at Chicago, report on a new method for expanding graphite for use as a superior anode for sodium-ion batteries in a paper in Nature Communications. Sodium (Na) is an earth-abundant and inexpensive element, and shares many properties with lithium.

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U-M leads new DOE-funded research center for ceramic ion conductors; MUSIC

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The University of Michigan (U-M) and eight partner institutions will explore the use of ceramic ion conductors as replacements for the traditional liquid or polymer electrolytes in common lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and in flow cells for storing renewable energy in the grid.

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DOE Awarding $620M for Smart Grid Demonstration and Energy Storage Projects

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The US Department of Energy is awarding $620 million for projects around the country to demonstrate advanced Smart Grid technologies and integrated systems. Smart grid regional demonstrations involving plug-in vehicles include (ranked by DOE funding): Columbus Southern Power Company (doing business as AEP Ohio).

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Can Flow Batteries Finally Beat Lithium?

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Flow batteries are safe, stable, long-lasting, and easily refilled, qualities that suit them well for balancing the grid, providing uninterrupted power, and backing up sources of electricity. The design returned to life in the mid-20th century, was developed for possible use on a moon base, and was further improved for use in grid storage.

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ARPA-E Awards $151M to 37 Projects for Transformative Energy Research

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Planar Na-beta Batteries for Renewable Integration and Grid Applications. Eagle Picher, in partnership with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, will develop a new generation of high energy, low cost planar liquid sodium beta batteries for grid scale electrical power storage applications. Water (1 project). ENERGY STORAGE.

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