Sintering atomically thin materials with ceramics now possible
For the first time, researchers have created a nanocomposite of ceramics and a two-dimensional material, opening the door for new designs of nanocomposites with such applications as solid-state batteries, thermoelectrics, varistors, catalysts, chemical sensors and much more.
Self-heating, fast-charging battery makes electric vehicles climate-immune
Californians do not purchase electric vehicles because they are cool, they buy EVs because they live in a warm climate. Conventional lithium-ion batteries cannot be rapidly charged at temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but now a team of Penn State engineers has created a battery that can self-heat, allowing rapid charging regardless of the outside chill.
Three new co-funds join Institutes of Energy and the Environment
Three faculty members recently joined the Institutes of Energy and the Environment (IEE) in three different areas of expertise. Two are in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, and the other is in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.
Carbon dioxide-to-methanol process improved by catalyst
Dramatic improvements have been made to the process of converting carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, to methanol, a fuel and building block for a wide range of everyday materials, according to Penn State researchers.
George Middlemas, alumnus and philanthropist, dies
George M. Middlemas Jr., a Penn State alumnus and generous University donor, particularly to the University Libraries, passed away June 14 in Bachelor Gulch, Colorado, two days after his 72nd birthday.