Rokmaster Resources (CVE:RKR) Stock Price Down 25% – Here’s WhyEV batteries have been coasting on the same liquid-electrolyte technology ever since the early 2000s, with some significant tweaks leading to improved performance and lower costs over the years. Still, a sea change in the approach to battery design is needed in order to bring the cost of electric vehicles down to the point of meeting — or even beating — gasmobiles on cost, and energy storage innovators are banking on new solid-state ceramic technology to turn the tide. Ceramic batteries — sometimes called “glass batteries” — replace the flammable liquid electrolyte in conventional lithium-ion EV batteries fully or partly with a stable, more environmentally friendly solid material. The evolution of the solid-state battery has been a long time coming. One breakthrough was reported by Hitachi back in 1985, but the idea didn’t gain much traction until 2017. That’s when a team at the University of Texas Cockrell School of Engineering reported an electrolyte based on glass, building on the work of the legendary lithium-ion battery innovator Professor John Goodenough and senior research fellow Maria Helena Braga. Moving up to 2024, we find the Taiwanese company ProLogium at the forefront of innovators commercializing EV batteries with ceramic electrolytes. The company has been shifting its R&D timeline into high gear. In the latest news, on December 12, ProLogium announced that its next-generation lithium ceramic battery was awarded a new certification by the independent safety and performance inspection firm TÜV Rheinland. The achievement follows an initial certification earned in March. “The TÜV Rheinland certification confirms that ProLogium’s next-generation lithium ceramic battery delivers an industry-leading energy density of 811.6 Wh/L (volumetric) and 359.2 Wh/kg (gravimetric),” ProLogium explained in a press statement, adding that the new milestone was achieved on a battery off the company’s pilot-scale production line. Located in Taouyan, Taiwan, the demonstration facility started operation earlier this year to produce EV batteries with a gigawatt-scale goal in its sights. ProLogium also notes that automakers around the world already have thousands of its ceramic batteries in their hands for testing and development (probably including EV up-and-comer Vinfast , for one). The previous certification from TÜV Rheinland in March involved a battery with an energy density of 749 Wh/L and 321 Wh/kg. Doing the math (which ProLogium did), the new certification of 811.6 Wh/L and 359.2 Wh/kg represents improvements of 8.36% and 11.90%, respectively, outpacing the company’s own forecast from October. This year’s burst of timeline-breaking activity did not come out of nowhere. “This milestone...reflects 18 years of relentless efforts in addressing key battery challenges and optimizing manufacturing processes,”observed ProLogium founder and Chairman Vincent Yang , who listed the company’s separator-free ceramic layer and its 100% composite silicon anode among other key breakthroughs. Apparently we ain’t see nothing yet. In the December 12 announcement, ProLogium teased “further groundbreaking innovations” to be unveiled at CES 2025 . The annual, and influential, tech showcase will be held in Las Vegas in January. ProLogium also states that its new EV batteries beat other market-ready technologies on performance, with an energy density of up to 79.6% higher than the emerging lithium-iron-phosphate and nickel-manganese-cobalt formulas. “This translates to smaller, lighter battery packs with longer range and improved energy efficiency,” ProLogium notes. The new EV batteries are also capable of delivering 300 kilometers (about 186 miles) range in five minutes, according to the company. To be clear, commercially successful EV batteries are not necessarily the ones with the best energy density. Cost, manufacturability, and supply chain factors also go into the equation. Still, solid and semi-solid ceramic EV batteries are having a moment, and there is still room for additional improvement. Researchers at McGill University in Canada, for example, recently reported on a method for improving the performance of ceramic EV batteries by replacing a dense ceramic plate with a porous plate, filling the holes with a polymer. “By using a polymer-filled porous membrane, we can allow lithium ions to move freely and eliminate the interfacial resistance between the solid electrolyte and the electrodes,” explains research team leader Professor George Demopoulos of the school’s Department of Materials Engineering. “This not only improves the battery’s performance but also creates a stable interface for high-voltage operation, one of the industry’s key goals,” he adds. Here in the US, keep an eye on new EV batteries from the startup Ion Storage Systems . In December of 2023 the University of Maryland spinout hooked up with the leading French materials specialist Saint-Gobain to deliver the specialized powder needed to formulate the battery’s ceramic “brain.” ION received a vote of investor confidence last year from Toyota Ventures, among other private sector stakeholders, as well as public funding including grants to the University of Maryland. Another big thumbs-up came this summer, when the Department of Energy’s ARPA-E funding office tapped ION for a $20 million award through its SCALEUP “Seeding Critical Advances for Leading Energy technologies with Untapped Potential” program, aimed at accelerating the technology into EV batteries for the commercial market. To qualify for SCALEUP funding, an applicant needs to establish a de-risked and viable route to commercial deployment . ION is putting its SCALEUP dollars to work on setting up a ceramic electrolyte separator production pilot line along with five other key elements leading to commercial manufacturing. The grant also seems to have caught the eye of Leonid Capital Partners, which announced a debt investment of $10 million in ION on November 13th. “Unlike traditional designs, ION’s technology eliminates flammability risks , reduces the need for extensive cooling systems, and provides industry-leading energy density attributes,” Leonid Capital explained, indicating that the defense and aerospace sectors will be the low hanging fruit for commercial application. “Our early performance-driven customers will be battery users who have a need that is not met by existing technology such as high temperature applications like autoclavable battery-powered medical devices or fire-sensitive applications like underwater military vehicles and space-based systems,” ION notes on its ARPA-E page. As with ProLogium, ION is another example of persistence paying off. The company puts the start date for its core technology at the University of Maryland 14 years ago, back in 2012, before spinning out as a startup in 2105. EV batteries have come a long way since the 1990s, when the initial version of GM’s EV-1 electric vehicle sported 32 rechargeable lead-acid batteries. Lithium-ion EV batteries with liquid electrolytes have ruled the roost since then, and now it’s time for a new wave of energy storage innovation to enter the field. Follow me via LinkTree , or @tinamcasey on LinkedIn and Bluesky. Photo (cropped): A new wave of high-performing, fast-charging solid state EV batteries with ceramic electrolytes is coming into the market, with the Taiwanese firm ProLogium among the leaders (courtesy of Prologium). CleanTechnica's Comment Policy LinkedIn WhatsApp Facebook Bluesky Email Reddit
President Jimmy Carter may have only had one term in the White House, but he remained a familiar figure on the world stage long after clearing his desk at the Oval Office. Despite a resounding defeat at the hands of Ronald Reagan in 1980, the Democrat forged a new path promoting causes such as electoral probity abroad, social justice and drives to rid the world of medical conditions. His first foreign visit as president was to the UK where then prime minister James Callaghan, as well as the usual visits in London, took his guest to the North East with a visit to Newcastle, Sunderland and Washington – the village bearing the name of the first ever president. Mr Carter delighted crowds in the North East by saying “Howay the lads” during a speech to the assembled throng. He also received a miner’s lamp from 12-year-old Ian McEree in Washington. The 39th US president also carried out more traditional presidential duties, including meetings with western European leaders during his time in London while the Cold War was still ongoing. The practising Baptist continued his globetrotting ways after leaving power, even without Air Force One as his vehicle. He was also part of the Elders, a group of experienced statesmen and women drawn from all corners of the world. We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.Short Interest in HUYA Inc. (NYSE:HUYA) Drops By 18.8%
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OpenAI whistleblower found dead in San Francisco apartmentReality DJ James Kennedy has finally addressed his recent arrest for misdemeanor domestic violence. But, rather than apologizing, the Vanderpump Rules star's lawyer didn't back down. In the statement, the Bravo figure's legal team stated: “We are in the process of conducting our own investigation into the allegations levied by the Burbank Police Department against James.” Vanderpump Rules star James Kennedy 'arrested for domestic violence' Lala Kent defends whitening her toddler's teeth in social media photos “We understand that there were no injuries, and we are hoping that, after careful review, the city’s attorneys will decide not to file formal charges.” Kennedy, 32, was arrested Tuesday night following an alleged domestic incident in Burbank, California . Police were called to his home around 11:30 PM and determined it was a case of domestic violence after speaking to witnesses. Although no injuries were reported, Kennedy was taken into custody and later released on $20,000 bail. The Burbank City Attorney’s Office is currently reviewing the case. Witnesses claim Kennedy had been acting erratic earlier that night while attending Kathy Hilton ’s Christmas party with girlfriend Ally Lewber. A source reported: “James was acting super aggressive all night long...running back and forth to the bar and body-checking people" while at The Real Housewives star's event. DON'T MISS: Tom Sandoval says he's already working on new shows after brutal VR axing [EXCLUSIVE] Taylor Swift's reaction to the Cruel Summer remix caught by a Coachella fan [REACTION] Vanderpump Rules season 11 - everything we know so far [INSIGHT] Although police have not identified the alleged victim, speculation swirls about his relationship with Lewber. The couple, who began dating in 2022, were reportedly distant at Hilton ’s party. Lewber recently denied past rumors of physical altercations, saying on Scheana Shay ’s podcast: “There was no physical assault.” Adding fuel to the fire, Kennedy’s ex-girlfriend Kristen Doute responded to news of his arrest with a cryptic Instagram post reading: “Finally.” She has previously accused Kennedy of abusive behavior, saying on her podcast: “Does James have a DJ name? DJ Beats... women, allegedly?” Folllowing his arrests, fans are now questioning his future as Bravo prepares to revamp Vanderpump Rules with a new cast.
The President ofthe Portuguese Republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has sent a letterof condolences to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan IlhamAliyev following the tragic loss of life in the plane crashinvolving the aircraft of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) on December 25near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan, reports. "Dear Mr. President, I was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic crash of AzerbaijanAirlines flight, which resulted in numerous casualties and manyinjured. In this moment of grief, I convey through you, on behalf of thePortuguese people and of my own, heartfelt condolences andsolidarity to the families of the victims and wishes for a speedyrecovery to those affected by this accident. Please accept, Your Excellency, the expression of my highestconsideration and personal esteem," the letter reads.NEW YORK (AP) — After acquiring Juan Soto for a one-year rental and failing to keep him as a free agent, the New York Yankees are taking the same chance with Devin Williams. New York acquired the All-Star closer from the Milwaukee Brewers for left-hander Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin on Friday. The Yankees will send $2 million to the Brewers as part of the trade. “He's a year away from free agency but someone that we’ve tried to acquire for a number of years,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. “I’m sure we weren’t the only bidders here in the end.” A 30-year-old right-hander, Williams is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season. He was diagnosed during spring training with two stress fractures in his back and didn’t make his season debut until July 28 . “Certainly not trying to downplay the impact the Devin had, but we feel like we still have a good amount of strength there with our bullpen,” Brewers general manager Matt Arnold said. Williams was 14 for 15 in save chances with a 1.25 ERA, striking out 38 and walking 11 among 88 batters over 21 2/3 innings. His fastball averaged 94.7 mph and he threw it on 53.5% of his pitches, mixing in 45% changeups — known as the “Airbender” — and around 1.5% cutters. William's 43.2% strikeout percentage was the highest in the major leagues among pitchers with at least 20 innings. “Certainly doesn’t seem to be afraid,” Cashman said. “You can’t do that job if you’re afraid of the big stage.” An All-Star in 2022 and 2023, Williams was a second-round pick in the 2013 amateur draft. He is 27-10 with a 1.83 ERA and 68 saves in 78 chances over six seasons, striking out 375 and walking 112 in 235 2/3 innings over 241 games. Milwaukee declined a $10.5 million club option in favor of a $250,000 buyout last month, making Williams eligible for arbitration. Williams joins a bullpen that includes Luke Weaver, who took over as closer from Clay Holmes in September, Jake Cousins and Ian Hamilton. The Yankees don’t have a left-handed reliever on their 40-man roster. “If you have right handers that can neutralize lefties, that’s a benefit. It limits your desperation for immediately a left on left,” Cashman said. Cortes, who turned 30 on Tuesday, was an All-Star in 2022 when he went 12-4 with a career-best 2.44 ERA in 28 starts. He made just one start after May 30 in 2023 because of a strained left rotator cuff and was sidelined late in the 2024 season by a flexor strain in his left elbow. He returned for the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers and entered in the 10th inning of the opener, retiring Shohei Ohtani on a foulout with his first pitch and giving up a game-ending grand slam to Freddie Freeman on his second. "He’s had a fully healthy offseason," Arnold said. “We expect him to come into camp ready to go as normal.” Known for his many deliveries, Cortes is 33-21 with a 3.80 ERA in 86 starts and 49 relief appearances over seven seasons. He is eligible for arbitration and also can become a free agent after next season. “He brings a real stability, I think, to our rotation,” Arnold said. “Somebody that's been a major piece of a really good championship-caliber team in the New York Yankees, I think will fit us very well, especially after the loss of Willy Adames .” New York had an excess of starters after reaching a $218 million, eight-year agreement with left-hander Max Fried that is pending. The rotation also is projected to include ace Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt, with Marcus Stroman also available. Durbin, who turns 25 in February, hit .287 with 10 homers, 60 RBIs and 29 stolen bases this year at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. “We just felt it was harder to acquire someone at the level of Devin Williams than it would be to try to figure out the infield circumstances,” Cashman said. Durbin was with the big league team last spring training “I think he’s a stud,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said last month. “Great bat-to-ball, elite ability on the bases as a base stealer, good defender in the middle of the diamond, second base. He’s really started over the last year-plus to create some position flexibility, too. He’s played some short, he’s played some third. We introduced him to some outfield this year.” Durbin hit .312 with five homers, 21 RBIs and 29 steals in 24 games at the Arizona Fall League. “We love the style of game that he brings to our team,” Arnold said. “I think that’s going to be a really nice fit with Pat Murphy's style of baseball.” Cashman said he's spoken with Scott Boras about the agent's remaining free agent clients, who include third baseman Alex Bregman and first baseman Pete Alonso. “Certainly respect the player and his ability and how much winning he’s been a part of,” Cashman said of Bregman, “but that’s about as far as I will say at this point.” This story has been corrected to note New York is sending cash to Milwaukee, not the other way around. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Air Academy High School Assistant Principal Liz Walhof has been named the 2025 High School Assistant Principal of the Year by the Colorado Association of School Executives. This award honors school administrators who demonstrate exemplary leadership and a deep commitment to education and are selected from a competitive pool of nominees across Colorado. Walhof has served in her current role for the past six years and was praised by the association for the value she puts on relationships with her teachers and students. "I love that I've invested in students enough to be a trusted adult for them," Walhof said. "Many cross the halls to hug me, ask for advice, or share their fears and celebrations." Walhof was also recognized for her work helping students use their skills beyond the classroom. She's worked with the world language department chair to transition from grammar-based instruction to proficiency-based learning so students would be more likely to be able to utilize languages outside of the classroom. This approach helped credit-deficient students get back on track after COVID-19 interruptions. "She goes above and beyond to ensure that every student feels valued and affirmed. She always has a warm embrace of kindness for both staff and students and inspires all to create a culture of care at Air Academy High School,” D-20 Superintendent Jinger Haberer said in a press release. “People are the heart of our success in D-20, and Liz exemplifies this mark of excellence in our district.” Walhof began her educational career in Douglas County School District in 2000, where she worked for 15 years as a Spanish teacher, education technology coach, professional development coordinator and director of educational innovation. In 2015, Walhof moved to Lewis-Palmer School District 38, where she served as director of technology and professional learning until 2018.
Daily Post Nigeria Azerbaijan Plane Crash: Several Airlines cancel flights to Russia Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport News Azerbaijan Plane Crash: Several Airlines cancel flights to Russia Published on December 28, 2024 By Matthew Atungwu Several airlines have cancelled flights to Russian cities after Western experts and the US suggested the crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines this week may have been caused by a Russian anti-aircraft missile. However, Moscow has declined to comment on reports that the plane could have been accidentally shot down by its air defence. According to Russia, Grozny, the Chechen capital where the plane was meant to land, was being attacked by Ukrainian drones that day. DAILY POST recalls that the plane crashed near the Kazakh city of Aktau Wednesday, killing 38 of the 67 people on board. Reacting to the incident, Turkmenistan Airlines, the national carrier of the reclusive Central Asian state was the latest airline to announce cancellations on Saturday. The Airlines announced that regular flights between Ashgabat-Moscow-Ashgabat were cancelled from 30/12/2024 to 31/01/2025, without giving an explanation. This is coming after UAE airline Flydubai announced the suspension of flights between Dubai and the southern Russian cities of Mineralnye Vody and Sochi that were scheduled between December 27 and January 3. Similarly, Kazakhstan’s Qazaq Air has suspended its flights to Russia’s Urals city of Yekaterinburg until the end of January. Also, earlier this week, Israeli airline El Al said it was suspending its flights to Moscow for a week. Related Topics: Azerbaijan Plane Crash Russia Don't Miss I was almost killed in Israeli strikes on Yemen airport – WHO Chief, Tedros You may like Russia foils Ukrainian plot to kill officer, blogger Slovakia to host Russia-Ukraine peace talks Azerbaijani plane crash: Russia declines comment until probe completion War: North Korean troops suffering heavy losses in Russia – Ukraine military Ukraine: We’ll not accept weak ceasefire deal – Russia gives condition to end war ‘Act of terrorism’ – Russia reacts to sinking of cargo ship in Spain Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media LtdCorVel Announces Three-For-One Forward Stock Split and Authorized Share Increase