* Astronomy

Liquid metal promise for future batteries

A conventional dry-cell battery uses two electrodes separated by an electrolyte. But building a giant battery using dry-cell technology would require thousands of individual cells - about the size of a soft drinks can - to be strung together in a massive installation.
Prof Donald Sadoway's concept relies on similar principles, but the key components are liquid. A molten-salt electrolyte is sandwiched between two liquid metal electrodes. A dense positive electrode lies at the bottom of the battery, while a low-density negative electrode floats atop the electrolyte. The difference in composition between the two liquid metals gives rise to a voltage.
The MIT electrochemist thinks it is possible to build giant batteries using 50-100 fewer individual cells this way than would be possible with a conventional battery array, reducing cost and complexity.
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'Paint-on' batteries demonstrated

Researchers have shown off a means to spray-paint batteries onto any surface.
Their batteries, outlined in Scientific Reports, are made up of five separate layers, each with its own recipe - together measuring just 0.5mm thick.
To demonstrate the technique, the team painted batteries onto steel, glass, ceramic tile and even a beer stein.
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