What are solid-state batteries?
In solid-state batteries, both electrodes and the electrolyte consist of solid material. Although some solid-state batteries are already in use in electric cars or trucks (e.g. in the “Bollore Blue Car”), most are currently still under development. The advantages of all-solid-state batteries (ASSB) over the common liquid electrolyte batteries are the replacement of the (usually […]
What are liquid electrolyte batteries?
Liquid electrolyte batteries have been used for many years and are currently the most commonly used batteries, e.g. lithium ion batteries (LIB) in mobile phones. In liquid batteries, the electrolytes are present in dissolved form, but the electrodes are made of a solid material. The liquid electrolytes are usually highly flammable, which is often seen […]
What types of liquid electrolytes are there?
Liquid electrolytes are mostly water-based salt solutions consisting of organic and inorganic acids. However, simple saline solutions can also be used.
What types of rechargeable batteries (secondary batteries) are there and where are they used?
There are a variety of rechargeable batteries or secondary batteries, which can be roughly divided into liquid electrolyte batteries (also called wet cell) and solid-state batteries. Generally, they consist of 2 electrodes and an electrolyte, each of which can be made of different materials. The majority of batteries in use today and in the near […]
What is the difference between perovskite and conventional solar cells?
Conventional solar cells are often made of silicon dioxide, which is used in amorphous or crystalline form. It takes a lot of know-how and money to produce it, and the yield of light energy conversion in commercial products is less than 25% [1]. Therefore, solar cells are also made from other elements. Among the most […]
Is the UV-protection in nanomaterial-containing sunscreens only effective if the nanomaterials enter the skin and how are they excreted later?
No, to effectively act as inorganic UV-blocker (also called mineral UV-blocker) in sunscreen, the materials either in nanoform or lager just need to form a thin layer on top of the skin. If correctly applied (not on mucous membranes or injured skin) the nanomaterials cannot enter the human body and are washed off the skin […]
Does Acrylic resin contain nanoparticles?
Acrylic resins are particularly durable synthetic resins and are used in various adhesives, paints and coatings. Before curing, they are present as monomers in liquid form and therefore not nanoparticles. Due to the wide range of possible applications, they may contain various additives e.g. consisting of nanoparticles. However, there is no health risk associated to […]
Can nanomaterials used in sunscreen cross the skin barrier and enter the body?
Typically nanomaterials used in sunscreens like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide (inorganic uv-blockers) as well as the organic nanoscale UV-blockers MBBT and TBPT are not able to cross a healthy skin barrier and enter the human body if correctly applied (not on mucous membranes or wounds). Even in case of sunburnt skin, the nanomaterials stay […]
Are nanomaterials used as food additives dangerous to human health?
Currently no intentionally produced nanomaterials are used in food & feed applications in the EU. The occurring nanomaterials are byproducts of the production process of approved food additives such as silicon dioxide. In Asia and North America however, nanomaterials are used specifically in food products, e.g. for the encapsulation of vitamins. Based on the majority […]
Nanosilver in the mattress – what is the purpose and is it safe?
In many cases, silver threads are woven into the mattress’ cover and the fabric can be additionally impregnated with a silver solution. The aim of these enhancement methods for textiles is an antimicrobial effect: Under moist or humid conditions, positively charged silver ions are being released by the metallic silver surface exerting their biocidal effects […]