Sodium-ion batteries get longer life, deliver high performance with manganese-based breakthrough
The recent study by researchers explores how the design of cathode materials plays a key role in determining battery life and stability.Layered sodium manganese oxide (NaMnO2) has received increased attention from researchers for its use as a cathode material in Na-ion batteries.
Manganese-based oxides are a promising solution
"Our findings confirm that manganese-based oxides are a promising and sustainable solution for developing highly durable Na-ion batteries," said Professor Shinichi Komaba from Tokyo University of Science. "Owing to the relatively low cost of manganese and Na, this research will lead to more affordable energy-storage solutions for a variety of applications, including smartphones and electric vehicles, ultimately leading to a more sustainable future."Researchers revealed that NaMnO2 exists in two crystal forms: α-NaMnO2 and β-NaMnO2. The α-phase features a monoclinic layered structure, where planar MnO2 layers, consisting of edge-sharing distorted MnO6 octahedra, are stacked alternatively with Na-ions in between.β-NaMnO2, on the other hand, features corrugated or zig-zag layers of edge-sharing distorted MnO6 octahedra, also with Na-ions in between. Synthesis of β-NaMnO2 typically requires higher temperatures, often leading to Na-deficient phases, according to a press release.
Severe capacity reduction issue resolved
Researchers pointed out that attempts to prevent Na-deficient phases produce non-equilibrium β-phases that exhibit several defects.
The most notable among these are the stacking faults (SFs), formed by slipping of the crystallographic b-c plane, generating stacking sequences resembling the α-phase.Electrodes made from SF-containing β-NaMnO2 suffer from severe capacity reduction during charge/discharge cycles, limiting their practical applications. Moreover, SFs complicate the understanding of the material's solid-state chemistry, according to scientists."In a previous study, we found that among the metal dopants, Cu is the only dopant that can successfully stabilize β-NaMnO2," said Professor Shinichi Komaba from the Department of Applied Chemistry at Tokyo University of Science (TUS)."In this study, we systematically explored how Cu doping can suppress SF and improve the electrochemical performance of β-NaMnO2 electrodes in Na-ion batteries."
Published in the journal Advanced Materials, the study revealed that NMCO-12 did not show capacity fading over 150 cycles, indicating that SF-free β-phase is highly reversible and resilient against anisotropic slab gliding and large changes in lattice volume during Na extraction and insertion. These findings highlight the significant impact of Mn-based oxides on Na-ion batteries.
This study also demonstrates that stabilization of SF using Cu doping could resolve the supply chain vulnerabilities that are commonly faced with metals like lithium. Moreover, the study has potential implications in grid storage, electric vehicles, and consumer electronics, as per the release.
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Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
THEON announces new strategic US and European investments and partnerships to build global leadership in Digital and Augmented Reality defense optronics domain under the THEON NEXT initiative
PRESS RELEASE Bloomberg (THEON:NA) / Reuters ( Investment and Partnership with KOPIN Corporation - Augmented Reality System Development Long-Term Supply Agreement with eMagin Corporation – OLED Displays Strategic Industrial Partnership with ALEREON – Wireless Communication Extending AR-MR-VR Capability via Investment in VARJO 11 August, 2025 – Theon International Plc (THEON) is proud to announce new strategic investments and strategic partnerships as part of its THEON NEXT initiative, building a platform to drive the development of next-generation soldier systems through targeted investments, collaborations, and co-development initiatives. With a focus on the creation of innovative Digital and Augmented Reality (AR) solutions THEON NEXT aims to onboard best-in-class partners in their field of expertise to help shaping the future of operational dominance in modern warfare environments. To this end, THEON is announcing four major investments / strategic cooperations in the United States and Europe, marking a significant milestone in its journey to continue being a global leader in man-portable electro-optics. These transactions reinforce THEON's commitment to innovation, supply chain security, and transatlantic cooperation in defense technologies. Following the establishment of a leading position in night vision systems, THEON has successfully expanded into thermal and digital solutions with its new A.R.M.E.D. product family. Similarly to the approach adopted for traditional Night Vision systems, favoring vertical integration and long-term supply agreements, THEON is now proactively stepping further into the rapidly growing Digital and AR domain, which relies on three critical technologies: Augmented and Virtual Reality Software – the foundation of next-generation soldier systems, enabling immersive situational awareness, enhanced decision- making, and digital overlays in real-world environments. Micro-displays – essential for next generation visual augmentation systems, with a strategic focus on developing a US-European microLED technology. Near-Range Wireless Connectivity – enabling seamless, cable-free integration of soldier gear with real-time data transmission. To successfully face these challenges, THEON announces four major initiatives and agreements that not only constitute relevant milestones in its technological roadmap but also deepen the US-European industrial cooperation: First, THEON is investing a total of $15 million in Kopin Corporation (KOPIN, NASDAQ: KOPN), a US-based defense micro-display and sub-system specialist with operations in the US and Scotland, UK. This comprises a $7 million interest bearing loan, convertible in preferred stock of KOPIN at a share price range of $3 to $4.5 in THEON's option, and $8 million capital increase for the acquisition of a 49% stake in KOPIN's Scottish subsidiary, which will serve as the foundation for a new European joint venture acting as the global (non-US) conduit for the production and distribution of AR-enabled systems co-developed between KOPIN and THEON and microLED display production. The whole investment in KOPIN of $15 million, is geared towards the co-development of products and reflects the belief by THEON, that the already extensive R&D investments that KOPIN has undertaken have established the necessary foundation, for a cooperation that can promptly translate into cost efficient, AR-enabled products. This strategic partnership will also see THEON US subsidiary (T-Industries) moving their relevant industrial and product development operations at KOPIN's facility in Reston, VA, which shall become the US manufacturing hub for THEON's AR-enabled and future digital electro-optic products. As part of T-Industries' normal course of business, THEON, over the next five years, will be investing $8 million to support its US operations, as well as the new KOPIN -THEON co-development efforts. This new cooperation will not affect THEON's two existing partnerships in the night vision domain. Secondly, THEON has signed a renewable minimum two-year supply agreement with eMagin, a US-based manufacturer of OLED micro-displays and virtual imaging technologies. eMagin specializes in high-resolution displays for military aviation, night vision, AR/VR, and other near-eye imaging applications. eMagin is a strategic supplier to THEON, providing most OLED displays used in THEON's products, including A.R.M.E.D. products, including foremost IRIS-C. Thirdly, THEON has entered into a strategic partnership with ALEREON, a U.S.-based leader in Ultra-Wide-Band (UWB) wireless technology. ALEREON provides battle- proven UWB solutions that form the established Intra-Soldier communication protocol for the U.S. Army, enabling secure, jam-resistant communication between devices such as between THEON's THERMIS, THEA, IRIS-C, and ORION. Unlike conventional protocols like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, ALEREON's UWB technology delivers unparalleled security, low latency, and resilience in battlefield conditions. Through this partnership, THEON will fully integrate UWB into its A.R.M.E.D. product line, produce it in Greece and will promote this unique solution in Europe and the Middle East as ALEREON's primary partner in the regions. Lastly, THEON announces a strategic minority investment in Varjo Technologies Oy (VARJO), a Finnish deep-tech company specializing in Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) headsets and applications, deepening THEON's reach into the European innovation ecosystem. VARJO was founded in 2016 and supplies the most relevant aerospace and defense companies globally, delivering advanced military-grade VR/MR technology for training and simulation. The strategic collaboration between THEON and VARJO will combine THEON's technological know-how with VARJO'S advanced virtual and mixed reality hardware and software, with the companies having agreed to collaborate closely on multiple product and business initiatives. The agreement envisages an investment in VARJO via a €5 million convertible loan, structured to be converted into VARJO share capital upon the occurrence of defined events. THEON also holds an option to invest an additional €5 million under the same terms. This investment will support VARJO'S continued development of immersive technologies and reinforce THEON's digital expansion strategy under the THEON NEXT initiative, particularly on the development of high-tech products for defense applications. Christian Hadjiminas, CEO of THEON, stated: 'Following the recent significant KAPPA acquisition, THEON has managed to sign such pioneering agreements, ensuring it retains its leading position in man-portable electro-optics. We are very proud that these arrangements bring the US and Europe closer together to develop the next generation of soldier-borne systems. The partnership initially involves operations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Finland as well as Greece and will be eventually enlarged into Germany and Belgium where our EU thermal/digital hub is being established. Together, we are pushing the frontier of Augmented Reality defense capabilities. These initiatives and investments will be further expanded upon during our announced Capital Markets Day to be held in Athens in November 2025 (details to be publicized). I am very proud of our commercial and R&D teams that have helped secure these agreements in a short time frame following a thorough review of essential technologies and potential partners over the past 12 months.' Dimitrios Mandridis, CTO of Theon Sensors stated: 'THEON has managed to establish an advanced global technical cooperation framework combining all key technologies of the new inter-connected AR-capable-soldier era, as can be seen by the introduction of THEON's A.R.M.E.D. product line and its ever-growing adoption by modern armies. Every piece of this cooperation ensures that THEON will be at the forefront of new developments in the digital and AR technology space which further evolve THEON's A.R.M.E.D. product line for the benefit of our final customers. THEON's R&D department has been expanded and restructured to enable the integration of all these partnerships.' Dimitris Parthenis, CFO of THEON, stated: 'Obtaining key technologies—especially when these relate to large companies also operating in the civil sector—through such agreements represents a flexible and financially efficient investment and rapid outcome for all our stakeholders. THEON's option to convert such development funds into equity positions would positively affect its future financial results. The current investment, totaling €25 million over two to five years, is expected to be paid back quickly, through enhancing the features and the price positioning of our current offer and also via the future growth of these companies that have some of the most promising civil and defense technologies. We are proud to be looking to the future with these compelling partners who share our leading entrepreneurial spirit.' Michael Murray, CEO of KOPIN, stated: 'With defense investments accelerating globally, especially among European NATO allies, strategic partnerships have become critical to delivering next-generation, mission-ready technologies. We are proud to collaborate with THEON in a partnership that exemplifies innovation, agility, and shared purpose. By integrating KOPIN's cutting-edge micro-displays and application-specific optical subassemblies with Theon's advanced expertise in night vision, thermal imaging, and Electro-Optical ISR systems, we are not only meeting the evolving demands of modern defense operations, but we are also actively shaping the future of battlefield awareness and operational effectiveness.' Amal Ghosh, CEO of eMagin stated: 'We are excited to partner with Theon, a leader in advanced optics and imaging systems, to integrate eMagin's state-of-the-art OLED microdisplay technology into their next generation of products. This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to delivering unmatched image quality, performance, and reliability for mission-critical applications. By combining eMagin's innovation in microdisplays with Theon's expertise in precision optics, we are poised to create solutions that set a new standard in the field and deliver exceptional value to customers worldwide.' David Shoemaker, CEO of ALEREON, stated: 'We're excited to partner with THEON and be part of this forward-looking initiative. THEON'S proven expertise in electro-optics and extensive international business development network make them an ideal ally in expanding the reach and implementation of ALEREON's UWB technology. With THEON as our key partner in Europe and the Middle East, we look forward to bringing our battle- proven communication solutions into the hands of many more allied soldiers.' Timo Toikkanen, CEO of VARJO, added: 'We are proud to welcome THEON as a strategic investor in VARJO. Since our inception, VARJO has been creating the most advanced VR/XR military systems globally. THEON's extensive experience and leadership in the defense sector make them an ideal partner as we expand our impact in mission-critical training and simulation, enabling unprecedented levels of realism, readiness, and operational effectiveness.'For inquiries, please contact: Investor RelationsNikos MalesiotisE-Mail: ir@ +30 210 6772290 Media ContactElli MichouE-Mail: press@ Tel: +30 210 6728610 About THEON GROUPTHEON GROUP of companies develops and manufactures cutting-edge night vision and thermal Imaging systems for Defense and Security applications with a global footprint. THEON GROUP started its operations in 1997 from Greece and today occupies a leading role in the sector thanks to its international presence through subsidiaries and production facilities in Greece, Cyprus, Germany, the Baltics, the United States, the Gulf States, Switzerland, Denmark, Belgium, Singapore and South Korea. 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Associated Press
04-08-2025
- Associated Press
Biomed Industries Presents Four Breakthrough Studies on Alzheimer's, Rett Syndrome, and Obesity Therapies at AAIC 2025
Biomed Industries, Inc. Presents Four Pivotal Studies at AAIC 2025 Highlighting Breakthrough Therapies for Alzheimer's, Rett Syndrome, and Obesity 'NA-831 is the only drug to date that has halted Alzheimer's disease progression. Combining it with existing drugs like Donanemab could optimize therapeutic efficacy and reduce serious side effects.'— Dr. Lloyd L. Tran, CEO of Biomed SAN JOSE, CA, UNITED STATES, August 4, 2025 / / -- Biomed Industries, Inc., a leading biopharmaceutical innovator developing transformative therapies for neurological and metabolic diseases, today announced the presentation of four major scientific papers at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC), held July 27–31, 2025, in Toronto, Canada. The presentations featured Biomed's next-generation oral therapies for Alzheimer's disease, Rett syndrome, and obesity, with a focus on novel combination strategies designed to enhance safety, efficacy, and accessibility. Featured AAIC 2025 Presentations: 1. The End of the Amyloid Era? Evidence for a Paradigm Shift in the Quest to Treat Alzheimer's Disease 2. A Phase 3 Clinical Protocol of NA-831 Combined with Donanemab in Early Alzheimer's Disease: A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study 3. Associations Between Alzheimer's Disease and Rett Syndrome: Clinical Trials of NA-831 and NA-921 4. Neuro-Metabolic Link Between Alzheimer's Disease and Obesity: Clinical Evaluation of NA-831 and NA-931 1. PRESENTATION: The End of the Amyloid Era? A Paradigm Shift in Alzheimer's Research For over three decades, the 'amyloid hypothesis' has dominated Alzheimer's disease (AD) research, asserting that amyloid-β accumulation is a primary driver of neurodegeneration. Biomed's comprehensive analysis of Phase 3 trial data from seven anti-amyloid drugs — including aducanumab, lecanemab, donanemab, gantenerumab, bapineuzumab, crenezumab, and solanezumab — challenges this paradigm. Across all trials, both treatment and placebo groups exhibited similar cognitive decline, as measured by CDR-SB and ADAS-Cog. The average differences between treatment and placebo arms were minor and not clinically significant (CDR-SB: -0.25; ADAS-Cog: -0.79). Slope comparisons further revealed near-identical rates of decline between groups. 'Our analysis of Phase 3 clinical trial data for seven anti-amyloid drugs, including FDA-approved Aducanumab, Lecanemab, and Donanemab, indicates that none could halt disease progression in a clinically meaningful way — and all carried serious safety concerns,' said Dr. Zung Tran, VP of Biostatistics and AI at Biomed. 2. PRESENTATION: Phase 3 Clinical Protocol of NA-831 Combined with Donanemab NA-831, Biomed's lead oral candidate, is a first-in-class therapy that promotes neuroprotection, neurogenesis, and memory enhancement. Phase 2 trials demonstrated its disease-modifying potential with a favorable safety profile compared to traditional anti-amyloid drugs. In this upcoming Phase 3 study, NA-831 will be evaluated in combination with Donanemab, a recently FDA-approved monoclonal antibody, to explore synergistic effects. The goal is to lower Donanemab dosing, thereby reducing risks such as cerebral edema and microbleeds, while enhancing cognitive outcomes. 'NA-831 is the only drug to date that has halted disease progression in Phase 2 trials,' said Dr. Lloyd Tran, CEO of Biomed Industries. 'Combining it with existing drugs like Donanemab could optimize therapeutic efficacy and reduce serious side effects.' 3. PRESENTATION: Alzheimer's and Rett Syndrome: Shared Mechanisms and Dual Therapeutic Potential Biomed also presented findings on NA-921, a structural analog of NA-831 developed for Rett syndrome, a rare X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder. NA-921 modulates MeCP2 expression, targeting the disorder's core epigenetic dysfunction. A double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2/3 trial ( ID: NCT06849973) demonstrated promising results: Clinical Global Impression–Improvement (CGI-I) at week 12: NA-921: 3.60 | Placebo: 3.83 | P = 0.0020 | Effect size = 0.42 NA-921 was well tolerated, with a significantly improved safety profile compared to trofinetide: - Diarrhea: Trofinetide 82%, NA-921 24%, Placebo 19% - Vomiting: Trofinetide 29%, NA-921 9%, Placebo 11% - Fever: Trofinetide 9%, NA-921 5%, Placebo 4% These findings underscore a possible biological link between Alzheimer's disease and Rett syndrome, opening new cross-indication opportunities for NA-831 and NA-921. 4. PRESENTATION: Neuro-Metabolic Connections: NA-831 and NA-931 in Alzheimer's and Obesity Biomed's data also revealed compelling evidence of a neuro-metabolic bridge between Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and obesity. In addition to NA-831's CNS benefits, Biomed is advancing NA-931, an oral quadruple receptor agonist (IGF-1, GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon) designed to treat obesity. In a 13-week Multiple Ascending Dose (MAD) study: - Mean body weight reduction: Up to 13.8% at 150 mg daily, 12.4% greater than placebo - ≥12% weight loss achieved by 72% of NA-931-treated patients vs. 2% in placebo group NA-931 demonstrated a strong safety profile, with mild and transient GI-related adverse events, and no observed muscle loss. 'Our pipeline shows how targeting interconnected pathways across the CNS and metabolic systems can unlock significant clinical potential,' said Michael Willis, VP of Business Development. 'With six active programs across Alzheimer's, ALS, Rett syndrome, stroke, obesity, and MASH, we are building a diversified platform to accelerate innovation and value creation.' ABOUT BIOMED INDUSTRIES, INC. Biomed Industries, Inc. is a pioneering biopharmaceutical company committed to developing novel therapeutics that address unmet medical needs. Its innovative research platform has produced treatments for conditions including Alzheimer's disease, ALS, Traumatic Brain Injury, Major Depressive Disorder, Diabetes, Obesity, MASH, Stroke, and rare diseases such as Huntington Disease and Rett Syndrome. (Website: ) Michael Willis Biomed Industries, Inc. email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Yahoo
Sodium-ion batteries get longer life, deliver high performance with manganese-based breakthrough
A new method developed by scientists from Japan not only boosts the performance of sodium-ion batteries, but also enhances their lifespan. The Na is the sixth most abundant element on Earth and offers greater availability compared to Li-ion as the cost-effective and sustainable alternatives to lithium (Li) ion batteries, the sodium batteries face challenges in some conditions. The recent study by researchers explores how the design of cathode materials plays a key role in determining battery life and sodium manganese oxide (NaMnO2) has received increased attention from researchers for its use as a cathode material in Na-ion batteries. Manganese-based oxides are a promising solution "Our findings confirm that manganese-based oxides are a promising and sustainable solution for developing highly durable Na-ion batteries," said Professor Shinichi Komaba from Tokyo University of Science. "Owing to the relatively low cost of manganese and Na, this research will lead to more affordable energy-storage solutions for a variety of applications, including smartphones and electric vehicles, ultimately leading to a more sustainable future."Researchers revealed that NaMnO2 exists in two crystal forms: α-NaMnO2 and β-NaMnO2. The α-phase features a monoclinic layered structure, where planar MnO2 layers, consisting of edge-sharing distorted MnO6 octahedra, are stacked alternatively with Na-ions in between.β-NaMnO2, on the other hand, features corrugated or zig-zag layers of edge-sharing distorted MnO6 octahedra, also with Na-ions in between. Synthesis of β-NaMnO2 typically requires higher temperatures, often leading to Na-deficient phases, according to a press release. Severe capacity reduction issue resolved Researchers pointed out that attempts to prevent Na-deficient phases produce non-equilibrium β-phases that exhibit several defects. The most notable among these are the stacking faults (SFs), formed by slipping of the crystallographic b-c plane, generating stacking sequences resembling the α- made from SF-containing β-NaMnO2 suffer from severe capacity reduction during charge/discharge cycles, limiting their practical applications. Moreover, SFs complicate the understanding of the material's solid-state chemistry, according to scientists."In a previous study, we found that among the metal dopants, Cu is the only dopant that can successfully stabilize β-NaMnO2," said Professor Shinichi Komaba from the Department of Applied Chemistry at Tokyo University of Science (TUS)."In this study, we systematically explored how Cu doping can suppress SF and improve the electrochemical performance of β-NaMnO2 electrodes in Na-ion batteries." Published in the journal Advanced Materials, the study revealed that NMCO-12 did not show capacity fading over 150 cycles, indicating that SF-free β-phase is highly reversible and resilient against anisotropic slab gliding and large changes in lattice volume during Na extraction and insertion. These findings highlight the significant impact of Mn-based oxides on Na-ion batteries. This study also demonstrates that stabilization of SF using Cu doping could resolve the supply chain vulnerabilities that are commonly faced with metals like lithium. Moreover, the study has potential implications in grid storage, electric vehicles, and consumer electronics, as per the release. Solve the daily Crossword
