Latest news with #KyungpookNationalUniversity
Scoop
a day ago
- Science
- Scoop
Australia Leads Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings For Fourth Year In A Row
18 June 2025 Western Sydney University in Australia is number one overall for fourth consecutive year Australia has more universities in the global top 10 (three) than any other nation In joint fourth place overall, Australia's University of Tasmania is also the world's top institution in both SDG 13 (climate action) and SDG 15 (life on land) Papua New Guinea makes its debut in the ranking in 2025 34 universities from four countries in Oceania ranked (Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea) Kyungpook National University in South Korea is third globally and top in Asia Indonesia's Universitas Airlangga is top institution from an emerging economy, in joint ninth place Universities ranked across 18 tables: one overall ranking and 17 tables representing each SDG Record 2,526 universities ranked globally from 130 countries/territories The only global performance tables that assess universities against the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Universities in Australia are leading the global race towards sustainability, the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, released today, reveal. Western Sydney University tops the overall table for the fourth consecutive year, while Griffth University and the University of Tasmania are tied in fourth place globally. Australia has more universities in the global top 10 (three) than any other nation. However, one Australian university has fallen out of this elite group (UNSW Sydney), as Asian universities make rapid advances in sustainability. While the University of Tasmania's overall rank has also dropped slightly amid intensifying global competition, the institution is number one in the world in two of the individual SDG rankings: SDG 13 (climate action) and SDG 15 (life on land). Across the 18 rankings, which are released this week at the Global Sustainable Development Congress in Istanbul, there are 34 universities ranked from Oceania, from four countries (Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea). Manchester University in the United Kingdom retains second place in the overall ranking and Kyungpook National University in South Korea is third overall and number one in Asia. The University Impact Rankings are the only global performance tables that assess universities against the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Universities are ranked across 18 tables: one overall ranking and 17 tables representing each individual SDG. This year a record 2,526 universities from 130 countries/territories are ranked. This year's rankings are released 10 years after the creation of the SDGs and amid scepticism that the goals will be met by the target year of 2030. However, the data show that universities are highly focused on delivering on the sustainability agenda and demonstrating public impact. Phil Baty, THE's chief global affairs officer, said: 'The THE Impact Rankings are the world's only rankings to explore universities' contribution to each and every one of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals, across the full range of their activities: teaching, research, outreach and stewardship. And this comprehensive analysis clearly shows that universities worldwide are stepping up to help the world take on its most pressing grand challenges, from the climate crisis to delivering economic growth to supporting peace and justice across the world. This huge piece of research highlights the real-world impact that universities make, and their contribution to the public good. 'Our evidence is clear: universities in Oceania are leading the way on helping the world to a more sustainable future, taking high-ranking positions across a wide range of individual Sustainable Development Goals, and leading overall.'
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists make game-changing discovery after studying crystal with unique capabilities: 'High-performance'
A multi-institution team has a solution for troublesome cathode cracking in a unique battery type. As is often the case elsewhere in life, it seems the breakdown happens after too much stress, according to the findings. The research, described in a news release from the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology and Kyungpook National University in South Korea, includes experts from the University of Glasgow. It's work that could eventually improve power packs for electric vehicles and other tech. The experts are studying single-crystal lithium-nickel-manganese oxide, or LMO, cathodes. They describe the component as key to "high-performance batteries," aside from cracking concerns. When batteries operate, ions move between the anode and cathode through an electrolyte. This work is part of innovations happening around the world that are geared to find cheaper, better-performing materials for the parts. While safe and reliable, common lithium-ion packs require expensive metals and minerals that can get tied up in foreign supply chains. LMO "is gaining attention as a high-capacity, cost-effective cathode material owing to its high operating voltage … and the absence of expensive cobalt in its chemical composition," per the release. Experts said the single-crystal cathodes can store more energy per pound and last longer, though polycrystals are more common, per the report. Single crystals are "continuous … without grain boundaries, reducing inter-particle cracking and mitigating undesirable chemical reactions with electrolytes. However, during high-rate charging and discharging, internal cracks can still develop within the crystal structure, compromising performance and longevity," the team wrote. The cracks are associated with stress during charge-discharge cycles. It's instigated by "non-uniform lithium-ion diffusion within the crystal," the report added. As with other forms of stress, the solution includes support. When magnesium was added to the crystal structure, it formed bolstering pillars, enhancing ion mobility and reducing tension. Tests showed the additive worked well under rapid operations with reduced cracking, according to the release. "This study provides a clear understanding of the mechanical degradation mechanisms in single-crystal cathodes," professor Hyeon Jeong Lee stated, adding that the findings are "crucial for the commercialization of next-generation high-performance batteries." If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Government experts in the United States are studying single-crystal cathodes, as well. And in Japan, a team is working on other additives to improve sodium-ion batteries. It's all part of the shift to cleaner technology. On the road, batteries power EVs that prevent thousands of pounds of heat-trapping air pollution compared to gas-burners, according to U.S. energy data. And while we'll need tens of millions of tons of deposits for tech to power the switch, Sustainability by Numbers reported that less mining will actually be required since 16.5 billion tons of fossil fuels are hauled from the earth annually. For their part, U.S. EV sales have jumped from 22,000 to more than two million since 2011. Experts estimate that there will be more than 78 million on roads by 2035, all according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Edison Electric Institute. The reduced tailpipe exhaust is a big win, too, as medical experts have linked it to increased cancer and other health risks. It's a great time to buy an EV, as tax breaks worth up to $7,500 are still available. That's in addition to the $1,500 in gas and maintenance costs you can save yearly. Charging the rides with rooftop solar panels can reap even more savings, and EnergySage is a vetted resource to help you get started with all the incentives. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Lithium-ion batteries offer longer lifespan, fast charging with nanoscale engineering
South Korean researchers from Dongguk University, in collaboration with Kyungpook National University in Daegu, have dramatically improved lithium-ion battery technology using nanoscale engineering. According to reports, their innovations have successfully enhanced the technology's energy storage and cycling stability, addressing the growing demand for efficient energy solutions. A collaborative research effort led by Professor Jae-Min Oh of Dongguk University and Professor Seung-Min Paek of Kyungpook National University has resulted in a novel battery anode material that promises significant performance gains. Their findings, published in the Chemical Engineering Journal, focus on a new hybrid composite material engineered at the nanoscale to optimize conductivity and stability. The innovation's heart is a hierarchical heterostructure composed of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and nickel-iron layered double hydroxides (NiFe-LDH). Each component brings distinct advantages. Reduced graphene oxide is a high-speed highway for electrons, while the nickel-iron elements store charge through a fast pseudocapacitive mechanism. Lithium-ion batteries have become the workhorses of modern energy storage, powering everything from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and renewable energy grids. However, the push for better performance, higher energy density, faster charging, and longer lifespan continues to drive global research and innovation. What sets this new material apart is its unique structure, which is rich in grain boundaries that enhance charge storage and transport. The researchers employed a meticulous layer-by-layer self-assembly process using polystyrene (PS) beads as templates. These beads were first coated with graphene oxide and NiFe-LDH precursors. Once the templates were removed, a thermal treatment transformed the nickel-iron layers into nanocrystalline nickel-iron oxide (NiFe₂O₄) and amorphous nickel oxide (a-NiO) while also reducing the GO into conductive rGO. The result is a hollow, sphere-like structure where the active materials are well-integrated and protected, offering high conductivity and degradation resistance. According to the research team, advanced imaging and analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, confirmed the structure and composition of the material. Moreover, electrochemical testing revealed impressive results: the new anode delivered a high specific capacity of 1687.6 mA h g⁻¹ at 100 mA g⁻¹, even after 580 charge/discharge cycles. The scientists claim this outperforms many existing materials and suggests excellent longevity and real-world performance. The design's hollow structure improves stability by preventing direct contact between active nanoparticles and the battery's electrolyte, which is often a cause of capacity fade over time. 'This breakthrough was made possible through close cooperation between experts in diverse materials,' said Professor Paek. 'By combining our strengths, we could design and optimize this hybrid system more effectively." 'We believe the future of energy storage lies not just in improving single materials but in developing systems of interacting materials that produce synergistic effects. This research shows a clear path toward smaller, lighter, and more efficient batteries," he added. The team's work could lead to commercial battery technologies that deliver longer life, faster charging, and improved performance in everything from electric vehicles to grid-scale storage, potentially within the next five to ten years. As the global demand for cleaner, more efficient energy grows, innovations like this offer a promising glimpse into what's possible. You can view the study in Chemical Engineering Journal.
