The researchers are collaborating with LG Chem in developing a silicon anode that can absorb more lithium during charging which in effect will increase its storage capacity. The batteries using these nanotubules are expected to hit the market in three years time.

The knowledge about silicon anodes having this property has been known for quite a while but they are improving on the technology to avoid faulty developments before which led to cracks on the lithium ion batteries when charged. The new design provides better spacing for the ions to interact resulting to less mechanical strain.

On another development, experts from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory found out that we can use Titanium Oxide, a rare earth metal which can make current lithium ion batteries perform better. The titanium oxide can not do it on its own so it was used with grapheme, a lattice of carbon components first discovered in 2004.

Graphene has been used in integrated circuits and other electronic components because of its high flexibility and conductivity. It is also less prone to extreme heat up compared to other carbon based components.

The grapheme in tandem with titanium oxide can help lower the prices of lithium ion batteries used for electric vehicles and hybrids.

The idea dates back to 2005 from MIT experts who suggested the use of E85 boosting to take advantage of the properties of ethanol and other alcohols with similar composition. Ethanol has excellent evaporative cooling effects when it interplays in the fuel air mixture when it enters the cylinder.

The concept will require a vehicle to have two fuel tanks and of course acceptance of the owner for a dual fueling concept.

The E85 concept resulting to suppressed knock can allow compression ratios to be increased and may permit higher boost for turbo or super charged engines. The technology will ultimately lead to downsizing of engines without sacrificing the performance of the vehicle.

The team from MIT developed an ethanol boosting system to commercialize their idea in 2006. They are now collaborating with the research and development team of Ford.

The use of the E85 boosting system with the gasoline PFI will make car owners and consumers realize that gasoline can be used more efficiently with their cars as gasoline is the fuel primarily used in most vehicle models.

Conclusions of the study established that the concept can hold water as a more cost efficient biodiesel alternative. Construction of an engine using the technology will also be a lot less than building a diesel engine. This engine will also be able to pass strict emission guidelines because of the high efficiency in terms of conversion of the fuel into energy.

The invention was spearheaded by MIT senior Shakeel Avadhany. Aside from the power regeneration features, these shock absorbers are also reported to perform better than conventional shocks.

The prototype for this invention is powered by a hydraulic system that pushes fuel up a turbine connected to a generator. This system is electronically controlled, making the ride smoother while generating enough power to recharge the mechanism’s batteries.

Meanwhile, Boston-based Electric Truck LLC has claimed commercial rights to a similar regenerative power chock absorber. Electric Truck LLC’s mechanism, unlike the MIT invention, runs on electro-magnetic charge.

This was developed and engineered by Tufts professor emeritus Ronald Goldner, with his colleague Peter Zerigian. The project was under Tufts School of Engineering, funded by Argonne National Library.

The MIT student found that their device could generate up to 1kW per shock absorber on a 6-shock heavy truck running on a standard road. This power, according to the study, can displace the large alternator, and sometimes even run accessory devices like hybrid refrigerators that are found in most trailers.

One of the test vehicles in this experiment was lent by AM General, a motoring company interested in the technology. AM General filed for a patent late last year, forming a company called the Levant Power Corp. This team will spearhead the production of the commercialized version of this device, to be dubbed GenShock.