Mike Williams

Articles

Flash-recycled anode particles as seen under through a scanning electron microscope. The particles are recovered from lithium-ion batteries and treated through Rice's flash Joule heating process. Courtesy: Rice University
Sustainability December 15, 2022

Lithium-ion anodes renews graphene from waste

Rice University researchers use a "green" process revives essential battery components for reuse.

By Mike Williams
Robotics July 31, 2022

Spiders used as mechanical grippers for soft robotics

Researchers are showing how to repurpose deceased spiders as mechanical grippers that can pick up objects, which can be used for soft robotics.

By Mike Williams
Power Quality April 29, 2022

Lithium’s narrow paths limit batteries

Rice University study suggests stress among misaligned particles in typical cathodes limits flow.

By Mike Williams
creating 2D electron optics or valleytronics devices. Courtesy of: Henry Yu
Mechanical & Electrical March 31, 2022

Graphene on textured surface allows for 2D electron optics

Rice University scientists put forth the idea that graphene on a gently textured surface turns it into “pseudo-electromagnetic” devices.

By Mike Williams
Courtesy: Jeff Fitlow
Material Handling October 29, 2021

Anticorrosion coating sets new benchmark

Rice engineers develop flexible, self-healing material to protect steel from the elements.

By Mike Williams
Process Manufacturing March 24, 2021

Refining tests for detecting COVID-19 in wastewater facilities

Rice University-led study evaluates methods to find signs of COVID-19 virus in municipal wastewater plants and have found a viable and consistent method for detection.

By Mike Williams
Other Building Types August 17, 2020

How carbon nanotube fibers are becoming stronger

Wet-spun carbon nanotube fibers have doubled in strength and conductivity and this could lead to breakthroughs in a host of medical and materials applications.

By Mike Williams
Educational Facilities July 22, 2020

Health students not hampered by distance, COVID-19 in innovation

Rice University, Malawi students design devices to help keep medical workers, public safe from COVID-19.

By Mike Williams
Energy, Power July 15, 2020

Adhesive tape improves lithium batteries’ performance, lifespan

Rice University researchers turned adhesive tape into a silicon oxide film improve lithium metal technology and make them last longer.

By Mike Williams
Mechanical & Electrical May 16, 2020

2D oxide flakes pick up electrical properties

Rice University lab detects piezoelectric effects in nanosheets due to defects, which could improve energy harvesting applications.

By Mike Williams
Oil and Gas April 16, 2020

Tight spaces tip presence of petrochemicals

Rice University researchers reveal the critical role of molecular confinement in interpreting nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), which will lead to better interpretation by the oil and gas industry.

By Mike Williams
Energy, Power March 31, 2020

Double-walled nanotubes have electro-optical advantages

Rice University calculations show double-walled nanotubes could be highly useful for solar panels and other nanoelectronics applications such as photovoltaics.

By Mike Williams
Oil and Gas March 5, 2020

Microscopic saltwater droplets enhance oil recovery

Rice University researchers have found microscopic saltwater droplets emulsify crude oil when each has the right composition, which can enhance oil recovery.

By Mike Williams
Energy Efficiency & Management December 12, 2019

Detours can improve batteries for electronics, solar energy storage

Scientists at Rice University’s Brown School of Engineering have discovered that placing specific defects could improve how lithium ions travel in batteries.

By Mike Williams
Energy, Power September 5, 2019

Greenhouse gases transformed into liquid fuel

Rice University researchers have found a common greenhouse gas could be repurposed in an efficient and environmentally friendly way with an electrolyzer that uses renewable electricity to produce pure liquid fuels.

By Mike Williams
Energy, Power July 17, 2019

Researchers develop device that channels heat into light

Rice University scientists are designing arrays of aligned single-wall carbon nanotubes to channel mid-infrared radiation and increase the efficiency of solar energy systems.

By Mike Williams
Educational Facilities April 29, 2019

University wins grant to boost STEM education

The Rice University Office of STEM Engagement (R-STEM) has won a $3 million National Science Foundation grant to help STEM faculty and staff enroll 20 greater Houston teachers.

By Mike Williams