🖥️ High-Tech Hustle | CityClips #543

Tech Dev: FAMU-FSU Researchers | Fuel Cell Membranes

Upcoming: Walmart Drone Deliver in Central FL 

Featured: CityClips | Years in Business

FL Tech Events

FAMU-FSU College of Engineering researchers are exploring new uses for fuel cell membranes beyond their traditional role, showing how perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) polymer membranes can be adapted for applications like sustainable energy systems and water treatment technologies. ⚙️

The team studied how a common pretreatment process—boiling the membranes—changes their behavior. They found that boiling increases water absorption, which boosts ion conductivity and transport speed, but at the cost of reduced selectivity, allowing more unwanted materials to pass through.

Their findings highlight an important design tradeoff: pretreated membranes are better for applications that prioritize speed and efficiency, while untreated membranes are more suitable when precision and separation control are critical.

Researchers measured key performance factors such as permeability, water uptake, salt movement, and conductivity, providing valuable data for improving technologies like flow batteries, lithium extraction from desalination brine, and electrochemical reactors. ⚡

By better understanding how pretreatment affects membrane performance, the study gives engineers practical guidance on tailoring membranes for specific real-world uses, supporting more efficient renewable energy systems and advancing access to clean, affordable energy.

Walmart has received city approval to launch drone delivery hubs in Clermont and Orlando, with service expected to roll out in early 2026, giving residents a faster, tech-driven option for receiving everyday purchases. 💰

In Clermont, the City Council approved zoning variances that allow taller security fencing and a permanent shipping container at the Walmart Supercenter on Johns Lake Rd., making way for drone storage, maintenance, and launch operations.

The system will use a 525 sq. ft. autoloader station where drones pick up orders, along with a separate secured “nest” area for storage and maintenance. City officials noted that the setup will have minimal impact on parking and must comply with all FAA safety regulations.

Orlando will follow a similar model, with Mayor Buddy Dyer announcing a drone hub planned for the Walmart on South Kirkman Rd., emphasizing benefits like reduced traffic, lower environmental impact, and improved delivery convenience.

Operated in partnership with Wing, Walmart’s drone deliveries will serve customers within a 6 to 8 mi radius, delivering packages in 30 minutes or less. The service costs $19.99 per delivery, but is free for Walmart Plus members, and allows customers to track orders through the Wing app and website. 🌐

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Featured Event: FSU Wakulla Springs Lab: Combining Scientific Research & Communication | Sunday, Jan. 11 | 2 PM | LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library System, Room B, 200 W. Park Ave. | Free | Tickets

2026 Theory Winter School | Monday to Friday, Jan. 12 to Jan. 16 | The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, 1800 E. Paul Dirac Dr. | In-Person Regular Registration – $325 (until June 2, 2026) | Learn More

AI in the Public Sector: Driving Fraud Prevention and Data Integrity - Future Ready Tallahassee Webinar Series by TSC and the Chamber of Commerce | Tuesday, Jan. 13 | 11 AM | Virtual Event | Register

Science Night January 2026 | Thursday, Jan. 15 | 6:30 PM | Leroy Collins Leon County Main Public Library, 200 W. Park Ave. | Learn More

📎 Innovations & Libations Networking Event Featuring CityClips | Thursday, Jan. 15 | Domi Station, 914 Railroad Ave. | Free | Reserve a Spot

Celebrate the Season with STEM Fun and Sweet Creations at the Leon County Public Library | Learn More