Microsoft, in collaboration with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), has discovered a new substance that could significantly reduce the use of lithium in batteries. By utilizing artificial intelligence tools and a supercomputer, scientists were able to narrow down the list of potential materials from 32 million to 18 promising candidates. A prototype battery powered by this new compound was able to power a light bulb.
Lithium is a crucial component in the production of lithium-ion batteries, which are increasingly popular in today’s world. However, with the growing demand for batteries, there is concern that lithium resources will be depleted in the coming years. Additionally, the lithium mining process is environmentally harmful. Therefore, finding a substance that requires less lithium is crucial for the energy industry.
By using artificial intelligence and a supercomputer, scientists were able to shorten the process of testing and selecting substances to less than a week, which would normally take over 20 years. They also successfully powered a test light bulb with a prototype battery, which is a promising development for this substance.
The new substance, temporarily named N2116, could enable a reduction of lithium in batteries by up to 70%. This translates to significant financial and ecological savings for the energy industry.
FAQ:
1. What efforts did Microsoft and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory take?
Microsoft and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory collaborated to discover a substance that could reduce the use of lithium in batteries.
2. Why is lithium an important component in battery production?
Lithium is an important component in the production of lithium-ion batteries, which are used in many electronic devices and electric vehicles due to their energy storage properties.
3. What are the benefits of reducing the amount of lithium in batteries?
Reducing the amount of lithium in batteries can contribute to cost savings and a reduced negative impact on the natural environment.
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The source of the article is from the blog scimag.news