A groundbreaking substance with the potential to drastically reduce the use of lithium in batteries has been uncovered thanks to the combined power of artificial intelligence (AI) and supercomputing. Microsoft, in collaboration with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), made the remarkable discovery.
Traditionally, battery research conducted in laboratories can take decades to identify promising candidates. However, Microsoft researchers were able to employ AI and supercomputers to analyze 32 million potential inorganic materials and narrow them down to just 18 in less than a week. This accelerated screening process allowed them to identify a material that could potentially reduce lithium use by up to 70%.
With this material, Microsoft successfully powered a lightbulb, showcasing its practical application. The technology giant’s ambitious mission is to compress 250 years of scientific discovery into the next 25, with advanced AI and high-performance computing playing an integral role in achieving this goal.
The significance of this discovery lies in the current concerns surrounding lithium supply. As demand for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles and smartphones continues to rise, the world could face a shortage of this crucial material as early as 2025. Additionally, lithium mining is an environmentally impactful process that requires vast amounts of water and energy.
Dr. Nuria Tapia-Ruiz, from Imperial College London, asserts that any material capable of reducing lithium usage while maintaining energy storage capabilities is highly sought-after in the industry. The fusion of AI and supercomputing is set to become an essential tool in the pursuit of such materials.
However, some experts caution against an overreliance on AI technology. Dr. Edward Brightman, a chemical engineering lecturer at the University of Strathclyde, emphasizes the need for caution, as AI-driven results can sometimes be misleading or impracticable.
The newly discovered substance, named N2116 for now, is a solid-state electrolyte that demonstrates its potential as a sustainable energy storage solution. Solid-state batteries offer enhanced safety compared to traditional liquid or gel-based lithium batteries. Furthermore, the promise of faster-charging solid-state lithium batteries with increased energy density and longer charge cycles adds to their appeal.
The distinctive aspect of this AI technology lies in Microsoft’s innovative approach. They have developed a new type of AI trained on molecular data specific to chemistry. By utilizing reliable scientific materials databases and properties, this AI system shows great promise for scientific discovery.
The collaboration between Microsoft and PNNL in using AI to accelerate battery innovation has been instrumental. With AI insights pointing researchers towards more promising materials, the development of a working prototype was achieved in record time.
The discovery of this revolutionary battery material marks a significant advancement in the field, offering hope for a more sustainable and efficient energy storage future.
The source of the article is from the blog oinegro.com.br