AI: Newly-Discovered Material Could Reduce Lithium Use in Batteries

Facts

• Scientists have found a novel material that has the potential to reduce lithium use in batteries by up to 70% with the use of artificial antelligence (AI), as well as supercomputing.¹
• On Tuesday, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory announced alongside Microsoft that their partnership had found a new type of solid-state electrolyte. Compared to current lithium-ion batteries, this substance may also reduce the likelihood of a battery catching fire.²
• While it is estimated that non-AI-led research may have taken scientists years, the team completed the task of a full build of the battery in approximately nine months.³
• The Laboratory constructed a prototype battery after Microsoft shared some of the most qualified materials with them for investigation. The prototype, which is the size of a dime, can recharge power and uses less lithium than existing items. However, before it can be put into production, more studies are needed.⁴
• The discovery was made following Microsoft's release last year of Azure Quantum Elements, a new supercomputer system, that integrates artificial intelligence with advanced technology for scientific discoveries. The pharmaceutical industry has already used the method to screen new materials.⁵
• The International Energy Agency states that lithium shortages are a global problem, predicted to reach an inflection point in 2025. Substituting lithium batteries with more advanced and effective materials with the help of AI is a potential solution.⁶

Sources: ¹BBC News, ²Verge, ³New Scientist, ⁴Washington Post, ⁵Independent and ⁶Smartprix.

Narratives

• Narrative A, as provided by Microsoft Azure Quantum Blog. Microsoft’s cutting-edge AI technology continues to lead the world to new scientific horizons and possibilities. The discovery of a new material that holds the potential to be used to create batteries that use vastly fewer resources is a major breakthrough. With a new era of science just getting started, the company's contributions to bettering humanity are just getting started.
• Narrative B, as provided by TODAY. The potential for artificial intelligence to progress scientific discoveries is undeniable, but given how quickly the technology is evolving, it might be a good idea for the government to impose the precautionary principle, which places the burden of proof on innovators to prove their work won't cause unintended future harm. This is a promising discovery, but more caution is warranted.

Predictions