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

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.