AI-Backed Material Science is Transforming the Trajectory of Batteries
A joint research team comprising researchers from China and Singapore is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) powered technology to dramatically improve the manufacturing processes for rechargeable batteries. As the world transitions to renewable energy and green infrastructure such as electric cars, batteries will become increasingly critical to maintaining electric grid reliability and advancing electric mobility. Consequently, scientists are taking advantage of emerging tools like AI to figure out how they can make battery manufacturing much more efficient.
Researchers from Huaiyin Normal University in China and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore came up with a solution that involves using artificial intelligence-powered systems to improve rechargeable battery manufacturing processes. With Nanyang Technological University’s Dr. Edison Huixiang Ang serving as team leader, the researchers used AI’s advanced computing capabilities to address one of the largest issues facing zinc-ion battery manufacturers: dendrite growth on the zinc foil surface during charge and discharge. Zinc batteries have plenty of potential as an alternative to the ubiquitous lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery as they have a lower fire risk profile, are less damaging to the environment, and cost less than Li-ion batteries.
Unfortunately, zinc-ion batteries have a higher dendrite growth rate compared to lithium-ion batteries, although zinc-ion battery dendrites aren’t as dangerous as the ones that blossom in Li-ion batteries. Even so, zinc dendrites cause short circuits between the cathode and anode and ultimately reduce the life cycle of zinc-ion batteries. Dr. Ang and his team turned to AI to figure out how they could minimize dendrite development in zinc-ion batteries and make them a much more well-rounded alternative to Li-ion batteries.
The research team used artificial intelligence to significantly speed up material tests, checking more than 168,000 material combinations in an incredibly short timeframe. Their goal was to find a combination that was less susceptible to zinc dendrite growth. Taking advantage of AI’s vast information processing capabilities led to the discovery of a special material dubbed the ‘metal-organic framework’ (MOF). Developed from a fusion of iron and cerium, the special material can prevent dendrite spike formation in zinc-ion batteries.
According to Dr. Ang, leveraging artificial intelligence helped the team figure out the most effective material at low cost and within a very small timeframe. He noted that the discovery of MOF was an important step in the battery industry’s quest to develop safer and more sustainable batteries. With new battery designs that use the material retaining 100% efficiency after 1,400 charging cycles, a feat that cannot be achieved by most regular batteries, the technology has the potential to revolutionize energy storage for consumer electronics, battery electric vehicles, and green energy.
EV makers like Mullen Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN) could take an interest in this new battery chemistry if it goes beyond the lab and proves its viability in real-world conditions.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Mullen Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/MULN
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the TinyGems website applicable to all content provided by TinyGems, wherever published or re-published: https://www.TinyGems.net/Disclaimer
A joint research team comprising researchers from China and Singapore is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) powered technology to dramatically improve the manufacturing processes for rechargeable batteries. As the world transitions to renewable energy and green infrastructure such as electric cars, batteries will become increasingly critical to maintaining electric grid reliability and advancing electric mobility. Consequently, scientists are taking advantage of emerging tools like AI to figure out how they can make battery manufacturing much more efficient.
Researchers from Huaiyin Normal University in China and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore came up with a solution that involves using artificial intelligence-powered systems to improve rechargeable battery manufacturing processes. With Nanyang Technological University’s Dr. Edison Huixiang Ang serving as team leader, the researchers used AI’s advanced computing capabilities to address one of the largest issues facing zinc-ion battery manufacturers: dendrite growth on the zinc foil surface during charge and discharge. Zinc batteries have plenty of potential as an alternative to the ubiquitous lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery as they have a lower fire risk profile, are less damaging to the environment, and cost less than Li-ion batteries.
Unfortunately, zinc-ion batteries have a higher dendrite growth rate compared to lithium-ion batteries, although zinc-ion battery dendrites aren’t as dangerous as the ones that blossom in Li-ion batteries. Even so, zinc dendrites cause short circuits between the cathode and anode and ultimately reduce the life cycle of zinc-ion batteries. Dr. Ang and his team turned to AI to figure out how they could minimize dendrite development in zinc-ion batteries and make them a much more well-rounded alternative to Li-ion batteries.
The research team used artificial intelligence to significantly speed up material tests, checking more than 168,000 material combinations in an incredibly short timeframe. Their goal was to find a combination that was less susceptible to zinc dendrite growth. Taking advantage of AI’s vast information processing capabilities led to the discovery of a special material dubbed the ‘metal-organic framework’ (MOF). Developed from a fusion of iron and cerium, the special material can prevent dendrite spike formation in zinc-ion batteries.
According to Dr. Ang, leveraging artificial intelligence helped the team figure out the most effective material at low cost and within a very small timeframe. He noted that the discovery of MOF was an important step in the battery industry’s quest to develop safer and more sustainable batteries. With new battery designs that use the material retaining 100% efficiency after 1,400 charging cycles, a feat that cannot be achieved by most regular batteries, the technology has the potential to revolutionize energy storage for consumer electronics, battery electric vehicles, and green energy.
EV makers like Mullen Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN) could take an interest in this new battery chemistry if it goes beyond the lab and proves its viability in real-world conditions.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Mullen Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/MULN
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the TinyGems website applicable to all content provided by TinyGems, wherever published or re-published: https://www.TinyGems.net/Disclaimer
