Innovating Battery Technology with Silicon

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Exploring the shift from graphite to silicon in lithium-ion batteries for improved storage capacity, focusing on the challenges of silicon expansion during charging and battery degradation. The chapter delves into a collaborative project tackling the complexities of using silicon effectively, merging expertise in physics, battery technology, and material science. Despite acknowledging the difficulties ahead, the narrative emphasizes determination and perseverance in the pursuit of innovative battery solutions.

Gene Berdichevsky and his team have been working for over a decade to solve a major problem: Lithium-ion batteries are not getting any better. They power our cell phones and laptops and nearly every other modern, rechargeable device—and at this point have reached their energy-storing limit.

This week on How I Built This Lab, Gene discusses a new approach that could eventually make lithium-ion batteries 40% more efficient, unlocking a future where electric vehicles and other battery-powered products are cheaper, recharge faster and last longer on a single charge.

This episode was researched and produced by Chris Maccini with music by Ramtin Arablouei.

It was edited by John Isabella. Our audio engineer was Neal Rauch.

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