Catalyst with Shayle Kann cover image

Catalyst with Shayle Kann

An ode to electrochemistry

Mar 13, 2025
This episode features Yet-Ming Chiang, a renowned MIT materials science professor and co-founder of several electrochemistry firms. He discusses the remarkable evolution of electrochemistry from obscurity to a key player in energy storage, particularly with lithium-ion batteries. Chiang highlights promising applications in sustainable aviation fuels and industrial processes that require significant energy. The conversation also touches on AI's role in enhancing catalyst discovery and the challenges electrochemistry faces, such as solid-solid transformations.
37:40

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Electrochemistry's potential extends beyond batteries, as it offers solutions for decarbonizing industries like cement and sustainable fuels.
  • AI serves as a valuable tool in refining electrochemical processes, but human creativity remains essential for holistic system design.

Deep dives

The Potential of Electrochemistry

Electrochemistry is a field that holds vast potential to create chemical reactions that would otherwise be energetically unfavorable. It allows for transformations, like charging a lithium-ion battery, by applying voltage to drive reactions uphill energetically. For instance, charging a battery requires significant energy input, yet electrochemistry facilitates this process, effectively turning that energy into usable power. Its ability to create mechanical movements and facilitate advanced applications also underscores electrochemistry's unique capabilities.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode