The Conversation Weekly What will batteries of the future be made of?
Jul 17, 2025
Laurence Hardwick, a Professor of electrochemistry at the University of Liverpool, discusses the urgent need for sustainable battery materials. He explores innovative alternatives to lithium-ion batteries, including sodium and potassium ion technologies. The conversation touches on exciting advancements like biodegradable batteries made from waste materials, as well as the performance comparison with traditional options. Hardwick emphasizes the importance of developing diverse and eco-friendly solutions to meet the growing demand for energy storage in our tech-driven world.
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Bill Yen's Soil Microbe Battery
- Bill Yen developed a battery, TerraCell, powered by microbes in soil to run sensors in soggy environments.
- It operates efficiently in wet, muddy conditions where traditional batteries fail, using organic carbon in soil.
Lithium-Ion Battery Breakthrough
- Lithium-ion batteries excel due to light materials and high voltage electrolytes enabling more energy storage.
- The shift from aqueous to non-aqueous electrolytes was key, allowing operation at 4 volts versus 1.2 volts.
Challenges of Lithium Supply
- Lithium's supply is concentrated in a few countries causing price volatility and supply risks.
- Alternative batteries using abundant elements like sodium and potassium could offer stable, cost-effective options.