BBC Inside Science Next-gen batteries and 'dark oxygen'
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Feb 20, 2025 Mark Miodovnik, a materials scientist from UCL specializing in batteries, discusses the urgent need for next-gen battery technologies amid recent lithium-ion plant fires. He highlights the limitations of current lithium-ion solutions and the emergence of alternatives like solid-state and sodium batteries. Additionally, the conversation shifts to 'dark oxygen' found in deep oceans, potentially impacting marine life. Anjana Ahuja joins to share intriguing science stories, including innovative materials and the peculiar behavior of contagious urination in chimpanzees.
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Lithium-ion Battery Advantages
- Lithium-ion batteries are energy-dense and lightweight, making them ideal for portable electronics and EVs.
- This is due to lithium's properties, enabling efficient energy storage in compact spaces.
Battery Functionality
- Batteries function through reversible chemical reactions within a container, producing mobile electrons.
- These reactions involve charged atoms moving through an electrolyte, enabling electron flow and recharging.
Lithium-ion Battery Limitations
- Lithium-ion batteries have limited lifespans due to lithium loss within the battery during charging cycles.
- Faults accumulate, decreasing efficiency and energy density, eventually requiring battery replacement.