The Hunt for New Batteries - with Serena Corr

Explore the science behind batteries and the ongoing quest for new, more efficient energy storage solutions in this comprehensive lecture. Delve into the history of batteries, from Galvani's animal electricity to Volta's electric battery, and understand the fundamental principles of how batteries function. Learn about the current research at the Faraday Institution, focusing on developing safer, cheaper, and longer-lasting batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. Discover the challenges in improving energy densities, cathode materials, and creating sustainable alternatives. Investigate the potential of solid-state batteries for enhanced safety and performance. Gain insights into the differences between energy and power, and understand the targets set for battery development over the next 20 years. This talk provides a comprehensive overview of the past, present, and future of battery technology, essential for anyone interested in the role of energy storage in our transition to a more sustainable future.

Intro
Electric vehicles circa 1900
What do batteries do?
Research at the Faraday Institution
Galvani and animal electricity
Volta and the electric battery
The Voltaic Pile
Potential energy calculation
Conversion of energy
Electricity meets chemistry
How does a battery work?
The Li-ion rechargeable battery
Next 20 year targets for batteries
Difference between energy and power
Improving energy densities
Cathode challenges
Ongoing research activities
Sustainable alternatives
Safer batteries - solid state?