New material found by AI could reduce lithium use in batteries

A groundbreaking new substance with potential to reduce lithium use in batteries has been discovered through the collaboration of Microsoft and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), using artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) tools.

The material, named N2116, has the potential to reduce lithium use by up to 70% and has already been used to power a lightbulb. This significant breakthrough was achieved through the rapid screening of 32 million potential inorganic materials to narrow down to 18 promising candidates in less than a week, a process that traditionally could have taken over two decades. The rapid development of a working battery prototype followed in less than nine months.

The use of advanced AI and HPC in scientific research, specifically in the battery industry, is poised to revolutionize the discovery and development of high-performing materials, making it a crucial tool for researchers in the upcoming years.