I see Dr. Bob Kapheim several days a week at the community fitness center. He’s a professor in the science department at Judson University in suburban Chicago. A couple of weeks ago he told me his book had been published. The Lithium Rush Is On! Li. I ordered a copy from Bookshop.org and read it the last couple of days.
Why do we care about Lithium? Well, you can read the book, but in a word—batteries. You have Lithium Ion batteries all around you. Got a mobile phone? There’s one. I have an electric vehicle. There’s a big one.
Bob’s book is not long, but it is a comprehensive look at lithium. Where it resides in the ground. How it’s mined. Which countries stand to get a windfall in cash. What companies are mining.
If you have even the slightest curiosity about this metal important to our culture, check out the book. (My links are to Bookshop.org. They support local booksellers. The links are also not affiliate links where I would make a few dimes if you click.)
Doing my own due diligence, I asked ChatGPT for some of the latest on batteries. I received this.
Recent advancements in battery research are pushing the boundaries of energy storage and have the potential to significantly impact industries such as electric vehicles (EVs), consumer electronics, and even aviation.
1. **Solid-State Batteries**: Solid-state batteries are one of the most promising developments. These batteries use solid electrolytes instead of the liquid ones found in traditional lithium-ion batteries, which allows them to charge faster, last longer, and operate more safely. Recent innovations in this field include improvements in electrolyte composition and AI-driven material design, which could reduce costs and improve the performance of EVs. Companies like Volkswagen and Toyota are leading the charge, with commercial production expected by 2025.
2. **Cobalt-Free Batteries**: Researchers are also making strides in developing cobalt-free batteries. Cobalt, widely used in lithium-ion batteries, poses ethical and environmental challenges due to its scarcity and the conditions under which it is mined. MIT researchers have developed an organic battery that uses a material called TAQ, which could match the performance of traditional cobalt batteries while being more sustainable and cheaper to produce. This innovation could help reduce the reliance on cobalt in EV batteries.
3. **Anode-Free Sodium Batteries**: Another significant breakthrough comes from the development of anode-free sodium all-solid-state batteries. These batteries are not only less expensive but also faster to charge and more environmentally friendly than traditional lithium-ion batteries. This technology could open up new possibilities for large-scale energy storage, particularly in grid applications where cost and safety are paramount.
These advancements suggest a future where batteries are not only more efficient and powerful but also more sustainable, making them crucial for the transition to a greener economy.
