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Quantum batteries are making their debut in quantum computers, paving the way for future quantum technologies. These innovative batteries utilize quantum bits, or qubits, that change states, differing from traditional batteries that rely on electrochemical reactions.
Research indicates that harnessing quantum characteristics may enable faster charging times, yet questions about the practicality of quantum batteries remain. “Many upcoming quantum technologies will necessitate quantum versions of batteries,” states Dian Tan from Hefei National Research Institute, China. “While significant strides have been made in quantum computing and communication, the energy storage mechanisms in these quantum systems require further investigation.”
Tan and his team constructed the battery using 12 qubits formed from tiny superconducting circuits, controlled by microwaves. Each qubit functioned as a battery cell and interacted with neighboring qubits.
The researchers tested two distinct charging protocols, one mirroring conventional battery charging without quantum interactions, while the other leveraged quantum interactions. They discovered that exploiting these interactions led to an increase in power and a quicker charging capacity.
“Quantum batteries can achieve power output up to twice that of conventional charging methods,” asserts Alan Santos from the Spanish National Research Council. This compatibility with the nearest neighbor interaction of qubits is notable, as this is typical for superconducting quantum computers, making further engineering of beneficial interactions a practical challenge.
James Quach from Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation adds that previous quantum battery experiments have utilized molecules rather than components in current quantum devices. Quach and his team have theorized that quantum batteries may enhance the efficiency and scalability of quantum computers, potentially becoming the power source for future quantum systems.
However, comparing conventional and quantum batteries remains a complex task, notes Dominik Shafranek from Charles University in the Czech Republic. In his opinion, translating the advantages of quantum batteries into practical applications is currently ambiguous.
Kaban Modi from the Singapore University of Technology and Design asserts that while benefits exist for qubits interfacing exclusively with their nearest neighbors, their research indicates these advantages can be negated by real-world factors like noise and sluggish qubit control.
Additionally, the burgeoning requirements of extensive quantum computers may necessitate researching energy transfer within quantum systems, as they might incur significantly higher energy costs compared to traditional computers, Modi emphasizes.
Tan believes that energy storage for quantum technologies, particularly in quantum computers, is a prime candidate for their innovative quantum batteries. Their next goal involves integrating these batteries with qubit-based quantum thermal engines to produce energy for storage within quantum systems.
Lithium-ion Batteries: A Path to Extended Lifespan
Shutterstock/Bokeh Art Photography
Recent studies suggest that the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries can be extended using standard, cost-effective chemicals.
Lithium-ion batteries feature a porous separator sandwiched between a negative electrode and a positive electrode, immersed in an electrolyte that facilitates the movement of lithium ions during charging and discharging.
At the negative electrode, the electrolyte decomposes to create a thin protective coating that enhances battery stability and longevity.
Wang Chunsheng explains that forming a similar protective layer on the cathode has traditionally been challenging due to differing electrical conditions, which create a reactive environment that causes conventional electrolytes to break down before a stable coating can form, according to researchers from the University of Maryland.
Wang and his team utilized a straightforward reaction from organic chemistry to tackle this issue. This reaction enhances the electrolyte’s electron acceptance, inducing a controlled decomposition process that forms a stable protective coating on the cathode.
“By meticulously controlling the molecular decomposition of the electrolyte, we can precisely dictate the protective layer that forms on the cathode,” states Zhang Xiyue, a postdoctoral researcher in Wang’s group.
This flexibility in chemical reactions allows the resulting cathode-electrolyte layer to be tailored for enhanced protection, which could either provide strong shielding or design for faster electrochemical reactions, optimizing batteries for maximum power or extended life.
“If we can guarantee the formation of the cathode-electrolyte layer, it represents a significant advancement toward achieving longer battery cycles,” asserts Michel Armand from the CIC energiGUNE research center in Spain. Given that Wang and his colleagues modified the battery design using established chemical techniques, this new battery should be both safe and easy to manufacture, according to Armand.
While it remains uncertain exactly how much this innovative approach can extend the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries, further clarity is anticipated as the technology develops.
“This is a relatively simple modification to existing battery technology,” Wang notes. “After thorough safety and long-cycle testing, this approach could indeed reach consumers.”
Apple’s highly acclaimed AirPods Pro Bluetooth earphones have returned in their third generation, featuring an improved fit, extended battery life, built-in heart rate sensors, and enhanced noise cancellation, all while maintaining a look similar to their predecessors.
Although three years have elapsed since the previous version, these earphones remain exclusively white. The differences between them and earlier generations are subtle and require close inspection.
Priced at £219 (249 Euros/$249/$429), the AirPods Pro 3 is £30 less expensive in the UK than its predecessor at launch and features compatibility with AirPods 4.
The earphones have undergone slight shape refinements to enhance comfort, especially during prolonged listening sessions exceeding three hours. The package includes five sizes of tips, but if you prefer non-silicone earphones, these won’t offer much difference.
The stems maintain their previous length, but the earphones’ shape has been optimized to better align the tips with the ear canal. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Most functions are standard for modern earphones. Squeeze the stems for playback controls, swipe for volume adjustment, or remove them to pause music. They support features introduced with older Apple earphones, like the Shutter Remote Camera app and live translation using the translation app on your iPhone. The latter currently supports only English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish but works surprisingly well for casual conversations.
A notable drawback is that others still need to read translated speeches from their iPhones. This feature proves most useful for announcements and audio guides, especially for singular language translations in transportation hubs and museums.
One of the standout hardware features is heart rate monitoring through the sensors on the earbuds, similar to Apple’s PowerBeats Pro 2 fitness band. This can be utilized with over 50 workout tracking options via the Fitness app or select third-party apps on your iPhone. Its readings align closely with those from a Garmin Forerunner 970 or an Apple Watch during activities like walking and running. Additionally, the earphones boast an IP57 water resistance rating, making them more resilient to rain and sweat than previous models.
Battery life has improved, extending to at least 8 hours of playback, along with competitive noise cancellation on every charge, making them suitable for most listening durations.
The compact flip-top case provides two full charges for a combined playback time of 24 hours (6 hours shorter than the previous generation), with just 5 minutes of charging offering an hour of listening time. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Specifications
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, SBC, AAC, H2 chip, UWB
Battery life: 8 hours of ANC playback (24 hours in case)
Water resistance: IP57 (buds and case)
Earphone dimensions: 30.9 x 19.2 x 27.0mm
Earphone weight: 5.6g each
Charging case dimensions: 47.2 x 62.2 x 21.8mm
Charging case weight: 44g
Case charging: USB-C, QI Wireless/Magsafe, Apple Watch
Richer Sound and Exceptional Noise Cancellation
The silicone tips are designed to slightly expand for a better seal, enhancing both music quality and noise cancellation. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The audio experience with the third-generation AirPods Pro is impressive, offering louder playback with an expansive soundscape. They maintain powerful, well-regulated bass while enhancing the spaciousness of larger tracks. The sound is detailed and balanced, catering to various genres, with ample power when needed. However, like other Apple headphones, they can occasionally feel a tad clinical, lacking warmth and rawness in some tracks, which may lessen the impact of deep bass notes. Nevertheless, few earphones can outshine these in terms of price and size.
Apple’s implementation of spatial audio for movies is unrivaled, and while its efficacy in spatial music remains mixed, it provides an immersive experience with compatible devices and services.
The AirPods Pro offers the ideal blend of earphones and compact carrier, easily portable in your pocket. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Enhanced noise cancellation is arguably the most significant upgrade. Apple claims it’s twice as effective as the already excellent AirPods Pro 2. In direct comparisons, the AirPods Pro 3 effectively mitigates street noise, including traffic sounds and engine roars. It stands up impressively against the class-leading Sony WH-1000XM6, renowned for their over-ear design.
They also excel in dampening disruptive high frequencies, such as keyboard clicks and conversations, making them well-suited for commuting and office environments.
Apple’s leading transparency mode is equally outstanding, allowing for natural sound experiences, as if the earbuds aren’t being worn at all. Sudden loud noises can be managed, making them handy in busy streets and while using hearing aids.
Call quality is superb, with my voice sounding clear and natural, whether in quiet settings or bustling environments, with only minimal ambient sounds noticeable during calls.
Sustainability
The charging case supports USB-C, Magsafe, QI, or Apple Watch charging, and includes new features like Limit Charging to prolong battery life. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Apple does not specify the expected battery lifespan. Typically, similar devices retain at least 80% of their original capacity after 500 full charge cycles. The earphones are not repairable, but Apple provides battery servicing for £49 per earphone or case, with replacement for lost or damaged items starting from £79. Repair specialist iFixit graded these earphones a 0 out of 10 for serviceability.
Both the AirPods and their cases include 40% recycled materials, including aluminum, cobalt, copper, gold, lithium, plastic, rare earth elements, and tin. Apple offers trade-in and recycling programs, detailing the environmental impact of its earphones in their reports.
Price
The price for the AirPods Pro 3 is £219 (249 Euros/$249/$429).
For context, AirPods 4 starts at £119, while Beats PowerBeats Pro 2 are priced at £250. The Sennheiser Momentum TW4 retails for £199, Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 cost £219, Sony WF-1000XM5 is available for £219, and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are priced at £300.
Verdict
AirPods Pro 3 takes an already impressive second-generation model and enhances virtually every aspect.
A longer battery life and a more comfortable fit for extended listening sessions are welcome improvements. Additionally, proper water resistance and integrated heart rate monitoring cater well to fitness enthusiasts, particularly for activities like powerlifting where wearing a watch may not be practical. The live translation feature performs better than anticipated, despite its conversational limitations.
The standout element is the remarkably effective noise cancellation, comparable to top-tier over-ear headphones, while being much easier to transport.
Audiophiles may notice a slightly clinical sound profile, and full functionality requires an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Compatibility with Bluetooth devices like Android phones, PCs, and gaming consoles may not offer the same features. However, the significant drawback remains its difficult repairability, a common issue for true wireless earbuds, diminishing its rating.
Pros: Highly effective noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, industry-leading transparency, water resistance, integrated HR monitoring, seamless controls, advanced features when paired with Apple devices like spatial audio, remarkable comfort, and a premium case with excellent call quality.
Cons: Challenging to repair, premium price, lacks high-resolution audio support, minimal functionality with Android/Windows, similar appearance to its predecessor, and only available in white.
The AirPods Pro 3 is among the finest earphones available, especially for iPhone users. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Apple Watch Series 11 introduces a highly requested feature: extended battery life.
Aside from that, the new model serves as a direct successor to the Series 10, retaining its design, dimensions, and features. Most enhancements are software-based, solidifying its position as one of the top smartwatches available, despite limited physical changes.
Starting at just 369 pounds in the UK (449 euros/$399/$679), the Series 11 sits below the watch SE at the low end and 749 pounds Ultra 3 at the high end.
The Series 11 is available in Space Gray, a hue first seen with the iPhone 5s in 2013. Old trends make a comeback. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Similar to last year’s Series 10, this new version is only 9.7mm thick, making it comfortable to wear at night and easily tucked under cuffs. It’s lightweight and user-friendly.
The vibrant 2,000 knit OLED display is bright for indoor and outdoor use, and remains legible from various angles. The glass is reportedly twice as scratch-resistant as its predecessors, though it doesn’t quite match the hardness of the sapphire used in more expensive titanium models.
The new watch incorporates the same S10 chip as previous versions, now with optional 5G connectivity, ensuring strong reception for outdoor activities. Battery capacity has increased by 9% for 42mm models and 11% for 46mm models.
In sleep tracking tests without exercise, the 46mm version lasted two days. Most users can expect around two days and nights before needing a recharge, which takes 66 minutes with a power adapter over 20W (not included), reaching about 70% in just 30 minutes. During a run, it tracks for roughly eight hours—enough for one or two marathons.
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, WiFi 4, NFC, UWB, Optional 5G
WatchOS 26
The Flow Watch face is engaging, though reading the time at a glance can be challenging. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Series 11 ships with WatchOS 26, compatible with all models from the Series 6 onward. A new liquid glass design introduces semi-transparent elements and two additional monitoring interfaces: a large digital face called Flow that reacts to movement, and an Analog Face that segments hours, minutes, and seconds into custom dials.
One of the standout features is the wrist flick gesture. This allows you to quickly twist your wrist to dismiss notifications and return to the watch face without lifting your wrist to look at it, enabling you to silence alarms with a satisfying motion.
Hypertension, Sleep, and AI Workouts
Hypertension alerts utilize the optical sensor located on the back, the same one used for heart rate and blood oxygen readings; no pressure cuffs needed. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Apple Watch retains the extensive health monitoring tools of its predecessor while introducing new features and a revamped training app.
Hypertension alerts now observe potential high blood pressure over 30 days, notifying users if heart rate data indicates possible hidden issues.
The updated sleep score metric simplifies Apple’s sleep tracking, akin to offerings from competitors like Google and Samsung. Each morning, users receive a score out of 100 based on factors such as duration, bedtime, and interruptions, all easily understood within the iPhone health app.
A sleep score helps you gauge sleep quality, allowing for detailed assessments as needed. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Workout Buddy acts as an AI coach, leveraging past training data to offer motivational talk before and after workouts. It tracks your training frequency and effort level, providing audible updates during your exercise, including alerts for milestones like pace, heart rate, distance, and time.
Three voice options deliver updates through Bluetooth headphones in any of the 12 supported activities, including walking, running, and cycling. However, functionality may depend on being in proximity to an iPhone 15 Pro or later to avoid interruptions while training.
Sustainability
The recycled aluminum frame offers a premium, slim, and comfortable fit. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Apple states that the battery should last for 1,000 or more charge cycles while retaining at least 80% of its original capacity, and can be replaced for £95. Repair costs range from between £295 and £389, depending on the model.
The watch comprises over 40% recycled materials, including aluminum, cobalt, copper, glass, gold, lithium, rare earth elements, steel, tin, titanium, tungsten, among others. Apple provides trade-in options and free recycling of devices, addressing the environmental impact of its products.
Price
The Series 11 is available in two sizes (42 and 46mm) with options for materials and 5G support, which necessitates a compatible phone plan for eSIM. Prices start at £369 (€449/$399/$679), with the 5G model requiring an additional £100 (€120/$100/$170).
For reference, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 retails at £749, while the Apple Watch SE 3 starts at £219, and the Google Pixel Watch 4 is priced at £349. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is available for £294.
Verdict
The Series 11 keeps the successful Apple Watch formula intact, enhancing it with improved glass and longer battery life.
With its slim profile, quick charging, and two-day battery life, it proves convenient for sleep tracking and silent alarms. The wrist flick gesture stands out as a feature every watch should embrace, and compatibility with earlier Apple Watch straps and chargers is a significant advantage. Price drops in the UK are also appreciated.
Users may need time to adjust to the glass-like appearance of WatchOS 26, but the software operates similarly while introducing valuable additions like hypertension alerts. The Workout Buddy proves particularly useful, offering positive experiences though reliant on mobile exercise.
Overall, the Series 11 ranks among the finest smartwatches for iPhone users. Those with older models, like the Series 6, can expect a substantial upgrade. However, this year, it faces competition from the revamped Watch SE 3, which serves as a compelling alternative.
Pros: Exceptional screen visibility, sleek design, double tap and wrist flick gestures, top-notch health monitoring, impressive activity tracking, AI coaching via Workout Buddy, 50m water resistance, two-day battery life, optional 5G connectivity, long software support, eco-friendly materials, and backward compatibility with previous Apple Watch straps.
Cons: Premium pricing, limited to iPhone users, lacks customizable faces for third-party watches, and maintains a similar aesthetic to prior models.
tIt may conjure images of battery production lines and the extensive “gigafactory” projects of Elon Musk and Tesla across the globe, or thoughts of batteries powering everything from electric toothbrushes to smartphones and vehicles. However, at Invinity Energy Systems’ modest factory in Basgate, near Edinburgh, employees are nurturing the hope that Britain will also contribute to the battery revolution.
These batteries, which are based on vanadium
tIt may conjure thoughts of battery production lines and the expansive “gigafactory” projects of Elon Musk and Tesla worldwide, or images of batteries powering devices from electric toothbrushes to smartphones and cars. However, at Invinity Energy Systems’ modest factory in Basgate, near Edinburgh, employees are fostering hope that Britain will also play a pivotal role in the battery revolution.
These batteries, utilizing vanadium ions, can be housed within a 6-meter (20-foot), 25-ton shipping container. While they may not be used in vehicles, manufacturers aspire for this technology to find its place in the global storage rush, propelling a transition to net-zero carbon grids.
Renewable electricity represents the future of a cleaner and more economical energy system compared to fossil fuels. Its primary challenge lies in the fact that renewable energy generation is contingent on weather conditions—sunshine and wind may not be available when energy demand peaks. Battery storage allows for the shift of energy production, enabling it to be saved for later use, which is essential for a well-functioning electric grid.
“What has suddenly become apparent is that people have recognized the necessity of energy storage to integrate more renewable energy into the grid,” stated Jonathan Mullen, CEO of Invinity, at the factory where a series of batteries are stacked and shipped.
For a long time, experts have explored various methods for storing renewable electricity, but the issue of grid reliability gained political attention in April when Spain and Portugal experienced the largest blackouts in Europe in two decades. While some rushed to criticize renewable energy, a Spanish government report clarified that it was not the cause. Nonetheless, battery storage assists grids worldwide in avoiding similar complications as those seen in the Iberian Peninsula.
Power blackouts in Spain and Portugal in April highlighted the issues of energy security. Photo: Fermín Rodríguez/Nurphoto/Rex/Shutterstock
Much of the attention in battery research has focused on maximizing energy storage in the smallest and lightest containers suitable for electric vehicles. This development was crucial for the transition away from carbon-intensive gasoline and diesel, which are significant contributors to global warming. It also led to substantial reductions in the costs associated with lithium-ion batteries.
As with many aspects of the shift from fossil fuels to electric technologies, China is driving demand at an incredible scale. According to data from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, China has installed batteries with a capacity of 215 gigawatt hours (GWh).
China’s battery installations are expected to nearly quadruple by the end of 2027 as new projects are completed. For instance, the state-owned China Energy Engineering Corporation recently bid on a 25GWh battery project utilizing lithium iron phosphate technology, typically used in more affordable vehicles.
Iola Hughes, research director at a Benchmark subsidiary, Rho Motion, stated that declining prices and increased adoption of renewable energy are propelling the rise in demand. By 2027, total global battery storage installations could increase fivefold, Hughes noted, adding, “This figure could rise even further as technological advancements and reduced costs enable developers to construct battery energy storage systems at an unprecedented pace.”
The majority of this growth (95% of current figures) will involve projects utilizing lithium-ion batteries, including a site in Aberdeenshire managed by UK-based Zenobē Energy, which claims to have “the largest battery in Europe.”
Energy storage companies harnessing various technologies must navigate a challenging landscape to secure early-stage funding while proving that their technologies are economically viable. Invinity’s flow batteries use vanadium, while U.S.-based rival EOS Energy employs zinc. However, flow batteries often excel in applications requiring storage durations of over 6-8 hours, where lithium batteries typically fall short.
Cara King, an R&D scientist at Invinity Energy Systems, holds a vial of vanadium electrolyte in various states of charge. Photo: Murdo Macleod/The Guardian
Flow batteries leverage the unique properties of certain metals that can stably exist with varying electron counts. One transport unit contains two tanks of vanadium ions, each with different electron counts—one is “Royal Purple” and the other “IRN-Bru Red.” The system pumps the vanadium solution through a membrane stack that allows protons to pass, while electrons travel around the circuit to provide power. If electrons are driven in the opposite direction by solar panels or wind turbines, the process reverses, charging the battery, which can support a charge of up to 300 kilowatts.
A significant benefit of flow batteries is their relative ease of manufacturing compared to lithium-ion counterparts. Invinity managed to assemble a battery stack with just 90 employees, primarily sourced from Scottish parts.
Throughout the project’s lifespan, Mullen has maintained that “on a cost-per-cycle basis, it offers more value than lithium.” While the upfront costs are higher than those for lithium batteries—Invinity estimates around £100,000 per container—the longer lifespan without capacity loss and the absence of flammability means no costly fire safety equipment is necessary. The shipping container is already deployed next to Vibrant Motivation in Bristol, Oxford Auto Chargers, casinos in California, and solar parks in South Australia.
“We can commission the entire site within a few days,” Mullen remarked.
Invinity is valued at just over £90 million in the London AIM junior stock market and aspires for the UK to spearhead the flow battery niche.
UK manufacturing could be favorably considered in government contests for support under a “cap and floor” scheme that ensures electricity prices remain within a specified range. Should they succeed, the company anticipates a substantial increase in production from its current rate of five containers per week. Mullen envisions the possibility of employing up to 1,000 workers if the company flourishes.
“The potential for growth is immense,” Mullen stated. “Have we moved past the question of whether technology can scale effectively?”
Lithium-based batteries, such as those used in electric vehicles, face the danger of overheating
yonhap/epa-fe/shutterstock
Batteries enhanced with polymeric materials that emit chemicals to suppress flames at elevated temperatures are considerably less prone to catching fire. This innovation can markedly improve the safety of battery-operated devices, including electric vehicles and medical equipment.
“Our method enhances safety in conventional liquid lithium batteries,” says Ying Chan from the Chemistry Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. “It functions like a safety valve. These chemicals help to stifle flammable gases before they ignite, thus preventing fires.”
Zhang and her team developed and examined polymeric materials that extinguished flames in prototype lithium metal batteries. These batteries are presently being utilized, but upcoming versions are expected to potentially replace current batteries in electric vehicles and portable electronic gadgets. Lithium metals can store ten times more energy than widely used lithium-ion batteries by utilizing pure lithium in place of graphite for the negative electrodes.
The researchers incrementally raised the temperature of the prototype battery along with standard lithium metal batteries to 50°C. When the temperature exceeded 100°C, both batteries began to overheat, yet the special polymeric material in the prototype began to break down autonomously, releasing chemicals that functioned as “microscopic fire extinguishers.”
At temperatures surpassing 120°C, the standard battery without safety mechanisms overheated to 1000°C within 13 minutes and ignited. In contrast, under similar circumstances, the prototype battery’s peak temperature reached 220°C without any fire or explosion.
This “innovative material science strategy” suggests that it’s not only lithium metal batteries that can benefit, but also specific lithium-ion and lithium-sulfur batteries which may lower the risk of battery fires and overheating. Jaggit Nanda at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, California, expresses that this could lead to safer batteries, especially for electric vehicles and aircraft.
Fire control technology has been incorporated into current battery manufacturing as a “short-term safety enhancement,” and the industry is actively seeking a long-term solution that encompasses alternative battery designs and materials, according to Zhang. However, she notes that integrating polymeric materials into the battery necessitates a re-manufacturing process.
President Trump’s recent tariffs may impact the use of grid batteries in the US energy sector. These batteries are crucial for storing excess wind and solar energy to enhance the electric grid’s reliability. Grid batteries have seen significant growth in states like Texas and Arizona over the past five years, being used to store solar power and reduce reliance on natural gas.
Despite their importance, the majority of US lithium-ion batteries are imported, with a large portion coming from China. With the new tariffs imposed by Trump, grid batteries will face significant taxes when imported from China, potentially hindering their deployment and impacting grid reliability.
Jason Burwen, vice president of policy and strategy at battery developer Gridstor, expressed concerns about the implications of these tariffs on the energy storage deployment, labeling it as detrimental to both business and grid reliability.
The grid battery capacity in the US was projected to reach a record 18,200 megawatts this year, according to the US Energy Information Agency. This growth in battery capacity, along with wind and solar power, was expected to contribute significantly to the grid expansion.
Grid batteries have been instrumental in addressing the intermittency of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. States like California and Texas have seen an increase in battery installations to mitigate the risk of blackouts during peak demand periods.
Besides supporting renewable energy integration, grid batteries also help stabilize power flow, manage disruptions, and alleviate congestion on transmission lines. The decreasing cost of lithium-ion technology has fueled the installation of grid batteries, paralleling the EV battery trend.
Antoine Vagneur-Jones, head of trade and supply chain at Bloombergnef, highlighted the reliance on Chinese imports for batteries in the US clean energy sector. He warned that the tariffs imposed could have a more significant impact on batteries than other technologies.
The US has taken steps to develop a domestic battery supply chain, but the future remains uncertain due to potential policy changes. While investments have been made in new battery plants under the Biden administration, clean energy policies are facing challenges from Congressional President Trump and Republicans.
Vagneur-Jones noted the complexity of assessing the impact of tariffs on the energy mix, particularly in the competition between batteries and natural gas plants to support renewable energy fluctuations.
Utility companies may find it challenging to increase their reliance on gas due to global supply chain constraints and tariffs affecting the oil and gas industry. While tariffs may benefit fossil fuels, they could hinder clean energy progress, ultimately impacting energy solutions for all.
A small soft lithium-ion battery made from water droplets
oxford university
The smallest soft lithium-ion battery ever made consists of just three tiny droplets formed from a silk-based hydrogel. Droplet batteries can provide pacemaker-style control and deliver defibrillator shocks to beating mouse hearts, but could eventually be used in biomedical implants and wearable electronics for humans. It may supply electricity.
“Potentially, our small battery could be used as an implantable microrobotic battery, which could be moved to a target location by a magnetic field and release its energy for treatment.” . Yuka Zhang at Oxford University.
Zhang and colleagues designed the small battery as three connected droplets that can self-assemble in solution after injecting various components into the liquid with a microsyringe. One droplet contains lithium manganese oxide particles and serves as the battery's negative electrode. The second droplet contains lithium titanate particles and serves as the positive electrode. A central droplet filled with lithium chloride separates these electrodes. UV light energizes the battery by breaking down the layers that separate each droplet, allowing lithium ions to flow freely between the droplets.
Droplet batteries are one-tenth the length of traditional soft lithium-ion batteries. At just 600 micrometers, it is about six times as wide as a human hair. The battery is also 1000 times smaller in volume than similar flexible lithium-ion batteries. The central droplet can also incorporate magnetic nickel particles, allowing the battery to be controlled remotely via an external magnetic field.
Such a small battery also provides an unprecedented amount of energy considering its small size. Wei Gao at the California Institute of Technology. “This energy density is significantly higher than what has been achieved with other similarly sized batteries,” he says.
The droplet battery was tested on a mouse heart removed from the animal's body. These successfully functioned as defibrillators to restore normal heartbeats and as pacemakers to regulate heartbeats. Additional testing showed that the battery retained 77% of its original capacity after 10 charge/discharge cycles.
The simplicity and scalability of such droplet batteries could be a potential advantage over traditional battery manufacturing in the future, Gao said. He suggested that such batteries could power minimally invasive biomedical implants and biodegradable medical devices.
“What impressed me most is how this soft battery mirrors the aqueous environment of human tissue by being hydrogel-based,” Gao says. “However, we still need to consider the safety and biocompatibility of the materials used in this battery, especially as we move towards commercialization and further research applications.”
Samsung’s first entry into Microsoft’s new Arm-powered Copilot+ PCs is the Galaxy Book 4 Edge, set to deliver impressive speed and battery life that can compete with Apple’s MacBook Air.
This sleek, ultra-thin laptop comes in 14-inch or 16-inch sizes and is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip, aiming to challenge Intel as the top PC laptop chip.
Prices start at £1,399 (€1,699/$999.99) for the base model, with the top-of-the-line 16-inch version priced at £1,700, positioning it as a premium competitor to products from Microsoft, Dell, and Apple.
The Galaxy Book features HDMI, USB-A, a microSD card slot, and a USB4 port, all in an incredibly thin and light 16-inch design. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The laptop boasts a familiar Samsung Galaxy Book design with premium aluminum construction, but lacks originality in its aesthetics.
The standout feature is the vibrant OLED touchscreen display, though it may attract fingerprints and could be brighter. The anti-reflective coating enhances usability under various lighting conditions.
While the keyboard is standard, the oversized trackpad feels somewhat redundant with its traditional mechanical design. The speakers are decent but can be obstructed when using the laptop on soft surfaces.
The 16-inch model includes a number pad on the right side, contributing to a slightly off-center keyboard and trackpad layout. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The laptop’s webcam offers AI effects but lacks facial recognition, requiring a fingerprint scan for unlocking.
Specifications
Screen: 14″ or 16″ 3K AMOLED 2880 x 1800 (120Hz)
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite
RAM: 16 GB
Storage: 512GB or 1TB
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Camera: 2 megapixels (1080p)
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, 2 x USB4, headphones, HDMI2.1 (USB-A and microSD 16″ only)
Researchers test batteries using new materials designed by AI
Microsoft's Dan DeLong
Artificial intelligence can accelerate the process of discovering and testing new materials, and researchers have used that ability to develop batteries that are less dependent on the expensive mineral lithium.
Lithium-ion batteries power not only electric cars but also many devices we use every day. They will also become a necessary part of green power grids, as batteries will be needed to store renewable energy from wind turbines and solar panels. However, lithium is expensive and mining it damages the environment. Finding a replacement for this important metal can be expensive and time-consuming, requiring researchers to develop and test millions of candidates over years. Utilizing AI, nathan baker Microsoft and its colleagues accomplished this task in a few months. They designed and manufactured a battery that uses up to 70% less lithium than some competing designs.
The researchers focused on types of batteries that contain only solid parts, looking for new materials for battery components called electrolytes, through which charge is transferred. They started with 23.6 million candidate materials, designed by tweaking the structure of an established electrolyte and replacing some lithium atoms with other elements. The AI algorithm filtered out materials that were calculated to be unstable or have weak chemical reactions that make the battery work. The researchers also considered how each material behaved when the battery was actively operating. After just a few days, their list contained just a few hundred candidates, some of whom had never been studied before.
“But we're not materials scientists,” Baker says. “So I called the experts who have worked on large-scale battery projects at the Department of Energy and said, 'What do you think? Are we crazy?'
vijay murugesan He works at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Washington state and was one of the scientists who answered the phone. He and his colleagues proposed additional screening criteria for AI. After further rounds of elimination, Murugesan's team finally selected one of his AI proposals and synthesized it in the lab. It was noticeable because half of what Murugesan expected to be lithium atoms were replaced with sodium. This is a very novel recipe for an electrolyte, he said, and the combination of the two elements raises questions about the fundamental physics of how the material works in batteries. Masu.
His team built a working battery using this material, albeit with a lower conductivity than similar prototypes that use more lithium. Both Baker and Murugesan said much work remains to optimize the new batteries. However, the manufacturing process took about nine months, from the time Murugesan first talked to his Microsoft team until the battery was functional enough to light a light bulb.
“The methodology here is cutting edge in terms of machine learning tools, but what really elevates this is that things have been created and tested,” he says. Rafael Gomez-Bombarelli from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology was not involved in this project. “It's very easy to make predictions. It's hard to convince someone to invest in an actual experiment.” He said the team will accelerate calculations that physicists have been making for decades, and It is said that AI was used to strengthen it. However, this approach may also encounter obstacles in the future. For this kind of work, he said, the data needed to train the AI is often sparse, and materials other than battery components may require more complex ways of combining elements. he says.
To better cope with such heavy usage, a former Apple employee shared the best battery-saving hacks to help users see and scroll through TikTok texts throughout the day.
Tyler Morgan, who previously worked in sales at Apple and recently received 11.1 million views, has revealed the best tips and tricks to preserve battery power. Check him out @hitomidocameraroll or watch the video on TikTok.
First, Morgan warned users not to charge their iPhones to 100% or overnight. Instead, he recommended only allowing the battery to reach 80% to prevent chemical degradation once it reaches a full charge. Users can go to “Settings, Battery, Battery Health and Charging, [charging optimization]” to set a limit of 80%.
Tyler Morgan, who previously worked as a sales representative at Apple, recently racked up 11.1 million views after revealing his best tips and tricks for preserving battery power for as long as possible. Prima91 – Stock.adobe.com
Morgan also recommended turning off background activity by going to Settings, General, and clicking Background App Refresh. He explains that all the apps running in the background use battery power to keep them updated, so users can switch to updating only on Wi-Fi or when opened.
He warned that users should not charge their iPhones to 100% or overnight. tiktok.com/@hitomidocameraroll
Morgan suggested iPhone users turn off the “Hey, Siri” feature in Siri and Search for those who don’t rely on their personal assistant. He also recommended going to “Accessibility”, “Motion” and clicking “Reduce Motion” to save battery life.
Morgan then advised users to turn off automatic updates and reduce brightness and Bluetooth usage. He acknowledged that it might make the phone experience worse but could be useful in saving battery. He also showed viewers how to use iPhone features more efficiently, such as opening the video feature directly from the camera app and using the one-handed keyboard option.
Morgan advised users to turn off certain features such as automatic updates, background activity, and location services. tiktok.com/@hitomidocameraroll
This helpful hack comes after users experienced rapid battery drain and expressed privacy concerns following the iOS 17 upgrade. The latest software improvements, iPhone Operating System 17.2, include bug fixes related to virtual car keys and financial features, addressing these security concerns.
Semiconductors have become a focus of U.S. efforts to thwart China’s technological advances in recent years. Washington is now turning its attention to another hot technology area where China is making significant progress: electric vehicle batteries.
Earlier this month, the Treasury and Energy Departments was suggested Joe Biden approved a rule last year that would limit electric vehicle buyers from claiming tax credits if their cars contain battery materials from China or other countries deemed “hostile” to the United States. Under the president’s flagship climate change law, consumers are entitled to up to $7,500 in subsidies for electric vehicles. Purchasing EVs manufactured in the U.S. using primarily domestic materials.
In response, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce counterattacked Last week, it said the U.S. rules “discriminate against Chinese companies and violate WTO rules.” Excluding Chinese suppliers from U.S. tax incentives is “typical of non-market-oriented policies and practices,” the department said.
The rule, aimed at reducing U.S. dependence on Chinese supply chains in a new era of decoupling, comes as part of the president’s plan to cut global warming greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030. This is likely to hinder Biden’s efforts to boost sales of EVs.
Also at stake is America’s aim to curb China’s dominance in a field that is booming as countries transition to electric vehicles. China’s two largest battery manufacturers, CATL and BYD, together accounted for about 53% of global EV battery usage in the first 10 months of this year, according to data from China. SNE Research.
According to the research firm, as of the third quarter of this year, China was the world’s largest EV market with a 58% share, followed by the United States and Germany. counterpoint.
Major South Korean companies such as LG, Samsung, and SK On offer competitive alternatives to China’s cheap and advanced batteries and are most likely to benefit from deteriorating US-China relations. . But even the South Korean company is reeling from new geopolitical complications.
Even though SK-on has been approached by both Ford and Hyundai to launch battery projects in the United States, Choi Tae-won, president of parent company SK Group, recently said, blamed The US keeps battery costs high. The artillery division of South Korean conglomerates is now forced to look elsewhere for materials outside of China.China Owns the majority of the global supply chain for EV batteriesfrom mining rare minerals to refining and cell production.
To maintain cost appeal, Chinese battery companies are setting up factories in the U.S. and requiring buyers to continue to qualify for the EV tax credit. Industry giants like Gotion, BYD, and CATL have strategic plans to manufacture in the United States, but the path is not without obstacles. Ford, for example, suspended plans to build a $3.5 billion EV battery factory with CATL in Michigan as U.S. politicians scrutinize its contract with the Chinese company.
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