techspot Microsoft's AI found a new material to replace li-ion batteries

[UltraMega]

Quote

Microsoft collaborated with the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to discover a novel material that could alleviate the global dependence on lithium in the production of rechargeable batteries. Leveraging AI and the Azure Quantum Elements cloud platform, the Microsoft team significantly expedited the time-consuming research on materials not found in nature.

 

With Redmond's high-performance computing (HPC) systems, the AI algorithms were able to predict the characteristics of new materials – such as energy, force, stress, electronic band gap, and mechanical properties. Microsoft and PNNL trained the AI models using millions of data points from simulations, resulting in a 1,500 times faster prediction of materials properties compared to traditional density functional theory calculations.

 

The selection process began with 32.6 million candidate materials and AI algorithms identifying 500,000 predicted stable materials. After screening for functional properties, the pool was further narrowed down to 800 potential candidates. Utilizing "AI-accelerated" simulations to explore dynamic properties like ionic diffusivity, the Microsoft Quantum team narrowed down the selection to 150 materials.

 

Practical considerations, including novelty, mechanics, and the availability of elements, were then factored in to identify a group of 18 top candidates. Leveraging PNNL's expertise and insights for additional screening parameters, Microsoft researchers pinpointed the final candidate: an electrolyte material that uses approximately 70 percent less lithium than existing li-ion batteries, substituting some lithium with sodium.

 

 

https://www.techspot.com/news/101486-microsoft-ai-found-new-material-replace-lithium-li.html

 

 

 

Sign of things to come? 

 

Edited January 11 by UltraMega

[Slaughtahouse]

I love this kind of stuff and I hope it becomes more widespread where AI can accelerate research and development. 

 

Imagine with the appropriate application of intelligent AI how quickly we can accelerate the discovery of new solutions to mitigate or avoid the symptoms from diseases like Cancer or Alzheimer's.

 

Even if AI could simply help people accelerate the diagnoses of these diseases in the early stages where treatment available today is viable, or significantly reduces the chances of developing fatal or significantly detrimental symptoms, would go a long way. At least, one can hope  Those small, meaningful steps could have huge impacts, not only to individuals but also the entire healthcare system. 

[UltraMega]

This is a recent video/podcast. For anyone who thinks AI is interesting, can't pass up seeing Bill Gates talk to Sam Altman.

 

 

[Barefooter]

Very interesting!  AI will certainly be changing our lives faster than most people realize.