SBU, BNL Scientists Use AI to Learn How to Make More Efficient Batteries
A team of scientists from Stony Brook University and Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) used artificial intelligence (AI) to help them understand how zinc-ion batteries work — and potentially how to make them more efficient for future energy storage needs.
Their study, published in the journal PRX Energy, focused on the water-based electrolyte that shuttles electrically charged zinc ions through the rechargeable battery during charging and use. The AI model tapped into how those charged ions interact with water under varying concentrations of zinc chloride (ZnCl2), a form of salt with high solubility in water.
The AI findings, validated by experiments at Brookhaven Lab’s National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II), show why high salt concentrations produce the best battery performance.
“AI is an important tool that can facilitate the advancement of science,” said Esther Takeuchi, chair of the Interdisciplinary Science Department (ISD) at Brookhaven Lab and the William and Jane Knapp Chair in Energy and the Environment and Distinguished Professor at Stony Brook. “The research done by this team provides an example of the insights that can be gained by combining experiment and theory enhanced by the use of AI.”
Amy Marschilok, manager of the Energy Storage Division of ISD and a professor of chemistry at SBU, added, “This work could help advance the development of robust zinc-ion batteries for large-scale energy storage. These batteries are particularly attractive for resilient energy applications because the water-based electrolyte is inherently safe and the materials use to make them are abundant and affordable.”
Marschilok pointed out the important close coupling of theory and experiment, as well as the contributions of SBU graduate students who helped prepare samples, conduct experiments and analyze the data.
“Working hand in hand with these graduate students and all the scientists at Brookhaven gave us a great opportunity to get the best quality of experimental data and analysis — and to train the next generation workforce in using these advanced techniques,” she said.
The work was funded by the DOE Office of Science and the National Science Foundation. The research team included scientists from CFN, CDS, ISD, the Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science Department, and NSLS-II, along with the Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering; the Department of Chemistry; and the Institute of Sustainability, Electrification and Energy at Stony Brook University. Scientists from Princeton University and Temple University also contributed to the work.
Read the full story at the BNL website.