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A spoonful of sugar is the key to a brighter climate | ticker VIEWS
Scientists discover a spoonful of sugar will open the path to longer-lasting lithium-sulfur batteries
Simply by adding sugar, researchers from the Monash Energy Institute have created a more sustainable and longer-lasting rival to lithium-ion batteries. This is essential for aviation, submarines, and most importantly electric vehicles.
Sugar rush batteries
As reported in Nature Communications, a group of scientists from the Monash Energy Institute, assisted by CSIRO, discover that using glucose-based additives on the positive electrode can stabilise lithium-sulfur battery technology.
It is being referred to as the next generation of batteries because the increase in performance has the potential to give an electric vehicle to 1000km range, on a single charge.
“In less than a decade, this technology could lead to vehicles including electric buses and trucks that can travel from Melbourne to Sydney without recharging. It could also enable innovation in delivery and agricultural drones where lightweight is paramount,”
Lead author Professor Mainak Majumder
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Associate Director of the Monash Energy Institute.
The Monash Energy team: Mahdokht Shaibani, Mainak Majumder, Matthew Hill, Yingyi Huang. Credit: Monash Energy Institute
These Lithium-sulfur batteries have the potential to store two to five times more energy than lithium-ion batteries. The problem with this solution has been that the electrodes deteriorated rapidly, and the batteries broke down.
Now, by incorporating sugar into the architecture of the electrode, they have prevented the deterioration. The test-cell prototypes constructed by the team are showing to hold far more capacity than lithium-ion batteries.
“While many of the challenges on the cathode side of the battery has been solved by our team, there is still need for further innovation into the protection of the lithium metal anode to enable large-scale uptake of this promising technology — innovations that may be right around the corner.”
Dr. Mahdokht Shaibani, Monash researcher
Shifting to EV’s
There is an immense amount of pressure on countries right around the world to tackle climate change. In the lead-up to COP26 in Glasgow, the pressure is on for world leaders to step up.
Most leading nations are already making the shift to electric vehicles. Sustainable and efficient batteries will be essential for the transition to electric vehicles.
“In order to make the transition to zero-carbon, and make sure we keep our global warming to 1.5 degrees, we need to electrify everything. Batteries plan an incredibly important part.”
Scott Hamilton, Ticker Climate co-host & Energy Expert
Expected release
The scientific breakthrough is complete but it’s unclear how long the commercialisation of the batteries will take.
“We have done exciting science, but from research and development to commercial application is a long journey, that requires significant capital.”
Lead author Professor Mainak Majumder
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Associate Director of the Monash Energy Institute.
The Commonwealth Government supports the Lithium-sulfur Battery Research Program at Monash University, through the Australian Research Council and the Department of Industry, Innovation, and Science.
In addition, Cleanfuture Energy also supports the work and Enserv Australia plans to develop and manufacture the batteries in Australia.
“We would be looking to use the technology to enter the growing market for electric vehicles and electronic devices,”
“We plan to make the first lithium-sulfur batteries in Australia using Australian lithium within about five years.”
Mark Gustowski, Managing Director of Enserv Australia.
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South Korea introduces AI job protection legislation
South Korea is proposing laws to protect jobs from AI, balancing innovation with workers’ rights amid rising automation.
South Korea is proposing laws to protect jobs from AI, balancing innovation with workers’ rights amid rising automation.
South Korean lawmakers are taking bold steps to protect workers from the growing impact of AI on employment. The proposed legislation aims to safeguard jobs and support workers transitioning into new roles as machines increasingly enter the workforce.
Professor Karen Sutherland of Uni SC joins Ticker to break down what these changes mean for employees and industries alike. She explains how the laws are designed to balance technological innovation with workers’ rights, and why proactive measures are crucial as AI adoption accelerates.
With major companies like Hyundai Motor introducing advanced robots, labour unions have raised concerns about fair treatment and the future of human labour. Experts say South Korea’s approach is faster and more comprehensive than similar initiatives in the United States and European Union, aiming to secure livelihoods while improving the quality of life for displaced workers.
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#AIJobs #SouthKorea #FutureOfWork #Automation #TechPolicy #LaborRights #WorkforceInnovation #Ticker
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U.S. ambassador responds to NATO criticism at Munich Security Conference
At Munich Security Conference, U.S. NATO ambassador discussed defense autonomy, hybrid warfare, and transatlantic cooperation amid rising tensions.
At Munich Security Conference, U.S. NATO ambassador discussed defense autonomy, hybrid warfare, and transatlantic cooperation amid rising tensions.
At the Munich Security Conference, the U.S. ambassador to NATO faced tough questions on global order as European allies explored greater defense autonomy amid rising geopolitical tensions. The discussion highlighted the challenges NATO faces in maintaining unity while responding to evolving threats.
The ambassador addressed criticisms directly, emphasizing the importance of transatlantic cooperation and NATO’s role in ensuring international security. European nations voiced concerns about independent defense capabilities and the impact of hybrid warfare from Russia on regional stability.
Oz Sultan from Sultan Interactive Group provides analysis.
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#MunichSecurityConference #NATO #GlobalSecurity #DefenseAutonomy #Geopolitics #TransatlanticAlliance #HybridWarfare #USForeignPolicy
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Israeli President Herzog visits Australia amid rising antisemitism
Israeli President Herzog’s Australia visit strengthens solidarity and shared values amid recent attacks on the Jewish community.
Israeli President Herzog’s Australia visit strengthens solidarity and shared values amid recent attacks on the Jewish community.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Australia marks a significant moment of solidarity between the two nations, especially following recent tragic attacks affecting the Jewish community. The visit underscores shared democratic values and a commitment to combating antisemitism.
Professor Tim Harcourt from UTS discusses the deeper significance of the visit, including the Australian government’s message and the broader implications for Jewish Australians. The timing, following the Bondi attack, highlights the sensitive context in which this diplomatic engagement occurs.
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