"Magic-inspired innovation accelerates and simplifies the process of recycling EV batteries, following the lead from Harry Potter's spellcasting"

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of battery technology. Led by Professor Yet-Ming Chiang, the team has developed a new "self-assembling" battery material specifically designed for recycling electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

The innovative material is composed of two parts: a flexible chain that serves as a host for lithium ions and a strong organic material component similar to Kevlar. The battery material comprises tiny molecules called aramid amphiphiles (AAs) that can self-assemble in water. To enable the conductivity of lithium ions, polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been added to the molecules.

The new battery material's electrolyte is designed to mimic the strong, stable chemical structure of Kevlar, a bulletproof material. This design not only makes the material robust enough to withstand the rigors of a working battery but also reduces the complexity and expense of current EV battery recycling methods, which often employ harsh chemicals.

When exposed to water, the molecules spontaneously form durable nanoribbons with ion-conducting surfaces. This unique property allows the electrolyte to quickly break apart when submerged in a simple organic liquid, making it easier to separate the electrodes for recycling purposes.

The lithium ions moving along the nanofiber is not the most sluggish point of the process, according to Cho, the team's lead researcher. Instead, the most sluggish point is getting the lithium ion from the nanofibers to the metal oxide. During fast charging and discharging, a side effect called polarization slows down the movement of lithium ions in the nanoribbons.

The development of this new battery material was inspired by a scene in "Harry Potter" where Dumbledore cleans a room with a flick of his wrist. The researchers aim to create a recycling process as efficient and effortless as that magical scene.

If adopted, this technology could help bring lithium supplies back to the US by enabling the reuse of materials from existing batteries. The researchers state that this material could be easier to adopt for new battery technologies that emerge in the next 5 to 10 years. Moreover, the team's new material has been developed with a "recycle-first" mindset, focusing on ease of recyclability from the beginning.

This breakthrough in battery technology not only has the potential to revolutionise the EV industry but also contributes significantly to sustainable practices, making electric vehicles even more environmentally friendly.

"Magic-inspired innovation accelerates and simplifies the process of recycling EV batteries, following the lead from Harry Potter's spellcasting"