UCI Researchers Accidentally Make Batteries Last 400 Times Longer

http://www.popsci.com/researchers-accidentally-make-batteries-last-400-times-longer

by Imagenuity • 10 years ago

50 7 10 years ago

SeanDav• 10 years ago

There is a part of me that loves these stories about serendipitous discoveries. Of course the trick is to recognize what you have found and to use that information.

Some technology/inventions discovered by accident: penicillin, x-rays, post-it notes, pacemakers, ink-jet printers, saccharin, microwave ovens, potato chips/crisps and of course Coca Cola.

hga• 10 years ago

And penicillin is a classic "recognize what you have found" example, scientists prior to Alexander Fleming had noted and wrote up observations of molds killing cultured bacteria, but just treated that as a curiosity. He, at least, was actively looking for anti-bacterial agents after his experiences in WWI battlefield hospitals.

razakel• 10 years ago

There is a part of me that loves these stories about serendipitous discoveries.

The discovery of LSD is a fascinating example of this.

Hofmann experienced some sort of altered state of consciousness after first synthesising it. The interesting thing is that it lasted about two hours, which means he could not possibly have accidentally ingested some.

He then reports he has a "peculiar presentiment" that there's something special about it, so decides to deliberately take a dose. The rest is history.

privong• 10 years ago

The title is a bit ambiguous ("Batteries last 400 Times Longer") and could be interpreted that the battery can store 400x more energy. It would be more precise to say that the discovery was for batteries that can last through 400x more discharge/recharge cycles.

sideshowb2• 10 years ago

Yes, though either way it's good. If you can manage 400x more discharge cycles for little extra cost that could REALLY bring the cost of electric cars down, though the article doesn't say whether this design can in principle manage the power requirements of a car..?

sideshowb2• 10 years ago

Promising! As ever the proof is when they make a working prototype to demonstrate this in an everyday battery, as stories like this abound. Fingers crossed.

shanehoban• 10 years ago

E should like this

UCI Researchers Accidentally Make Batteries Last 400 Times Longer

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