How Batteries Power the Modern World - With Paul Shearing

Explore the fascinating world of batteries and their impact on modern technology in this 58-minute lecture by Paul Shearing at The Royal Institution. Delve into the history of batteries, from early experiments with frogs to the development of the voltaic pile and modern lithium-ion batteries. Learn about the basic principles of how batteries work, their building blocks, and the Nobel Prize-winning research behind them. Discover cutting-edge techniques like X-ray imaging used to study battery performance and safety. Examine critical aspects of battery technology, including energy density, cost, durability, and safety concerns. Gain insights into the challenges and future prospects of battery development, including the use of metallic lithium. This comprehensive talk covers 300 years of scientific breakthroughs that continue to shape our electrically-powered world, from smartphones to electric vehicles.