Chemical short-range disorder in lithium oxide cathodes. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38720041/)

These scientists wanted to make batteries last longer by improving a part of the battery called the cathode. The cathode is like a layer cake made up of different materials. When the battery is used and recharged, this layer cake can start to break down and lose its ability to store energy.

The scientists found a way to make the cathode stronger and more stable by adding a special kind of disorder to the materials. This disorder is like mixing up the ingredients in the layer cake in a specific way so that they can work better together. They did this by changing how the materials are put together in a very careful and precise way.

By making these changes, the scientists found that the cathode could store more energy, last longer, and charge faster. This discovery could help make batteries better and more efficient in the future. It's like finding a secret recipe to make a cake that tastes even better and lasts longer!

Wang Q., Yao Z., Wang J., Guo H., Li C., Zhou D., Bai X., Li H., Li B., Wagemaker M., Zhao C. Chemical short-range disorder in lithium oxide cathodes. Nature. 2024 May;629(8011):341-347. doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07362-8. Epub 2024 May 8.