Impact/context

The need to access reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all continues to grow globally. Enhancing the performance of batteries can significantly contribute to this challenge by making energy storage more efficient, scalable, and less costly. Better battery technologies are critical for renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind, which require effective storage solutions to manage intermittency and optimise output. By advancing battery performance, one can help facilitate a broader transition to renewable energy sources, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating the impact of energy production on climate change.

How quantum could help

Quantum computing could provide a more efficient alternative to conventional simulations of simulating electrolyte molecules in Li-ion batteries, dimerisation of lithium superoxide in Li/O2 batteries, Li-sulfur alternatives, for instance. This would enable researchers to probe the behavior of new materials more efficiently. These simulations might offer insights that could enhance battery performance and longevity, aligning with global sustainability goals.

References

PsiQuantum, Mercedes-Benz Research (Quantum Simulation) (USA) 

Xanadu, Northwestern University, Volkswagen, CCS-Center for Computational Simulation (Quantum Simulation) (Canada, USA, Spain, Germany) 

Mitsubishi Chemical Corp., Quantum Computing Center, Keio University, IBM Research – Tokyo, IBM Research – Almaden, IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center (Quantum Simulation) (Japan, USA) 

North Carolina A&T State University, Arizona State University (Machine Learning (quantum inspired)) (USA) 

North China Electric Power University, University of Macau, Beijing Key Laboratory of New Energy and Low-Carbon Development (Combinatorial Optimisation (quantum inspired)) (China) 

IBM Quantum, Mercedes Benz Research and Development North America (Quantum simulation) (USA)