Charged: A History of Batteries and Lessons for a Clean Energy Future

"This book delves into the rich history and evolution of batteries, focusing on the scientific journey leading up to the lithium-ion era. It’s written in a popular science book style, exploring the initial endeavors in battery technology. Unlike the other selections I’ve mentioned, this work leans more towards the scientific nuances rather than political or business narratives. In my book, I highlight the exciting era we’re in, particularly when it comes to lithium-ion batteries. Never before have we seen such an infusion of talent and capital in the battery sector, leading to a burst of innovative solutions. What’s intriguing to note is that battery technology isn’t exactly cutting-edge. Many of the challenges currently being tackled by scientists and industry professionals stem from the early 2000s, if not the 1990s. Often, there’s a clear vision for the future of battery technology, but we hit unforeseen roadblocks. Some of these can be resolved in a laboratory setting, while others persist. Also, lab success doesn’t guarantee smooth commercialization. The popular notion that an idea springs forth in a lab and instantly becomes a market sensation is misleading. Numerous technologies, from semiconductors to batteries, may work seamlessly in controlled environments but face significant challenges when scaled up for mass production. Factors like safety regulations and integration into larger systems can stall the progression from lab concept to market product. Sometimes, this transition takes years. Currently, there’s strong interest in technologies poised to succeed lithium-ion, with solid-state batteries leading the pack. Though it may be a decade or more before they become mainstream, what’s fascinating is that even with these advances, lithium remains paramount. Irrespective of the evolution beyond lithium-ion, lithium continues to be at the centre of our energy transition."