Episode 41 | Exploring Battery Thermal Safety | Ryan Spray | Exponent

As the world moves toward electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and portable electronics, the demand for faster, safer, and longer-lasting batteries continues to grow. While materials like lithium, cobalt, and graphite often dominate the conversation, researchers and engineers are turning their attention to niobium—a versatile metal with unique properties that may help overcome some of the biggest challenges in battery technology. In this episode, we'll examine what niobium is, why it has attracted interest from scientists and battery manufacturers, and how it can improve charging speed, battery lifespan, and overall performance. We'll also discuss current developments, real-world applications, and the challenges that must be addressed before niobium-based battery technologies become widely adopted.

A key part of the EU's strategy in the battery sector is the introduction of the EU Battery Passport. Successful implementation will rely on the development of a Digital Product Passport and the ability to access legacy data systems to populate the passport system with the information required. How this will work is a fascinating topic and in this episode I am joined by Ricky Thiermann of Spherity to discuss practical solutions for the implementation of digital product passports and how they can be integrated into business operations

How AI is revolutionising the search and design of new battery material candidates is right at the cutting edge of material discovery for battery technology. The array of potential materials is huge, so how can AI help us navigate that and prioritise targets. In this episode I am joined by Qichao Hu and Daniel Hannah of SES AI to explore how SES AI are developing advanced AI systems to explore the material universe that are yielding real results in the quest for the next generation of battery materials.

The 17th February 2027 is a very important date for any organisation involved in the business of batteries. It marks the date set for the introduction of the EU Battery Passport. A mandatory digital record, accessed through a QR code, of the key technical data across every stage of an individual batteries’ life for any battery above 2kWh capacity. But the EU Battery Passport is more than just a compliance tool. It's a game changer for the future of batteries in Europe. Acting like a “digital identity card,” it will track key information such as where a battery’s materials come from, how it was manufactured, its carbon footprint, and how it can be reused or recycled. For businesses, it creates opportunities for innovation, competitiveness, and more efficient supply chains. In this episode I'm delighted to be joined by Dr. Susanne Guth-Orlowski , Digital Product Passport Pioneer, CEO of 4TheRecord Consultancy and Battery passport expert to discuss the Battery Passport in detail and how companies can ensure readiness, overcome the challenges and make the most of the opportunities that such a change brings with it.

Flow batteries are a technology that is coming of age. With a distinctly different electrochemistry from Li-Ion, they offer some unique advantages especially in the Long Duration Energy Storage sector. Innovation in stack technology is allowing further advances in flow battery technology. In this episode I'm delighted to be joined by Dr Laura Rizzi, CEO and Dr Fabio Di Fonzo, CSO of Flow-nano to discuss the potential of flow batteries and how nanostructured electrodes are delivering step changes in performance characteristics.