The electric innovations that brought lithium-ion batteries online

The electric innovations that brought lithium-ion batteries online

December 17, 2025 · 38 min · Season 2 · Episode 4

About this episode

This episode explores the historical moments that led to the development of lithium-ion batteries and discusses their current challenges and future prospects.

C&EN's award-winning podcast Inflection Point leans on our 100-year archive to trace headline topics in science today back to their disparate and surprising roots. In each episode, we explore three lesser-known moments in science history that ultimately led us to current-day breakthroughs. With help from expert C&EN reporters, this show examines how discoveries from our past have shaped our present and will change our future. In the last episode of our second season, hosts David Anderson and Gina Vitale charge up the time machine to relive three historical moments that led to the lithium-ion battery. They also bring in C&EN reporter Prachi Patel to discuss the shortcomings of lithium-ion batteries, whether we're facing a lithium shortage, and new battery chemistry still on the horizon. Subscribe to Inflection Point now on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or wherever you get your podcasts.

People in this episode

Hosts: David Anderson, Gina Vitale

Guest: Prachi Patel

Topics covered

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: C&EN

Products: lithium-ion battery

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