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Geeky Gadgets
40 minutes ago
- Science
- Geeky Gadgets
Forget Lithium Batteries : Sodium-Based Fuel Cells Are Here
What if the future of aviation didn't rely on heavy lithium-ion batteries or complex hydrogen systems, but instead on a fuel as simple and abundant as sodium? At MIT, researchers are turning this bold vision into reality with a new sodium-based fuel cell. Capable of achieving energy densities up to five times greater than traditional lithium-ion batteries, this innovation could redefine what's possible for electric aircraft. Imagine a world where long-haul electric flights become not just feasible but efficient, all while contributing to environmental sustainability. Yet, as with any innovative technology, challenges such as power density and scalability loom large, demanding creative solutions and further exploration. In this breakdown, Ziroth uncover how this molten sodium-powered system works, why it holds such promise for aviation, and the hurdles it must overcome to take flight. From its ability to capture carbon dioxide to its dynamic weight-reduction feature, the sodium-based fuel cell offers a glimpse into a cleaner, more efficient future for air travel. But the story is far from complete—questions about environmental impact and thermal management remain unanswered. Could this technology truly transform aviation, or will its limitations ground its potential? Let's explore the possibilities and complexities of this innovative innovation. Sodium Fuel Cell Innovation The Importance of Energy Density in Aviation Energy density is a crucial factor in aviation, directly influencing the range and efficiency of electric aircraft. The sodium-based fuel cell achieves an impressive energy density of 1,000–1,400 Wh/kg, significantly surpassing the 200–300 Wh/kg range of traditional lithium-ion batteries. This four- to fivefold increase could enable electric aircraft to undertake longer flights, meeting one of the aviation industry's most pressing requirements. While increasing the sodium fuel supply can further enhance energy density, it introduces a trade-off: a reduction in power density. Balancing energy storage with power output is a key engineering challenge that must be resolved to make this technology viable for commercial aviation. Addressing this issue will require innovative design solutions and advanced materials to optimize performance without compromising efficiency. The Inner Workings of the Sodium-Based Fuel Cell The sodium-based fuel cell is built around a straightforward yet innovative design, consisting of three primary components: Molten Sodium Fuel: Heated to approximately 100°C (200°F), molten sodium serves as both the fuel and a critical element of the system. Heated to approximately 100°C (200°F), molten sodium serves as both the fuel and a critical element of the system. Beta-Alumina Solid Electrolyte (BASE): This specialized material allows sodium ions to pass through while generating electricity, acting as the core mechanism of the fuel cell. This specialized material allows sodium ions to pass through while generating electricity, acting as the core mechanism of the fuel cell. Porous Nickel-Based Foam Cathode: Assists the electrochemical reactions required to produce power efficiently. During operation, sodium ions migrate through the solid electrolyte, generating electricity as the sodium fuel is consumed. This design eliminates the need for heavy, pressurized hydrogen tanks, offering a lighter and more practical alternative to traditional fuel cells. The simplicity of the system also reduces manufacturing complexity, potentially lowering production costs and improving scalability. MIT Sodium Fuel Cell Explained Watch this video on YouTube. Dive deeper into energy with other articles and guides we have written below. Environmental Impacts and Sustainability One of the most compelling aspects of this technology is its potential environmental benefits. The sodium-based fuel cell produces water and sodium hydroxide as byproducts. Sodium hydroxide reacts with atmospheric carbon dioxide to form sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda. This reaction offers two notable environmental advantages: Carbon Capture: The process could contribute to reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, aiding efforts to combat climate change. The process could contribute to reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, aiding efforts to combat climate change. Ocean Deacidification: By neutralizing excess carbon dioxide, the technology could help mitigate the effects of ocean acidification, a growing environmental concern. However, the localized distribution of these byproducts raises questions about their long-term environmental impact. Further research is essential to evaluate and mitigate any unintended ecological consequences, making sure that the technology aligns with broader sustainability goals. Advantages Over Existing Energy Systems The sodium-based fuel cell offers several distinct advantages compared to current energy storage and generation technologies: No Pressurized Storage: Unlike hydrogen fuel cells, the sodium-based system does not require high-pressure tanks or cryogenic storage, significantly reducing weight and cost. Unlike hydrogen fuel cells, the sodium-based system does not require high-pressure tanks or cryogenic storage, significantly reducing weight and cost. Dynamic Weight Reduction: As the sodium fuel is consumed during operation, the system becomes progressively lighter. This feature mirrors the fuel consumption dynamics of conventional jet engines, enhancing efficiency and performance in aviation applications. These advantages position the sodium-based fuel cell as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cells, particularly for long-range electric flights. Its lightweight design and high energy density could enable electric aircraft to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency and performance. Challenges and Areas for Improvement Despite its potential, the sodium-based fuel cell faces several technical and practical challenges that must be addressed to enable widespread adoption: Low Power Density: The current prototype achieves a power density of only 40 W/kg, far below the levels required for commercial aviation. Enhancing power density is critical to making the technology competitive with existing systems. The current prototype achieves a power density of only 40 W/kg, far below the levels required for commercial aviation. Enhancing power density is critical to making the technology competitive with existing systems. Thermal Management: Maintaining the molten sodium at operational temperatures requires advanced thermal management systems, adding complexity and potential inefficiencies to the design. Maintaining the molten sodium at operational temperatures requires advanced thermal management systems, adding complexity and potential inefficiencies to the design. Environmental Concerns: While the carbon capture potential is promising, the localized impact of byproducts such as sodium bicarbonate needs thorough evaluation to ensure ecological safety. Overcoming these challenges will require significant advancements in materials science, engineering, and environmental research. Collaborative efforts between academia, industry, and government will be essential to accelerate the development and deployment of this promising technology. Applications and Commercialization Efforts The sodium-based fuel cell holds significant promise for the aviation industry, particularly for long-haul electric flights. Air travel accounts for approximately 10% of global transportation emissions, making it a critical target for decarbonization. By offering a lightweight, high-energy alternative to existing technologies, this innovation could play a pivotal role in reducing emissions and operational costs in the aviation sector. To bring this technology to market, a startup named Propel Aero has been established. Led by experienced clean-tech innovators, Propel Aero aims to refine the sodium-based fuel cell and scale it for commercial use. While the path to commercialization is fraught with challenges, the involvement of dedicated industry players underscores the technology's potential to transform electric aviation. As research and development efforts continue, the sodium-based fuel cell could emerge as a cornerstone of the next generation of sustainable aviation technologies. Its unique combination of high energy density, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits positions it as a compelling solution for the future of air travel. Media Credit: Ziroth Filed Under: Technology News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
News18
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Milind Soman Was Dropped From Aamir Khan's Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar For Being Unprofessional: Director
Last Updated: Mansoor Khan reveals Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar was semi-autobiographical, based on his US-return guilt, and shares how recasting Deepak Tijori saved the film. In a recent interview, director Mansoor Khan revealed that Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar wasn't a mere Bollywood remake—it was deeply personal. Speaking to SCREEN, Khan explained: 'The film is actually semi-autobiographical. A lot of Aamir Khan's character, Sanju, was actually derived from my own life." He traced Sanju's spirit back to his own return from the US after dropping out of MIT. 'I dropped out of MIT and came back from the US, and when I came back, I was a lost soul. And basically, I was feeling this guilt, that I had wasted so much of my parents' money. And now I was acting like an angry young kid who's angry with the whole world, but actually, he should be angry with himself," he said. That feeling led him to create an entire hour‑and‑forty‑minute video film in 1982 about a young man who just wants to laze around—a precursor to his feature debut. The production, however, nearly derailed early on. Khan admitted he had cast poorly and those decisions soon took a toll on the production. 'We shot for 40–45 days in and around Ooty, Coonoor, then came back to Bombay and shot a lot more, including the songs. But I could see the film was going nowhere. I won't take names, but those people were absolutely unprofessional. They made life miserable, not just for me, but for the entire crew. The film was turning out really badly, and it also nearly stalled." He even considered giving up after 40–45 days of shooting. He recalled, 'I felt like giving up. But the film's story is about getting up and winning. So in a way, life was mirroring art. We stayed quiet. We threw those guys out. They went to the press, said all kinds of nasty things about me and Aamir. But we didn't respond. Our focus was clear, we had a film to make, and a good one. And in the end, the result is in front of you." Some of those replaced tried to return later, including Milind Soman, but Khan stood firm. 'Some of those same people came back to me later, including Milind Soman. They didn't understand filmmaking. They didn't understand humility, or the director's role, or that the film is bigger than any individual, bigger than the actor, the director, or the producer. They came in with strange ideas. But again, the mistake was mine. I shouldn't have cast them." The turning point came when Deepak Tijori replaced Milind and brought the story back on track. 'Why I call it a child of destiny is because Milind went out, and Deepak came in. Deepak had actually tested with Milind… I wasn't making casting decisions properly back then." First Published: June 25, 2025, 13:45 IST
Tom's Guide
4 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
New study reveals how many people are using AI for companionship — and the results are surprising
As AI has gotten smarter and more conversational, many would have you believe that people are turning en masse to chatbots for relationships, therapy and friendship. However, that doesn't appear to be the case. In a new report from Anthropic, the makers of Claude AI, they've revealed some key information on how people are using chatbots. Analyzing 4.5 million conversations, the AI company painted a picture of how people use them. Anthropic claims these conversations were fed through a system that inputs multiple layers of anonymity to avoid breaks in privacy. While the research produces a long list of findings, the key thing to note is that just 2.9% of Claude AI interactions are emotive conversations. Companionship and roleplay relationships made up just 0.5%. Anthropic found that, for the vast majority of people, their AI tool was mainly used for work tasks and content creation. Of those seeking affection-based conversations, 1.13% used it for coaching, and only 0.05% used it for romantic conversations. This aligns with similar results to ChatGPT. A study by OpenAI and MIT found that a limited number of people use AI chatbots for any kind of emotional engagement. Just like with Anthropic, the vast majority of people on ChatGPT use it for work or content creation. Even in low numbers, there is a fierce debate over whether AI should be used for these roles. 'The emotional impacts of AI can be positive: having a highly intelligent, understanding assistant in your pocket can improve your mood and life in all sorts of ways,' Anthropic states in their research blog post. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. 'But AIs have in some cases demonstrated troubling behaviors, like encouraging unhealthy attachment, violating personal boundaries, and enabling delusional thinking.' They are quick to point out that Claude isn't designed for emotional support and connection, but that they wanted to analyse its ability to perform this task anyway. In the analysis, Anthropic found that those who did use it typically dealt with deeper issues like mental health and loneliness. Others used it for coaching, aiming to better themselves in different skills or personality aspects. The report offers a balanced assessment of the situation, showing that there can be success in this area, but also detailing the risks, especially where Claude AI rarely steps in and offers endless encouragement — a point that Anthropic acknowledges as a risky topic to address.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Science
- Yahoo
ChatGPT could affect your critical thinking skills, study finds
MIT researchersconducted a study analyzing the impact using ChatGPT in writing tasks can have on brain activity. The study is part ofMIT's Media Lab project called"Your Brain on ChatGPT," which is designed to assess the cognitive effect of relying on large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT when authoring essays. Dig deeper Approximately 54 people between the ages of 18 and 39 participated in the study. The individuals were divided into three groups to compose several essays. RELATED: ChatGPT may be smart enough to graduate law school One group was allowed to use ChatGPT; the second, Google search; and the third, no AI tools at all. An electroencephalography (EEG) headset was used by the participants while writing to measure the participants' brain activity across 32 regions of the brain. Each patient drafted essays in three sessions and in a fourth session, some participants were reassigned. The individuals who used ChatGPT transitioned to writing unaided (called "LLM-to-Brain") while some who started the brain-only exercise used the LLM ("Brain-to-LLM") RELATED: ChatGPT outperformed doctors in diagnostic accuracy, study reveals The participants' essays were scored by both human teachers and an AI judge, and at the conclusion of the assignment, each person was interviewed following the sessions with researchers asking them about how much they felt they owned their writing. Researchers determined that of the three groups in the study, the ChatGPT users experienced the lowest brain engagement. The team concluded that their study has limitations that they document in their report and website and that more research is needed to better understand the use of ChatGPT in various parts of daily life. The Source Information for this story was provided by an MIT study, which is part of the MIT Media project "Your Brain on ChatGPT." This story was reported from Washington, D.C.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Is Using ChatGPT to Write Your Essay Bad for Your Brain?
TIME reporter Andrew Chow discussed the findings of a new study about how ChatGPT affects critical thinking with Nataliya Kosymyna. Kosymyna was part of a team of researchers at MIT's Media Lab who set out to determine whether ChatGPT and large language models (LLMs) are eroding critical thinking, and the study returned some concerning results. The study divided 54 subjects into three groups, and asked them to write several essays using OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's search engine, and nothing at all, respectively. Researchers used an EEG to record the writers' brain activity. What they found was that of the three groups, the ChatGPT users had the lowest brain engagement and consistently underperformed at neural, linguistic and behavioral levels. Over the course of several months, the ChatGPT users got lazier with each subsequent essay, often resorting to copy and paste. Contact us at letters@
