Iron reaches unprecedented energy state, hinting at future of low-cost batteries

By Neetika Walter – Interesting Engineering

Iron, one of Earth’s most common and unassuming metals, has just surprised scientists.

A Stanford-led team has discovered how to push iron into a higher-energy state than ever seen before, a feat that could reshape the future of lithium-ion batteries and other energy technologies.

The breakthrough shows that iron can release and reabsorb more electrons than previously thought possible, potentially enabling batteries that are both more powerful and far cheaper than today’s cobalt- or nickel-based versions.