User blog:Glflegolas/Public Service Announcement -- Decreased activity

Good day everyone,

As you might have guessed from the title, or from my decreased activity over the past week, I will be less active than usual over the next few months. In fact, to be specific, I will be less active than usual until the end of August.

What's the reason, Glflegolas?
Contrary to belief, the reason why I won't be as active as before is not because of rumours the wiki's community aspect is waning, or the like (I think these rumours are false, but whatever). The actual reason for my decreased activity is because I'm working as a research assistant for a professor that's trying to improve Li-ion batteries for Tesla Motors.

What are you working on?
Unfortunately, I won't be able to provide you with too many details. Any new research I do must be approved by Tesla before it's published, this is to prevent competitors from gaining access to classified information. What I will tell you, however, is that I'm working on improving the materials used in the electrolyte and the positive electrode in order to make Li-ion batteries cheaper, have a higher charge density, and last longer.

What is a Li-ion battery exactly? How does it work?
A Li-ion battery is a rechargeable battery that uses graphite for the negative electrode and a lithium-metal-oxide for the positive electrode. The electrode is typically a carbonate ester. If you want to know more about how a Li-ion battery works, please Google it, because in truth, nobody fully understands the reactions that go on in there, though we do have a few clues.

Where is a Li-ion battery found?
Portable electronic devices. Your cellphone, laptop, and the like are likely powered by a Li-ion battery. They're also used in many electric cars, for example the Tesla Model S and the Model 3. Li-ion batteries should not be confused with lithium batteries, which are non-rechargeable batteries most often used in digital cameras.

Why are Li-ion batteries so attractive?
They have a high charge density. That means, they pack a lot of power into a little space. They are also rechargeable, and between 80 and 90% efficient.

So, with all this research, what will you be doing on the wiki?
Over the next few months, I'll try to focus mostly on page edits. I will answer questions on my message wall, and questions you may have about Li-ion batteries (please ask them in the comments below), though I might not answer them right away. I will likely not be doing much forum moderation or banning of unruly users, but you might see me in chat occasionally, and I would like to be consulted if major global changes are planned.

Thanks for your understanding,

Glflegolas (admin) Send a Messenger  13:40, May 7, 2016 (UTC)