In this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast, we chat about applications for quantum computers with Jungsang Kim, who is co-founder and chief technology officer of IonQ. The US-based company uses trapped ions as qubits in its quantum processors and Kim explains the advantages that this brings. He also talks about a recent agreement between IonQ and the carmaker Hyundai. This will have IonQ’s quantum computers simulate the structure and energy of lithium oxide, which is used in batteries.

Staying on an energy-storge theme, our second guest is Glenn Mather of the Institute of Ceramics and Glass at the Autonomous University of Madrid. The physical chemist explains how fuel cells are playing an important role in decarbonizing the economy and talks about the challenges of boosting fuel-cell performance.