Lithium batteries can charge 10 to 20 times faster when using asphalt. That's the result of research by scientists at Rice University.
The scientists made one part of a battery using carbon derived from the viscous asphalt. The batteries were then found to be fully charged in minutes. Moreover, using asphalt prevents the formation of sediment which shortens battery life.
Faster charging
The capacity of asphalt batteries is large. Only a few minutes are needed to charge the battery from 0 to 100 per cent, instead of the usual two or more hours. The batteries are made of carbon derived from asphalt and mixed with graphene nanoparticles and then coated with lithium metal. This manufacturing process is simpler than previous techniques employed by the researchers.
Meanwhile, to ensure the stability of the new technology, the scientists charged and discharged prototype batteries hundreds of times. During these tests, the batteries were also found to suffer less from so-called lithium branching. The build-up of these causes a battery's lifespan to gradually decrease.
Rice University scientists are not alone in their quest for fast-charging batteries. Earlier this year, StoreDot announced the introduction of fast-charging batteries. Tesla, Qualcomm and numerous other companies are also making rapid progress.
