Lithium batteries that are made from asphalt have the capability of charging 10 to 20 times faster than commercial lithium-ion batteries, effectively charging a phone in just five minutes, a new study reveals. Researchers at Rice University in Houston, Texas are looking at replacing lithium-ion batteries with lithium-air and lithium metal batteries coupled with an unlikely ingredient – asphalt – to make batteries that charge faster and are less likely to short-circuit.
“The capacity of these batteries is enormous, but what is equally remarkable is that we can bring them from zero charge to full charge in five minutes, rather than the typical two hours or more needed with other batteries,” said Rice lab chemist James Tour.
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