Following five years of research, this team lead by Gerbrand Ceder, a professor of materials, science and engineering has discovered that lithium ions, commonly used in today’s batteries, can actually move much quicker than previously thought from the anode to the cathode to create a charge.

Professor Ceder commented: "If transport of the lithium ions was so fast, something else had to be the problem."

"The ability to charge and discharge batteries in a matter of seconds rather than hours may open up new technological applications and induce lifestyle changes."

Professor Gerbrand Ceder
Massachusetts Institute of Technologies

He and his colleagues set about re-engineering a material which allows electrical charge to pass more rapidly through it, making way for a new generation of batteries that could recharge almost instantly. The researchers created a prototype device which was able to charge in 10-20 seconds as compared to an equivalent battery made from non-modified material which required 6 minutes.

It seems that in order to achieve these higher speeds, ions need to find their way though ‘tunnels’ which lead from the surface of the material. Ceder’s research group succeeded in creating a new surface structure which allows ions to move in a rapid circular motion around the battery like a ring road around a city. As they reach a tunnel they are instantly diverted into it.

All that remains is to industrialise the manufacturing process and this could happen sooner rather than later since two anonymous companies have already purchased the licence.

Ceder concludes in a report with graduate student Byoungwoo Kang that: "the ability to charge and discharge batteries in a matter of seconds rather than hours may open up new technological applications and induce lifestyle changes.”

Indeed. But let’s not forget the sure fire way to instantly recharge your own batteries, which is simply to switch off your laptop and mobile telephone altogether.