Stanford researchers invent aluminium batteries that charge in 1 minute

Researchers at Stanford have invented a new technology in battery, building an aluminium battery that is flexible and can be charged in 1 minute.

As use of smartphones escalate, the issue of battery backup continues to grow forcing people to carry along charging cables or powerbank everywhere. This battery, in contrast to lithium-ion batteries promises to be cheaper, safer and last longer, the researchers assured.

The battery contains negatively charged aluminium anode and positively charged graphite cathode suspended on a ionic liquid electrolyte which can be housed in polymer-coated pouches making them flexible as fell as less susceptible to fire and explosions.

However, the challenge at present is to find materials capable of producing sufficient voltage after repeated cycles of charging and discharging so that these batteries can be used commercially. Currently they can offer only half the voltage of existing lithium-ion batteries. 'But improving the cathode material could eventually increase the voltage and energy density. Otherwise, our battery has everything else you'd dream that a battery should have: inexpensive electrodes, good safety, high-speed charging, flexibility and long cycle life. I see this as a new battery in its early days. It's quite exciting,’ says lead author and professor of chemistry at the university, Hongjie Dai.