Researchers at the University of Cambridge in the UK have found that lithium ions move 'hundreds of times faster' through materials known as nobium tungsten oxides than through the usual ceramic material used in battery systems.
It is the speed of such ions during recharging that decides how fast the process is.
According to the researchers, the nobium tungsten oxides are also easy and cheap to make, without requiring special chemicals or solvents.
The work shows promise for a wide range of regular uses of recharging batteries, including electric buses and cars, batteries for solar power storage, and smartphones and computers.
