The latest research into rechargeable lithium-ion batteries suggests that battery life of 8 or more hours is one step closer to reality. Researchers at the Argonne National Laboratory have come up with a new way of building lithium-based rechargeable batteries allowing them to reach charge-storage capacities of more than 250 mAh/g, about twice the capacity of current batteries.
The new technology is based on a “manganese-rich” nano-crystalline, layered-composite structure that is used as material for the positive electrode. According to an early announcement, the researchers are using a uses a two-component “composite” structure: An active component for charge storage is embedded in an inactive component that stabilizes the structure. It would work in nearly all lithium-based rechargeable batteries, from mobile devices right up to hybrid cars.
Unfortunately, there is no word on when this technology could go into mass production.