3-D Batteries Charge Faster

A new battery system could benefit electric vehicles by decreasing their battery charging time drastically.

The system, developed by researchers at the University of Illinois, combines the quick release power of a capacitor with the battery's ability to store large amounts of energy.

By forming the thin film of the battery's active material into a 3-D structure, the battery's storage capacity has been increased.

The new battery can also charge and discharge up to 100 times faster than conventional batteries.

In addition to applications with electric vehicles, the new technology could also allow mobile devices to recharge in seconds and lead to the development of lasers or defibrillators that don't need to warm up between pulses.