Leading the Charge

🔋 How it works: Their research focused on rechargeable lithium batteries similar to those found in cell phones, laptops, and EVs. 

As these batteries cycle, they accumulate islands of inactive lithium cut off from the electrodes, decreasing its overall capacity to store charge.

• The research team was able to make these islands of discarded lithium physically move back towards the electrodes by briefly discharging electricity.
• Once the lithium inches its way back to one of the electrodes, it becomes reconnected to the system, extending the battery's lifetime by nearly 30%.

👁️ Looking ahead… The researchers hope their discovery will be used to create rechargeable batteries with lighter weight, longer lifetimes, improved safety, and faster charging speeds than current lithium-ion technology.