Groundbreaking new battery tech recharges in seconds

A team of MIT scientists have invented a new battery technology that is able to recharge in mere seconds. Best of all, this breakthrough simply enhances traditional lithium batteries – the kind found throughout all manner of rechargeable tech, from mobile phones and MP3 players, up to electric cars – so there’s a much better chance of it actually reaching our pockets in the near future.    The MIT boffins discovered that changes to the surface of the lithium iron phosphate electrode allowed it to absorb ions 100 times faster than normal. The upshot:  ultra-fast charging.   The report of their findings was published in Nature. “The ability to charge and discharge batteries in a matter of seconds rather than hours may open up new technological applications and induce lifestyle changes," it concluded.   Finally, we’ll be able to crack a shiny new mobile out of its box and play with it straight away without having to wait forever for ... (link)