Scientists develop battery that charges in seconds

South Korean scientists have engineered a groundbreaking battery capable of ultra-fast charging, poised to revolutionize energy storage.

Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries prevalent in devices like electric cars and smartphones, this innovative battery harnesses the power of sodium, offering enhanced safety and affordability.

Sodium, abundantly available and 500 times more plentiful than lithium, exhibits superior charging efficiency. Despite previous hurdles such as prolonged charging periods and limited storage capacity, researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have overcome these challenges.

Their solution? A pioneering sodium-ion battery amalgamating elements from supercapacitors—a technology utilized in electric vehicle braking systems and wind turbine adjustments.

This fusion has birthed a high-energy sodium-ion battery capable of swift charging, surpassing the capabilities of current lithium-ion counterparts in energy density.

The implications are vast, extending to consumer electronics and electric vehicles. Lead researcher Professor Jeung Ku Kang from KAIST's materials science and engineering department highlights the hybrid sodium-ion energy storage device's remarkable specs: boasting an energy density of 247 Wh/kg and a power density of 34,748 W/kg, facilitating rapid charging.