Scientists all over the world are trying different methods and materials for batteries that charge faster.
One such attempt by researchers at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee could lead to the development of batteries that can be recharged in 30 seconds and discharge in days.
The scientists have developed batteries containing ‘quantum dots’ made of iron pyrite, also known as ‘fool’s gold,’ that can significantly speed up the time it takes to charge the batteries and also stand up to tens of thousands of cycles.
Quantum dots are nanoparticles made of a semi-conducting material that are 10,000 times narrower than human hair. Quantum dots are so tiny that each experimental battery is packed with around 50 million of them. These dots can be altered to have unique electrical properties like the ability to generate charge when strained.
The use of quantum dots made from iron pyrite or ‘fool’s gold is remarkable since it is one of the most abundant and readily available materials on Earth.
