Sometimes progress relates to the smallest detail - quite literally in the case of lithium batteries: Scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research are honing the batteries with nanotechnology for use in electric cars. Nanostructured electrodes provide high storage capacity coupled with fast charging and discharging.
The batteries can also be charged faster if the researchers mix nanoscopic silicon dioxide particles - basically tiny grains of sand - in with the electrolytes. Ions wander to and fro between the poles in the battery through the electrolyte. The silicon dioxide separates negative and positive ions, thereby increasing the conductivity. This approach also makes the batteries sturdier and less inflammable.