Scientists develop fast-charging sodium-ion batteries with safer design than lithium-ion; new carbon-based electrolyte improves energy density, charge speeds for grid storage and devices.

Days numbered for 'risky' lithium-ion batteries, scientists say, after fast-charging breakthrough in…

(Image credit: MirageC/Getty Images) Newly developed sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries could offer much faster charging speeds, higher energy density and improvements in safety compared with conventional lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, scientists say.Using Na-ion batteries, an alternative to the Li-ion batteries found in the majority of today's devices, researchers at the Tokyo University of Science used a new carbon-based electrolyte to improve Na-ion energy density and charge speeds.All batteries ...