- More than 2 years ago
Thickets of microscopic silicon wires can dramatically boost the storage capacity of batteries, at least in the lab.
Lithium-ion batteries power most modern portable gadgets. During use, lithium ions detach from carbon sheets in an anode and migrate to a cathode. During recharge, the lithium ions make the opposite trip.
A carbon anode can accommodate about one lithium ion for every six carbon atoms.