Scientists from Stanford University (USA) have developed a compact aluminum battery that looks like a piece of kitchen foil.

The new battery negative electrode (anode) is made of aluminum, and a positively charged (cathode) – graphite. They are in a liquid salt solution that serves as the electrolyte.

The battery is able to work during 7,500 charge cycles without loss of capacity. This is significantly better than lithium-ion batteries, which tend to lose capacity after 1000 cycles.

Furthermore, the battery is charged very rapidly, reaching full charge in about one minute.

It combines aluminum battery reliability and safety of the lithium, but it has several drawbacks. In particular, the battery voltage may issue only 2 volts, that is half of the voltage of lithium batteries. It can not boast and power, giving no more than 40 watts per kilogram (compared to 200 watts for lithium-ion batteries).

However, the creators are determined to launch their invention into production – at least for those who need phenomenally fast charging speed.