Chinese technology company Huawei recently unveiled its prototype for lithium-ion batteries that can charge in just minutes, according to BBC News. The highest capacity battery charged to 48 percent in just five minutes and has the potential to provide up to 10 hours of talk time. The company says that it used heteroatoms in the design of the batteries in order to increase their charging speed without decreasing their lifespan.
"[We] bonded heteroatoms to the molecule of graphite in anode, which could be a catalyst for the capture and transmission of lithium through carbon bonds," the company said.
Quick-charging batteries are becoming increasingly popular among technology firms - Qualcomm announced its own fast-juicing battery back in September, although it only boasts a 35-minute charge time for 80 percent battery life, according to PC Magazine.
Although Huawei's quick-charging battery shows plenty of promise, it may be a while before you actually get to use it for yourself. As of now, a special charger is needed in order to use the technology, and the company has not yet divulged how long we will have to wait before the technology is ready for the mobile market, according to Engadget.
"Huawei is confident that this breakthrough in quick-charging batteries will lead to a new revolution in electronic devices, especially with regard to mobile phones, electric vehicles, wearable devices, and mobile power supplies," the company said. "Soon, we will all be able to charge our batteries to full power in the time it takes to grab a coffee!"
