Laser technology paves the way for a new generation of batteries

The main pillar of a sustainable future is a reliable energy system using renewable sources. One of the biggest challenges in reaching this aim is energy storage. Ultra-fast laser pulses are now used to improve today’s rechargeable Li-ion batteries, resulting in an increase of the electrode’s capacity by up to 60% and a lifetime extended by 30%! Physicist Dr. Miguel Ángel Muñoz-Márquez is group leader of Advanced Interface Analysis at CIC energiGUNE in Álava, Spain and he specialises in battery research. He explains why laser surface treatment is the key to sustainable batteries.