Lithium breakthroughs just around the corner?

Who can make the best lithium anode

Interesting article in Technology Review regarding new techniques for developing lithium-ion batteries - breakthroughs that could instantly double the range of battery-powered vehicles. A number of researchers have been working on developing cost-effective ways of creating nanoporous silicon electrodes, with positive results, although many still believe that mass-production of such materials would be too cost-prohibitive for use in autos.

Still, while nanoporous silicon might not be the next big thing in batteries, most researchers believe that there is still a lot of potential to tap into when it comes to lithium batteries. Unlike the NiMH batteries powering today's hybrid cars, the upside potential of lithium batteries is still huge.

Interestingly, another piece of research cited in the report was the "impressive" work that GM demonstrated in September using silicon-coated carbon fibers in their lithium anodes.