Army Scientists Send Batteries Through Boot Camp, Increase Energy Density by 30 Percent

“This 30 percent is actually quite a big deal”

US Army Research Laboratory scientists have made a major breakthrough in increasing single-cell battery energy density by an astounding 30 percent.

A small group of Army Scientists developed a new additive compound that’s mixed into the batteries’ electrolyte. The scientists believe that their patented substance “preferentially” reacts with the electrode to form a stable interface that allows the battery to operate at a level beyond their normal voltage.

A single-cell battery can normally output a maximum of four volts. A battery treated with this new substance, however, can push five volts. It might seem like a small change, but it is actually a 30 percent increase in energy density.