Boffins at Northwestern University working on lithium-ion batteries have worked out a way to make them last a lot longer. By layering clusters of silicon in between the graphene sheets that make up one side of the battery - known as the anode - the researchers were able to pack in a lot more lithium.

The researchers poked holes in the graphene, providing a shortcut for the lithium to travel through and be stored by a reaction with the silicon. What it means is that by tweaking traditional lithium-ion technology it is possible to last a week and can be charged in 15 minutes. Sadly though it will be another four years before this technology hits the shops.

More here.