http://news-service.stanford.edu/news/2008/january9/nanowire-010908.html

Opening quote:

Stanford researchers have found a way to use silicon nanowires to reinvent the rechargeable lithium- ion batteries that power laptops, iPods, video cameras, cell phones, and countless other devices.

The new version, developed through research led by Yi Cui, assistant professor of materials science and engineering, produces 10 times the amount of electricity of existing lithium-ion, known as Li-ion, batteries. A laptop that now runs on battery for two hours could operate for 20 hours, a boon to ocean-hopping business travelers.

"It's not a small improvement," Cui said. "It's a revolutionary development."

thanks to jimbo at kos for the news.

Battery storage is a huge deal in terms of limiting carbon emissions. Lightweight, efficient batteries make the notion of running cars and trucks on geothermal energy, offshore turbine power, solar and wind a real possibility. Imagine riding your bike behind a city bus and inhaling... fresh air.

Let's see what becomes of this one.