Researchers at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, say they have developed lithium sulfur (Li-S) batteries that have twice the energy density of traditional lithium-ion batteries, but that is only half of the story. The other news is that those lithium sulfur batteries can charge and discharge faster than conventional batteries and are also lighter and less costly to produce. The benefits — assuming the new technology can move out of the lab and into commercial production — are longer range, faster charging electric cars and battery-powered aircraft. The breakthrough that makes all this possible it a catalyst closely related to betadine, a common household antiseptic. READ FULL ARTICLE