A new battery-charging method using an oscillating field: Amplitude and frequency dependence of charging time*

We propose a new charging method for Lithium-ion batteries, based on large-scale molecular dynamics studies. By applying an additional oscillating field to the constant charging field, one can charge a Lithium-ion battery in a fraction of the time originally needed. The additional field not only increases the diffusion rate, but also enhances intercalation of the Lithium ions into the graphite electrode. Our simulations show an exponential dependance of the Lithium ion intercalation time on the amplitude of the additional oscillating field. The dependence of the charging time or intercalation time on the frequency of the additional field will also be discussed.