This study solely focuses on the very first charge. It doesn't claim that recharging at high currents benefits battery life, only that the first charge at high current forms a larger protective barrier than a first charge at a low current.
Other studies have shown that a larger protective barrier improves lifespan. (See other comments on this thread for more details on the science.)
Some early Microchip LiIon chargers did not split the cycle into 3 to 4 stages (pre-prep, CC-prep, and CV rapid charge).
i.e. they would drop into a constant-voltage rapid charge mode assuming the cell was prepped already.
None of these systems showed any sort of increased capacity or longevity. Quite the contrary results, this is why the new study details are rather intriguing. =3
There is a lot of what-ifs in the poorly written press release.
In general, we track the internal resistance (+-0.02ohm for Samsung) of the inventory under both new, charged, discharging, and storage levels. While I don't doubt the Papers results, they need to be clear on the methodology so others can validate it is not BS (common in this area.)
This study solely focuses on the very first charge. It doesn't claim that recharging at high currents benefits battery life, only that the first charge at high current forms a larger protective barrier than a first charge at a low current.
Other studies have shown that a larger protective barrier improves lifespan. (See other comments on this thread for more details on the science.)