Rejoice! It’s been reported that Standford University researchers have apparently managed to make rechargeable batteries store up to ten times more power than existing batteries – using nano-technology.
They used silicon nanowires in batteries for portable devices like mobile phones, which could, potentially enable a mobile battery to last 60 days on standby – rather than the current standard of around six.
Here’s the science bit… Standard Li-ion batteries’ storage power is limited by the amount of lithium stored in a battery’s anode (usually made of carbon). The anode is made of silicon it can retain more lithium, hence more power. The downside? Silicon destroys a battery’s performance and hence its long-term life-cycle.
Still with us? Well, the Standford peeps got round this by using expandable nanotechnology wires one-thousandth the thickness of a paper sheet in the anode, meaning they don’t fracture so easily (like normal silicon would). Hence better battery life. It’s probably simpler than it sounds.
Anyway, a patent’s been filed but manufacturing of the batteries won’t start until later this year. But just think – batteries lasting two months per charge! You’ll be able to go on holiday and not have to panic when you get to the airport and realise you’ve left your charger at home. Awesome!
0 Responses to “Two-month mobile battery life on the way this year!”