14 DAY TRIAL // Lithium-ion batteries are usually what keeps our devices pumped with life, but as these powerhouses age, their ability to hold the charge over time decreases drastically.
But thanks to innovative research coming from Singapore, you can expect the future of Li-ion battery to be a bright one.
NTU discovers the anti-aging elixir for batteries
The scientists over at the Nanyang Technology University have developed a new type of lithium ion battery which will last much-much longer compared to their present-day counterparts.
The new batteries are capable of recharging up to 70% in just a couple of minutes, but most importantly should last for up to 20 years, which is a lot better than what can be said of your current laptop of smartphone/tablet.
How did the researchers at the Nanyang Technology University managed to develop such an efficient system? By substituting graphite with titanium dioxide nanotubes.
Some years ago, a team at the Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory demonstrated that nanotubes composed of titanium dioxide can switch their phase as a battery cycled, which results in the boosting of their operational capacity.
These findings have now been put to good use by the Nanyang team which discovered that as the battery went through several charge and discharge cycle, its internal structure began to re-arrange itself in a way that would massively benefit overall performance.
On top of that, substituting graphite with titanium dioxide nanotubes was found to speed up the battery’s chemical reactions, while at the same time boosting charging cycles to up to 10,000 instead of the current 500.
The researchers said the process of making tiny titanium tubes is relatively sweat-free and quite inexpensive. However, we don’t really know when the first products bundling this new battery technology are going to make a debut into the wild.
Judging by what the creators of the setup claim, it shouldn’t be too long before major device manufacturers start adopting the new way of building powerhouses.
The new Lithium-Ion batteries will have plenty of uses
New batteries such as these might save people a lot of money, as many of us are forced to purchase a new machine simply because the device can’t sustain charging anymore, as opposed to getting a new model because you actually need it.
Other than powering your personal gadgetry, batteries such as thee could make a real difference in the electric vehicle department. Imagine being able to charge a car within mere minutes and not having to wait long hours before you can take it out for a spin.
