Lithium Battery Life Increased Eightfold
Researchers at Hanyang University in Seoul, South Korea announced today that they have developed new technology that could extend the life of lithium batteries by eight or more times. The research team, led by applied chemistry professor Cho Jae-phil, says that the technology can be applied to both laptop and mobile phone batteries.
The researchers were able to achieve these results by replacing graphite as the main material in the negative electrode. They used three-dimensional porous silicon particles made from silica and hydrogen fluoride instead. Though scientists have known about silicon's potential to be used in rechargeable batteries they haven't been able to use it effectively because it expands when it comes into contact with lithium. The porosity of these silicon particles negates the expansion caused by the lithium.
The team has applied for four basic technology patents in South Korea, the United States and the European Union. According to Cho commercial production could begin within four or five years. He added that the team is now working on merging the technology with solar panels.
It's about time some progress was made with battery technology. Seems like that was the one area that has not been progressing in leaps and bounds. Kudos to the South Koreans. Too bad we still have to wait four to five years.
[via TMCnet]
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