Discovering the mechanism that prevents smartphone batteries from losing energy

Over time, even when not in use, smartphone or laptop batteries lose power and cannot return to their original capacity.

Researchers from the US Department of Energy (DOE) have just discovered the mechanism that leads to this phenomenon, and promise to have an effective solution to prevent it.

In a typical lithium-ion battery, lithium ions in an electrolyte solution move between two electrodes, creating a flow of electrons that powers the device. The capacity of a battery is simply the amount of lithium ions that make the cycle between the two electrodes during charging and discharging.

DOE discovered that the battery's electrodes degrade, releasing certain metal ions called Manganese. These ions float freely and try to reach the opposite electrode, creating a reaction that traps lithium ions.

Over time as more ions are trapped, the battery's energy level gradually drops to some less-than-ideal level.

DOE researchers say they may have found a way to prevent this, which could mean big changes for today's electronics industry.

According to VNN