Even as the world relies on mobile devices and the electric vehicle may soon become a mass-market reality, we’re still at the mercy of limited fuel cell technology. Currently, battery life is one of the biggest restrictions when it comes to developing new tech and determining how it can be used.
But, if this new development in a safer, quick charging battery goes from prototype to end product, it could completely change the way we build and utilize electronics.
Development Of A Breakthrough Battery
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a breakthrough battery using aluminum. While aluminum fuel cells have been created in the past, this new prototype generates approximately two volts of electricity, which is higher than previous aluminum batteries and a roughly .5 volt increase in the AA and AAA batteries that we use everyday.
The new battery is also rapidly rechargeable—capable of returning full power to a smartphone in just one minute—safer than lithium-ion batteries and more environmental friendly than alkaline batteries.
Ample Benefits Over Alternatives
According to Stanford University’s Hingjie Dai, a professor of chemistry, the new battery doesn’t carry the same fire hazard of lithium-ion batteries—which are used in most consumer electronics and other rechargeable devices. According to Dai, “Our new battery won’t catch fire, even if you drill through it.”
In addition to improved safety, reduced charging time, and the ecofriendly benefits, the aluminum battery is said to be more durable and long-lasting, capable of withstanding 7,500 charge-discharge cycles without loss of capacity. This is a significant improvement over the 100 charge cycle lifespan of previous aluminum battery models and even over typical lithium-ion batteries, which last 1,000 cycles on average.
Why Aluminum?
Last but not least—especially when you consider how electronic devices are now getting thinner and thinner, and can even be flexed in your back pocket– the new aluminum battery can be bent and folded. Anyone who has worked with aluminum also knows its affordability and beneficial strength-to-weight ratio makes it a versatile choice for a number of products in many industries.
So are we now on our way to a consumer electronics, fuel cell revolution?
Many device manufacturers have put big investments towards batteries that rapid charge and suit the demands of busy smartphone and tablet users—who are as tough on their devices as ever.
Has that breakthrough technology finally arrived?
Article Sources:
http://mashable.com
http://www.theguardian.com
http://phys.org
If what this young researcher (engineer, technician or whatever his profession may be) is accurate in what he is saying, then I am willing to believe that this technology can truly be a game changer. Maybe we are witnessing the genesis or a new era – the next generation of mobile devices. It feels like we are at a tipping point in the mobile revolution.