One of the clearest indications that batteries – after an immensely long history that predates every other kind of electric technology – are only now reaching their apogee is that they are finally everywhere. Previously, batteries had their essential uses in powering smaller electrical devices andin cars but, these days, everybodyalways carries a battery with them – in their smartphone.
Specifically, there was one breakthrough that made this application of batteries possible – the development of the li-ion battery in the early nineties. After this breakthrough, which took some time thereafter to develop and refine, portable electronic devicesfrom laptops to cell phonesbecame possible.
After that, li-ion batteries soon set to work replacing other kinds of batteries in the more traditional applications as well. For a good modern example of this, just look at the new USB C AAA rechargeable smart batteries produced by tech start-up Pale Blue Earth.
This battery technology, as well as smart battery management system, has now been integrated into the traditional AAA household rechargeable batteries. Andas we all know, li-ion batteries eventually made the EV revolution possible.
But is this the end of the development of batteries in the context of personal use technology? Not by a long shot. Much research and development are currently being invested in making the batteries which power our electronic devices more powerful, able to hold more charge, and to recharge significantly faster.
This is means that it is impossible to think about the future of smartphone technology without also considering the one thing that most smartphone users would like to see – better and longer-lasting batteries. This is indeed something we could see very soon;perhaps sooner than you think.
The Power of Nano
One new battery technology that seems certain to revolutionize smartphone batteries and provide precisely this longevity is NanoBolt lithium tungsten batteries. This recent breakthrough works by creating a web-like nano structure within the batteries composed of lithiumtungsten.
The great advantage of this is that it massive expands the surface area of the electrolyte substance within the batteries, thereby allowing many times more ions to bond to the substances and transfer charge. This is all down to the shape of the structure, and so the amount of actual material used – or the size and weight of the battery – is not increased.
The result, however, is batteries which can hold significantly more charge and recharge significantly quicker. With this technology in mind, it is easy to see how smartphone batteries which charge in minutes and then last for a week could indeed become a reality.
Sustainability
Another challenge which new battery technology is seeking to overcome is one which has come from the batteries themselves. Lithium is not a sustainable material; it is expensive and environmentally harmful to mine. When we consider that a great deal of lithium is going to be needed if EVs are going to dominate our roads within the next few decades, it is easy to see what the environmental challenge is.
One way around this is to find other materials for batteries. But another is that the longer lasting batteries, such as those just described, will mean less battery waste. If your smartphone lasts for much longer, youwill not be tossing away as many.
Conclusion
So, what can we expect from the future of smartphones? It seems likely that new smartphone technology will be concerned precisely the same challenges all battery technology is trying to overcome.
That does not just mean longer lasting smartphones, but more powerful ones too. The environment toowill hopefully be a beneficiary of this technological development.