The silicon-carbon batteries they represent one of the most promising innovations in the portable energy sector, with the potential to revolutionize the autonomy and performance of the smartphone. Batteries are an essential component of modern electronic devices, and in recent years the research has focused on new technologies capable of increasing their efficiency. We could soon attend one new generation Mobile devices with more powerful batteries, faster recharges and a longer duration, significantly improving the experience of use for millions of users all over the world. This technology, which could soon be used by Samsungis able to offer a higher energy density of 12.8% Compared to lithium -ion batteries and may also find employment for electric machines. But how exactly do silicon-carbon batteries work and what advantages do they offer compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries?
What are silicon-carbon batteries and how they work
Currently, most of the batteries used in smartphones are based on technology to lithium ionswith Anodi in graphite. However, graphite has limits in terms of energy accumulation capacity. The siliconon the other hand, can store up to 10 times more lithium compared to graphite, making it an ideal material to improve batteries.
The silicon-carbon batteries They are an evolution of the Lithium ion batteriesin which the graphite anode is partially replaced with a composite of silicon e carbon. Carbon has the function of stabilizing silicon, which tends to expand and contract during the charge and discharge cycles, thus avoiding problems of structural degradation and increasing the battery life.
Silicon-carbon batteries vs lithium battery: the advantages
The integration of silicon in the anods of the batteries brings several benefits:
- Greater energy capacity: silicon is able to accumulate a much higher quantity of lithium than graphite, increasing the overall battery capacity.
- Reduced charging times: The silicon-carbon batteries allow a faster recharge compared to traditional lithium ions, thanks to the greater electric conductivity of the composite.
- Greater duration over time: The integration of carbon helps to reduce the degradation of the battery, prolonging its useful life.
- Greater energy efficiency: silicon-carbon batteries reduce energy losses during charge and download cycles, improving the overall performance of the smartphone.
Future applications in smartphones
Many smartphones producers, including Samsungare already investing in this technology to improve the autonomy of devices. Companies like Tesla, Amprius Technologies And Sila nanotechnologies They are developing silicon-carbon batteries for commercial applications, and it is expected that in the coming years this technology will be adopted on a large scale also in the mobile sector.
Among the possible applications of new generation smartphones we find:
- Smartphone with extensive autonomy: thanks to the greater accumulation capacity, the devices could guarantee two or more days of use with a single charge.
- Ultra-pitched top-up: The charging times could be drastically reduced, passing from over an hour less than 30 minutes for a complete recharge.
- Thinner and lighter devices: With more efficient batteries, producers will be able to reduce the thickness of smartphones without sacrificing autonomy.
At present, a smartphone with these new generation batteries has already been launched on the market. This is the Honor Magic 6 Pro. The Chinese house worked on one drums silicon-carbon which allows you to store greater energy to the same density as lithium -ion batteries. An approach that allows the device to offer a clearly above average autonomy.
The challenges to overcome
Despite the numerous advantages, there are still some technical challenges to face before the silicon-carbon batteries become a standard. The main problem is related tovolumetric expansion of silicon during charge and discharge cycles, which can lead to mechanical stress and reduction of battery life. However, the use of composite materials such as carbon is already mitigating this problem.
In addition, i costs of production are still high compared to traditional lithium -ion batteries, but with the progress of research and the development of more efficient production processes, a progressive reduction in costs is expected, making this technology always more accessible.
