Battery Life Breakthrough Could Increase Capacity by 800%

Photo of Professor Cho Jaephil via Hanyang University

Could this man be responsible for extending laptop battery life to 16 or 32 hours? A team of researchers at South Korea's Hanyung University led by professor Cho Jaephil (pictured), has claimed a breakthrough that could extend lithium ion battery charge life up to 8 times current values. Such a breakthrough is big news, not just for shiny gadgets but for electric vehicles and micro-generation as well. What is the key to the breakthrough?

The limiting factor in current battery technology is the ability of the cathode material, graphite, to store lithium ions. Cho Jaephil's team applied a three-dimensional porous silicon, which can hold up to eight times more lithium ions. Patent applications are being applied for, and potential applications in solar panel technology may be next on the Hanyung team's agenda.

Thanks to Tipster Henry Finn!

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