While software and hardware technologies are increasing their capabilities at a rapid pace, the technology that builds batteries don't evolve much. Most smartphones last only a day with a single charge with persistent usage.
In its paper at Nature Communications, Samsung has been researching one making better batteries, with the breakthrough of using graphene a strong, durable and highly conductive material instead of lithium.
The company has developed the carbon allotrope into what it’s calling a ‘graphene ball’ (a 3D structure synthesized from silicon dioxide).
Graphene balls have the ability on the cathode to suppress damaging side reactions while also providing efficient conductive pathways. Because graphene features 140 times faster electron mobility than silicon, this enables it to charge faster. and can withstand more number of recharge cycles.
Samsung claims that the battery made with this material can hold 45 percent more capacity than a lithium one of the same size because it has a 27.6 percent higher volumetric energy density. It can also recharge fully in just 12 minutes (5 times faster than lithium).
Furthermore, the cell also retains 78.6 percent of its capacity after 500 cycles at between 5°C and 60°C.
That temperature range is able to make hardware components to last longer.
The researchers working on the project noted that they discovered the graphene ball material while looking for a way to mass synthesize graphene, for its high strength and conductivity.
By fusing it with silica, the material can be shaped into balls, and utilized for both the anode protective layer and cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries.
This allows for the previously mentioned benefits of faster charging and increased capacity.
Samsung has applied for two patents on the technology.
