Carbon-friendly battery can power smartphone for days

What may be the world’s most efficient lithium-sulphur battery is capable of powering a smartphone continuously for five days

Spotted: Tired of having your phone run out of battery power at that crucial moment? Researchers at Monash University’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have an answer. They have developed what may be the world’s most efficient lithium-sulphur battery, which is capable of powering a smartphone continuously for five days.

Lithium-sulphur batteries offer up to five times more energy per weight than lithium-ion batteries but have a much shorter lifespan. One reason for this is that the storage capacity of the sulphur electrode is so large that the bonds become stressed and quickly break apart. 

The researchers, led by Dr Mahdokht Shaibani, have overcome this drawback by using a new type of bonding architecture which gives the sulphur particles more space. This creates ultra-strong bonds between the carbon matrix and sulphur particles in the battery, allowing it to expand during charging.  This, in turn, gives a higher level of stability and efficiency.

In tests, the new batteries achieved a 99 per cent efficiency rate, enough to allow an electric vehicle to drive for 1,000km. Study co-author, Matthew Hill, told New Atlas: “This approach not only favours high-performance metrics and long cycle life, but is also simple and extremely low-cost to manufacture, using water-based processes.”

More efficient batteries could be a key component of sustainable technology in the future. At Springwise, we have seen a number of innovations in battery technology aimed at improving efficiency. These include a giant containerised ship battery and energy storage inspired by croissants.