Imagine charging your phone with a battery that can flex like your favourite pair of joggers—and still keep going strong after 20,000 bends! 🔋✨ Researchers at the Institute of Metal Research under the Chinese Academy of Sciences in the Chinese mainland have just made that dream a reality.
Published in the international journal Advanced Materials, this next-gen solid-state lithium battery tackles two major roadblocks:
- High interfacial resistance (aka slow ion traffic jams) 🚧
- Low ion transport efficiency (think of ions stuck in slow motion) 🐢
Here’s the magic trick: the team engineered a polymer backbone featuring ion-friendly ethoxy groups and short sulfur chains. At a molecular level, this design integrates the electrode and electrolyte seamlessly—so ions can zoom through easily and switch between transfer and storage on demand. ⚡️
Results? When used as a polymer electrolyte in composite cathodes, energy density jumps by up to 86%. Plus, the flexible battery laughs off thousands of bends without breaking a sweat. Perfect for foldable gadgets, wearable tech, and any device that needs to stay powered on the move. 💪📱
Why it matters: Solid-state lithium batteries are already prized for their safety and high energy density. Now, with bendy, reliable performance, they’re one step closer to powering our fast-paced lives across South Asia and Southeast Asia—whether you’re hustling at a startup in Bengaluru or streaming your fav K-drama in Jakarta. 🌏❤️
Stay tuned as flexible solid-state batteries pave the way for thinner, safer, and more durable energy solutions. Your future gadgets are about to get a serious upgrade! 🚀
Reference(s):
cgtn.com