We recently talked about how Samsung might be working on developing solid-state batteries for smartphones, as the company has filed some patents and has even started working on a prototype. However, we know that it will take some time before these batteries are finally available to the masses. But until that happens, we can step back and start looking at what solid-state batteries are and how they differ from lithium polymer and lithium-ion batteries, two of the most common batteries in the smartphone market.
How do solid-state batteries differ from lithium-ion batteries in the market?
The lithium-ion batteries we see in the market comprise a cathode, anode, separator, and electrolyte. In comparison, a solid-state battery uses solid electrolytes instead of liquid. Research has also shown that solid-state batteries are better in terms of overall stability and safety as they do not catch fire or start swelling up, which is a common issue in a lot of li-ion batteries available in the market. Below is a comparison diagram between solid-state and lithium-ion batteries, courtesy of Samsung.
Another benefit you get from solid-state batteries is the fact that these batteries bring a lower power density and higher energy density. These batteries are already commonly used in electric vehicles. When they do come to smartphones as well, they will actually result in phone batteries being smaller in size but packing larger capacity. These days, a 5,000 mAh lithium-ion battery is considerably larger than a solid-state battery can do at the same capacity.
Solid-state batteries also showcase a lower self-discharge, which could theoretically improve the standby timing of smartphones. These batteries offer incredible resistance to heat, allowing for faster charging, and considering how there is no limitation to how they have to be designed, these batteries can be made into really thin or minimal options with ease. All of this is thanks to the fact that you are not looking at any liquid involved.
But what are the benefits of solid-state batteries over lithium-ion batteries?
Considering solid-state batteries and how smartphone manufacturers have been trying to bring them out into the market, it is safe to assume that you get some advantages from them. Especially when you compare them to your traditional lithium-ion batteries, but this makes us wonder about the type of advantages there are. After all, this new technology has to be viable enough, right?
The first benefit you will get from solid-state batteries is that they are smaller in size and lighter in weight. These batteries are already available in some capacity, but if they make their way to smartphones, we can expect them to be thinner and lighter than usual.
Another benefit of solid-state batteries is that they can have over 2.5 times higher energy density. Which, as mentioned before, allows for higher-capacity batteries with ease. You are also getting better safety overall since there are no flammable components, and you do not have to worry about the batteries catching fire.
Solid-state batteries also happen to be really good for their charging speed, as an ideal battery can charge 4 to 6 times faster than what is currently available in the market. The production is also faster on these batteries, thanks to the fact that they do not use as many components.
Last but not least, solid-state batteries can withstand lower and higher temperatures much better thanks to excellent thermal stability.
Even though solid-state batteries are the future, some glaring issues cannot be overlooked.
While it is true that we see solid-state batteries in electric vehicles and hoping to see them in smartphones, there are some glaring issues that one cannot overlook. These issues appear more prominent when you look at them through the lens of the smartphone industry rather than something else.
For instance, the production cost of these batteries is higher than what companies would pay for lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, manufacturing them on a larger scale would be challenging. Sure, Samsung has its own battery division, which is good. Considering how the company is actively working on improving the technology and bringing it to the mainstream, we might see them having an easier time. But still, we cannot say much for now.
Another thing that can be a hindrance is that the high internal resistance can often become a hurdle when it comes to the charging and discharging of the battery, as it can slow things down. Not just that, electrode material ends up accumulating inside the battery, which is considered a chemical flaw, and can affect the battery's overall health, mainly when it is used over time.
Another thing about solid-state batteries is that when they are being charged, the thickness of the lithium-metal anode goes through expansion, and it starts contracting when it is discharged--this can cause overall deterioration in the battery, and keeping the battery fixed in a place could be difficult.
There is no denying that solid-state batteries are the future. Considering how Samsung, along with other companies, is betting the future on this battery technology, it would be interesting to see where the road takes us. However, at the time of writing, saying when these batteries would be available on all smartphones is hard to say. And when they do, how do companies plan on overcoming all the negatives and operational issues associated with these batteries? We will have to wait and see.
Till then, let us know what your opinion on solid-state batteries is in the comments below.
The post Solid State Batteries: How Our Future Phones Could Benefit From this Technology and How it Differs from Lithium Polymer and Lithium Ion Batteries by Furqan Shahid appeared first on Wccftech.
source https://wccftech.com/understanding-solid-state-batteries/
