Last year, the tech world was shaken when reports started to spread about the Galaxy Note 7 battery explosions. And while every precaution is being taken to make sure there is no repetition this year, there is a better way to prevent the issue. John Goodenough, the co-inventor of the lithium-ion battery, is working with his team to develop tech that will yield zero explosions and fast charging speeds.
The Lithium-Ion Battery: Friend Or Foe
One of the biggest challenges in the smart phone companies tackle is the need for better batteries, which are both powerful and safe to use. As the public learned last year with the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, mistakes can be made. There were even some isolated cases of Apple's iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus exploding too, both within transit and while in use.
According to Mashable, Samsung's investigation on the explosions concluded earlier this year. The results indicated that it was both the battery and Note 7 design that caused the mishaps. Samsung described that the casing was too small, which lead to what the company described as an "electrode deflection and incorrect positioning of the negative electrode tip in the upper right corner of the battery." With these official findings, all companies have taken the necessary precautions in their smartphone manufacturing.
Moving Forward And Bettering Battery Tech
As Forbes has noted, Goodenough helped develop the original lithium-ion battery, which has been a staple in several smartphones and even Tesla's electric cars. But as last year's events prove, there is a definite need to improve the technology and make it safer. Goodman, despite being 94-years-old, has this.
The new battery that Goodenough and his team are developing replaces liquid electrolyte with glass. This will allow the battery to charge quickly, but it will also ensure that the unit does not explode because it can perform well even at low temperatures. At this point, the battery is still in the early stages of development and it is unclear whether it will be ready for mass production.
