The technology never stops evolving; batteries are no exception in this innovation game. Silicon carbon batteries are one such development in the tech world that is grabbing everyone’s attention. Day by day, the next-gen mobile phones are becoming more powerful, energy-hungry, and highly dependent on extended battery life. These batteries can completely change how we charge our devices.
In this article, we will discuss what silicon carbon batteries are, their benefits, applications, and more. So, without further ado, let us get started.
Also read: Battery Tips: How To Extend Your Smartphone Battery Life
What is Silicon-Carbon Battery?
As its name suggests, silicon-carbon batteries use silicon-carbon material to store energy. The main difference between lithium-iron and silicon-carbon batteries lies in the anode material. Lithium-ion batteries use lithium, whereas silicon-carbon batteries use silicon. This means that silicon-carbon batteries can hold more energy than lithium-iron batteries of the same size.
Generally, silicon has a charging capacity of 420mAh/g, which is approximately 13% higher than graphite’s 372mAh/g. Initially, its usage was limited because silicon has the tendency to expand up to 300% when it is in charge. Therefore, it can cause damage.
Also read: Guide: How To Repair Or Replace Your Phone Battery?
How Does It Offer Improved Performance?
Honor’s new silicon-carbon hybrid structure has resolved the expansion issue. They have combined sliocon’s capacity and carbon’s stability to achieve better performance and stability.
Let’s understand it through one simple example.
Redmi 13 Pro+ has a 5000mAh lithium-iron battery, and Redmi Note 14 Pro+ has 6200mAh silicon-carbon battery. Both phones have the same weight, but the Redmi 14 Pro+ has a 24% increased battery capacity.
Now, let’s consider two smaller phones, the Google Pixel 9 Pro and the Vivo X200 Pro Mini. The Google Pixel 9 Pro weighs around 199 grams and has a 4700mAh battery. The Vivo X200 Pro Mini weighs 12 grams, which is quite less than the Google Pixel 9 and has a 5700mAh battery.
Besides, all Chinese companies like Honor, Vivo, Oppo, Realme, and Xiaomi have launched smartphones with silicon-carbon batteries. Through this technology, companies are trying to make their phone slimmer.
This technology supports the thinner design without compromising battery life.
Also read: How To Maximise Battery Health In iPhone?
How Does It Work?
Silicon carbon batteries use silicon and carbon in the negative electrode and deal with the pure silicon limitations. Silicon can store a large amount of energy; however, the main issue with silicon is that it expands and contracts at the time of charging and discharging. That’s why the batteries can quickly degrade.
When the manufacturer blends the silicon with the carbon, it helps create a more stable negative electrode that minimizes expansion and retains the high energy density. Therefore, batteries become more durable, long-lasting, and efficient.
In the next section, we will explain the advantages of silicon-carbon batteries.
Benefits of Silicon-Carbon Batteries
As we have discussed earlier, silicon-carbon batteries can store more energy. This means that when used in smartphones, it offers longer battery life without increasing the smartphone’s size. Smartphones become slimmer and lighter without compromising the battery life.
Silicon-carbon batteries are more sustainable as they leave a smaller environmental footprint. Besides, these batteries are safer than lithium-ion batteries because of the overheating risk.
Silicon easily absorbs and releases lithium ions. Therefore, it can offer faster charging speed. Who would not like it when their phone gets charged in minutes rather than hours? Silicon can make this a reality.
When silicon is blended with carbon, it creates long-lasting batteries, so you don’t need to worry about battery degradation.
Also read: The Impact of Battery Health on Your Phone’s Resale Price
What are the Challenges Manufacturers Face With Silicon Carbon Batteries?
Silicon carbon batteries have high potential, but still it is not perfect. Here are some challenges that manufacturers face.
Its production procedure is quite complex and expensive as compared to the traditional Li-ion batteries. Therefore, its use on devices could be pricier. Besides, its scaling takes time and significant investment. Manufacturers need to ensure consistent quality at scale, which is another challenge.
Some devices might need design adjustments to get the benefits of silicon-carbon batteries.
Still, most companies are trying to resolve these issues, refine technology, and make these batteries commercially feasible.
Also read: Why Is My Phone’s Battery Draining So Fast?
What are the Usage of Silicon Carbon Batteries?
Other wearable devices, such as earbuds, smartwatches, etc., are expected to adopt this technology soon. Generally, laptops weigh around 1 kilogram, but with this technology, it is predicted that many laptops will weigh only 800 grams to 900 grams soon.
These days, electric vehicles mostly use lithium-ion batteries. However, it can go only 150-300 miles on a single charge. This limit could be pushed further using silicon carbon batteries,
Other probable applications include portable gadgets, IoT devices, medical devices, gaming consoles, etc.
Also read: Battery Replacement: When & How to Change Your iPhone 11 Battery?
Final Thoughts
Silicon-carbon batteries offer fast charging, longer durability, and high energy density. Of course, its cost and scalability are challenging. However, it is expected that these hurdles will be overcome sooner. Hopefully, by reading this article, you understand what silicon-carbon batteries are, and it is no longer a fancy jargon for you. These batteries will set the stage for smarter, faster, and more sustainable devices in the coming years. Let’s be ready for it!
Also read: 5 Signs That Your Phone’s Battery Needs To Be Replaced
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