Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology believe they may have found a way to dramatically increase the longevity of laptop and mobile phone batteries . The scientists believe that by replacing the electrodes used in normal batteries with electrodes plated with carbon nanotubes, it may be possible to significantly improve the power to weight ratio of the battery. The result could be dramatic, with the potential to enhance the longevity of batteries in mobile phones, netbooks and notebooks by as much as ten times.
The batteries can last longer as a result of the carbon nanotube batteries being able to store more oxygen groups and being more porous, meaning the battery can contain a larger number of lithium ions. At present, carbon nanotube production remains limited to niche suppliers, but several companies are believed to be preparing for mass production of the material.
Computer manufacturers have long since been attempting to find ways of enhancing battery performance without compromising the portability of laptops, while the recent advent of more advanced mobile phones has broadened the usefulness of this latest finding.
