Have you ever been frustrated when the battery of an old phone or laptop runs out fast even after charging it to 100%? It is likely because you have exceeded the battery life cycle of the device.  Based on ideal conditions, standard batteries typically offer 110-290 cycles, while high-end batteries offer up to 500 cycles.  Good thing graphene batteries are here to solve this issue. Graphene batteries are not powering most smartphones just yet. But in the future, they could replace lithium-ion batteries, which the tech industry has been reliant on for decades. They have interesting properties, such as excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, high flexibility, high strength, and excellent portability.

People think that graphene is a thing for the future, but actually, it’s already in the present. So, what’s the big deal about graphene in the world of tech? 

A breakthrough to modern batteries

In an actual scenario, people are used to regular phone batteries having an average of 90 minutes, sometimes a bit quicker, to fully recharge. But a graphene power bank with 3,000 mAh today only takes 20 minutes using a 60-watt charger to restore. This is a complete breakthrough in modern or high-end batteries. 

How about its longevity? Most phone batteries exhaust between 300 and 500 charge cycles, but graphene batteries last about 1500 cycles for the same capacity or mAh. It means that its battery cell generates less heat, so it runs cooler and safer for extensive usage.

Where is the trend for graphene batteries going?

The anticipation of demand for graphene batteries will reach $115 million by the end of 2022. Moreover, as technology keeps on improving, there is a massive potential for what graphene could do. A handful of companies have already shown interest in what they call the future of battery power.

However, a lot of work has to be done before graphene could finally be a viable alternative to lithium-ion for most technologies or applications for electric carpools. A potential problem is scaling up for mass production. However, if researchers could resolve more issues with this new technology, graphene could change the world of technology fundamentally.

The improved energy storage technology is rapidly growing. There are already graphene power banks in the market. It is more environmentally friendly than lithium-ion and can be easily recycled. A graphene power bank has massive potential, especially with high demand in creating a highly functional laptop battery. But it could take a while before it is good enough to store energy instead of bulky battery packs in electric cars.

What could graphene batteries mean for smartphones?

Smartphones with graphene batteries have excellent benefits. Your phone would charge faster, battery life could easily last a day or two, and dimension could be thinner and lighter while keeping its current proportions. 

Graphene offers 60% more capacity compared to conventional batteries people use in gadgets nowadays. You won’t need to spend on expensive replacement batteries after only a few years to keep your old phone in top condition.

A phone that uses graphene batteries can also withstand extreme currents, recharge faster, and handle charging with another gadget at super-fast speeds.

Overall, graphene could reduce the negative environmental impacts of consumer-based battery usage. Although graphene technology is still years away from consumers, it’s something you definitely should keep an eye on.