Researchers develop battery for wearable devices that could last 10 years

Researchers at ORNL have develop a new battery which they claim could last 10 years without a recharge.

Researchers have designed a new long-lasting battery that could keep wearable and health care devices running for more than 10 years without a recharge. Don't get too excited though as it will take years before it reaches production.

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory have tested a prototype battery based on the formula. The new design is based on the lithium-carbon fluoride (CFx) chemical formula, which makes the batteries safer than current ones. Chengdu Liang, the lead author of the paper stated that the CFx batteries could be very small and easily power fitness trackers or wearable devices with sensors for years. Liang added that the wearable devices transmit small bursts of information and don't demand much energy, which can prolong the life of the CFx battery. "The battery is not going to be recharged. It's one-time use," Liang stated.

"The new CFx battery design has a multipurpose electrolyte of solid lithium thiophosphate that can be an ion conductor and also serve as a cathode. The electrolyte can carry charge and hold ions which help boost the energy capacity of the battery. The prototype CFx battery has a solid electrolyte, while conventional batteries have liquid electrolytes," Liang said.

"This study is proof-of-concept research, but we have been contacted by a private company interested in commercializing the battery. It could become a reality in a few years depending on the commercialization timeline," Liang added. He stated that the batteries could be in the market in a few years but was unable to determine the cost.

Researchers are working on devices to improve battery life of smartphones and tablets as well as making chargers more energy efficient. Researchers consider solar power a great option in this direction and now Nokia has unveiled a solar energy suit that can deliver infinite battery life, even in indoors. Nokia's Sustainability Operations team has recently released a video on its solar energy suits that shows that the battery works smoothly in indoor conditions and shows that panels are in-expensive, yet durable.