A breakthrough discovery in a Canadian laboratory could extend the battery life of laptops and smartphones

A recent finding in a Canadian laboratory may result in longer-lasting laptop and phone batteries.

Scientists from Dalhousie University in Halifax found that the self-discharge in batteries, where devices lose some power when not in use, could be caused by the adhesive tape used to hold the electrodes together.

The solution is simple, according to Michael Metzger, an assistant professor at Dalhousie University – replace the commonly used polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic tape with a more stable and durable alternative.

A discovery made at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada, could potentially increase the lifespan of phone and laptop batteries. The researchers, led by Assistant Professor Michael Metzger, found that the common adhesive tape used inside batteries, known as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic tape, was decomposing and causing self-discharge in lithium-ion batteries. Upon further analysis, the team discovered that a new molecule, dimethyl terephthalate, was created through the decomposition of the PET tape, acting as a redox shuttle and depleting battery power even when not in use.

Metzger and his team published their findings in the Journal of The Electrochemical Society, and the discovery has garnered interest from companies looking to improve battery performance. The solution, according to Metzger, is to replace the PET tape with a more stable and durable material. He commented, “It’s a small thing but it can definitely help improve battery cells.”