Nokia has been involved in 5G and the production of smartphones but they are also putting their R&D into good use. Nokia Bell Labs researchers in collaboration with Trinity College Dublin have developed a battery based on lithium nanotubes which have 2.5 times higher capacity than a conventional lithium-ion battery of the same size.
The lithium nanotube tech is primarily under research for Internet of Things devices (IoT) which will be primary users of 5G technology. Right now we have seen devices whose battery life depletes very quickly but if this tech gets proper commercialization after proper QA testing, it can help sustain the working of these IoT devices for longer periods of time. The tech can also be used for scooters, drones, electric vehicles and much more.
As for now, there is no launch date for the battery as it will most likely go under extensive QA testing to make sure it can survive in the same conditions as lithium-ion batteries can. Our conventional batteries have long been regarded as unsafe for use so its good to see alternatives coming up to replace them. Amongst alternatives, hydrogen fuel cells and conventional solar panels are notable ones. Meanwhile, Sony is working on lithium-sulfur batteries which reportedly have 40% higher energy density and lower cost. However, even their launch date is nowhere in sight.
When do you think an alternative to lithium-ion batteries will come to the market?
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