Flexible batteries that don’t catch fire
Amo Greentech, a subsidiary of Amotech Ltd (052710.KS) has announced that it will begin production of a flexible battery line this October that can be twisted, folded 180⁰, or cut with a scissor, without an ill-effects. Given the disastrous battery fires that caused the recall of the Samsung (005930.KS) Note 7 and the following publicity nightmare, companies have been working has, particularly Samsung and LG (066570.KS), to find a stable battery product that will perform under the somewhat rigorous demands placed on smartphones. While this product has some of those characteristics, it will not be the one, at least in its current form, to replace typical lithium-ion smartphone batteries, as its design is intended for wearables and VR/AR devices at least at the onset.
That said, the idea does make sense, and the practical application, maybe a bit short of the flagship smartphone battery, is still quite widespread, and the company has received UL[i] and IEC[ii] certification, which is necessary for sale to any reputable customer. This puts them substantially ahead of the major smartphone manufacturers, who are not expected to have such a flexible battery until next year. That said, the energy density of these batteries, essentially the amount of energy produced per mm2, is ~30% lower than normal Li-ion batteries, but it is certainly progress and will put even more pressure on other manufacturers to meet or beat these specs.
The company has encased the battery cells in aluminum pouches and additional coatings to prevent leakage that might be caused if the battery electrodes are damaged. This, and the use of high-temperature plastics to separate internal cell components, allow the battery to withstand temperatures of 300⁰ or more, while normal Li-ion battery separators will melt between 130⁰ and 150⁰, causing the thermal runaway that can have serious consequences. According to the company, they already have a contract with a Chinese IT device manufacturer.
[i] Underwriters Laboratories
[ii] International Electrotechnical Commission
That said, the idea does make sense, and the practical application, maybe a bit short of the flagship smartphone battery, is still quite widespread, and the company has received UL[i] and IEC[ii] certification, which is necessary for sale to any reputable customer. This puts them substantially ahead of the major smartphone manufacturers, who are not expected to have such a flexible battery until next year. That said, the energy density of these batteries, essentially the amount of energy produced per mm2, is ~30% lower than normal Li-ion batteries, but it is certainly progress and will put even more pressure on other manufacturers to meet or beat these specs.
The company has encased the battery cells in aluminum pouches and additional coatings to prevent leakage that might be caused if the battery electrodes are damaged. This, and the use of high-temperature plastics to separate internal cell components, allow the battery to withstand temperatures of 300⁰ or more, while normal Li-ion battery separators will melt between 130⁰ and 150⁰, causing the thermal runaway that can have serious consequences. According to the company, they already have a contract with a Chinese IT device manufacturer.
[i] Underwriters Laboratories
[ii] International Electrotechnical Commission
The Amo Greentech flexible battery - (Note the light remains on while the battery is twisted) - Source: Amo Greentech
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