No matter how modern your laptops or smartphones are, without a rechargeable battery, these devices turn into a piece of lifeless electronics. Unfortunately, these rechargeable energy sources have a limited lifespan and will begin to lose energy faster over time.
Few facts about lithium-ion batteries
The batteries in modern smartphones, laptops and tablets are manufactured using lithium-ion technology. As the name suggests, the battery contains lithium ions. During charging, lithium ions move from one electrode to another, from cathode to anode, through the electrolyte solution. There is a concentration of electrons at the anode. When the battery is discharged, the opposite process occurs. Thus, charged particles move along the electrical circuits of the gadget, which have less resistance relative to the electrolyte, providing the device with energy.
Since the introduction of lithium-ion batteries, their chemical formula has been improved. Thanks to this, they charge faster, last longer and become more energy intensive. Despite this, lithium-ion batteries still have a certain lifespan, limited by the number of discharges and discharges. With everyday use of gadgets, the battery life varies from 2 to 3 years, then active degradation begins.
All this is due to the chemical reaction taking place at the anode and cathode of the storage battery. In the process of charging and discharging, thin insulating layers of atoms are formed on the surface of the electrodes. This build-up reduces the efficiency of lithium-ion batteries.
How to charge and discharge gadgets
Are there ways to extend the life of lithium-ion batteries in modern electronics? Many have heard that new gadgets need to be fully charged and discharged several times. But for modern batteries, this procedure does not matter. The most important thing is how to charge and discharge devices in daily use.
Shallow discharges and incomplete charging of the battery have a better effect on its life cycle. It is not recommended to discharge the gadget below 50% and charge to 100%. This creates less stress on the internal structure of the battery and maintains its vitality.
If, nevertheless, the device is charged to 100%, it is necessary to reduce its charge, and then return to the aforementioned charge-discharge cycle. Do not leave the electronics plugged in and keep the battery charged to the maximum. And this is not related to the fire hazard of lithium-ion batteries. All modern and licensed electronic devices are overcharge protected.
Once a month, it is still necessary to discharge the lithium-ion battery to about 5%. This will allow the electronic device to calibrate the battery capacity and provide more accurate battery life information. But in the pursuit of accuracy, you should not very often bring the battery to the critical capacity level. For example, Samsung recommends not lowering the battery level in its devices by less than 20% at all.
Modern realities do not always allow you to properly charge and discharge gadgets. Don't be afraid to leave your smartphone plugged in overnight. Modern devices take care of the safety of the battery and minimize the external load on it or turn off the network altogether. And the newer the electronic device, the more effective means the manufacturer implements to protect the battery.
Protection and care
Another natural external enemy of the lithium-ion battery is extreme temperature. If possible, you should never leave your smartphone, tablet or laptop in a car under the summer sun or outdoors in subzero temperatures. High and low temperatures destroy the internal structure of the battery. You should also beware of overheating of the battery during charging, although if the gadget is working properly, the electronics should protect the device and those around it from negative consequences.
One of the important criteria for the safety of the lithium-ion battery and the device as a whole is the use of the original charger. When designing a gadget, the manufacturer calculated all possible characteristics and incorporated them into the final product. So if the original charger is lost or damaged, you must purchase exactly the same one.
When storing a laptop or smartphone for a long time, set the battery charge level to about 50%. The device must be completely turned off, ensure room temperature and isolated from direct sunlight.
The manufacturer encloses an operating manual or instruction manual for each electronic device. These documents may contain additional information on how to properly operate and protect the device. By following these recommendations, you can increase the lifespan of gadgets, at least until there is a desire to update the device.
