Scientists have developed battery PP tape, which reduces self-discharge by 70%.

CTOnews.com, Sept. 28 (Xinhua)-- A team of Canadian researchers has found a new way to extend the cycle life of most laptop and mobile phone batteries.

When fixed, batteries used in mainstream laptops and mobile phones use small tape made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a synthetic resin.

A team at the Battery Laboratory at Dalhaus University in Halifax determined last November that this type of synthetic resin dissolves due to a chemical reaction in the battery, causing it to run out of charge without emitting an electric current, a process called self-discharge.

This is why fully charged devices slowly lose power, even when they are turned off.

The researchers found that after using chemically stabilized polypropylene (PP) tape, the battery cycle life (cycle life) can be increased by 10% and self-discharge can be reduced by up to 70%. The findings were published last week in the scientific journal Natural Materials [PDF].

CTOnews.com Note: the chemical bond on PP is stronger and more stable than PET, and it still holds the battery. Polypropylene is commonly used to make more durable plastic items, such as outdoor furniture or reusable water bottles.

Cycle life: the number of cycles the battery can withstand before the battery capacity falls to a specified value under a certain charge and discharge system.