Uk firm announces laptop batteries breakthrough

A LITTLE-KNOWN BRITISH COMPANY has developed a silicon anode that it says can increase the capacity of a Lithium-ion laptop batteries by up to 30 per cent. Nexeon, a spin-off from London's Imperial College, says manufacturers can simply use the anode in existing battery designs and production lines as a slot-in replacement for conventional carbon designs. Other companies are also trying to use silicon anodes but McDonald says some of the rival technology requires exotic production techniques. He reckons Nexeon has the edge in simplicity of production and price - its anodes are 'cost competitive' with carbon, Charging times are also on a par with carbon and the technology can be used in batteries of all sizes and capacities, including those used for power tools and electric vehicles.