It's not an impression, it's true that cell phones do it They download faster than usual when we are in places where a low temperature. It is because Lithium batteries, which are used not only in smartphones, but also in electric and hybrid cars. This type of battery has enormous advantages over conventional batteries, but they suffer damage when exposed to cold temperatures because the electrolyte they contain becomes more viscous and offers more resistance to the passage of electrons. For example, many manufacturers advise against charging your smartphone in high temperatures below 5°C.
One prerequisite: How the lithium battery works
The operation of lithium batteries is based on a chemical reaction called redox, which consists of the exchange of electrons between two poles: the anode and that Cathode. When the battery discharges, the anode releases electrons (Oxidation), while the cathode receives it (reduction). Electrons move through a substance called Electrolyte, which can be both solid and liquid. And how is the battery charged? By reversing the flow of electrons from the cathode to the anode.
Because the cold “slows down” the battery
But how come? Freddo Does this type of battery discharge faster? Why slows down the chemical process what we saw above. In fact, as the temperature drops, the electrolyte becomes more viscous, meaning it becomes harder for electrons to move within it. This causes resistance The available energy is reduced and then the phone it downloads faster.
This “discharge rate” can be almost imperceptible; we often do not notice it. But when temperatures drop below freezing, the difference is obvious: a –20°C There Drums our smartphone holds up 60% of normal.
The cold is also a problem when we charge our cell phones. For the same reason we just saw, the phase of Is loading he is coming slow motion, always due to the difficulty of moving electrons, in this case from cathode to anode.
This not only affects loading speed, but also“Aging” the battery: the more we “test” it by charging and discharging it at low temperatures, the more it deteriorates and therefore shortens its lifespan.
Despite this limitation, lithium batteries do exist However, they remain the best solution in terms of energy storage capacity, life cycle and safety. Special systems are used in electric cars to keep the batteries at the right temperature. When it comes to cell phones: keep warm!