TED Tech Why your phone battery gets worse over time | George Zaidan
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Aug 15, 2025 George Zaidan, a writer and narrator known for his engaging TED-Ed lessons, explores the fascinating science behind battery chemistry. He reveals that even dead batteries contain the same materials as fresh ones and explains why their performance declines over time. Zaidan emphasizes the critical need for battery recycling, detailing the intricate processes involved and their vital role in sustainable energy. His insights illuminate the importance of improving recycling systems for a greener future.
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Dead Batteries Still Hold Their Chemistry
- A dead battery still contains the original metals and chemicals, so chemically it resembles a fresh battery.
- That makes batteries recyclable in ways fuels or burned materials are not.
Side Reactions Kill Capacity
- Attempting to recharge single-use batteries forces side reactions that create contaminants and damage internal contacts.
- Rechargeable batteries are engineered to limit those side reactions and preserve structure over many cycles.
Lithium Ions Drift Over Time
- In lithium-ion cells, lithium ions can veer off course and participate in side reactions that raise internal resistance over many cycles.
- That gradual increase in resistance reduces efficiency and leads to eventual battery death.