[General Topics] techy97:
As we all know, batteries, overtime tend to lose their capacity to hold charge, due to loss of free ions. Something, which we, the smartphone users are constantly worried about. I mean,nobody would like to let degrade a factory provided product.

So here, I am presenting a thorough analysis, which might help to slow down their deterioration.

Readers note, that the processes analysed below , are evidential for both the type of batteries, powering the current generation smartphones i.e LI-PO/LI-ION

INTRODUCTION

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Just as with other lithium-ion cells, LiPos work on the principle of intercalation and de-intercalation of lithium ions from a positive electrode material and a negative electrode material, with the liquid electrolyte providing a conductive medium. Thus,the more frequent are the charging times, more will be the ionic flow, further improving the withstanding capability of the electrolyte. Li-Ion and Li-Polymer batteries, if charged often, after about 1 month, would reach to their maximum performance, and by performance, I mean, the maximum capacity of charge it can hold. This doesn't have any noticeable effect on the battery life and so you are recommended to charge them every time you find an outlet.

EFFECTS OF COMPLETE/PARTIAL CHARGING -

Complete and partial charging, has their positive effects on battery's performance and life respectively, whilst harmful, vice-versa. Personal preference, here.

[COMPLETE]Improving the battery performance

For this section, performance should be prior to life cycle. This can be attained by allowing the battery to charge to their maximum potential permitted by its voltage rating. Adding full saturation of the permissible voltage boosts the capacity by about 10 percent but adds stress due to high voltage gradually affecting the battery life in the process.

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[PARTIAL]Maintaining the battery life

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For this section, life of the battery is everything for the user. The small boost may not feel significant, when you are sacrificing its lasting time. So they need not be fully charged, as is the case with lead acid, nor are desirable to do so. In fact, it is better not to fully charge, because a high voltage stresses the battery, as evident from above case. Choosing a lower voltage output, or limiting the saturation voltage altogether, effectively prolongs the battery life.

CHARGING WITH A HIGHER POWER OUTPUT

This misconception is popular in today's power users, charging with a output of a greater ampere rating, speeds up the charging. Yes, of course it does but distorting the final phase of charging in the process. Increasing the charge current does hasten or appears to hasten the charging process. But, though the battery reaches the voltage peak quicker, the saturation charge will take longer accordingly. The amount of charge current applied alters the time required for each stage; Stage 1 will be shorter but the saturation Stage 2 will take longer. A high current charge will quickly fills the battery to about 70 percent which is the initial phase. And reaching the peak voltage quickly, yet again pressurize the battery,reducing its life. However, choosing a lower voltage output, or limiting the saturation voltage altogether, adds up to the battery life.

MYTHS

The first time charging and "wait-until-full-discharge-before-recharge" and "don't-use-when-charging" are not applicable to these modern batteries. Waiting for complete discharge of a li-ion or li-po battery, totally stops the ionic conduction. And which might take a while to reactivate for their next conduction. Charging from scratch is recommended..

OTHERS

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Also follow the instructions about the batery temperature range.

Avoid keeping battery completely discharged for long periods of time.

Hope the article helps you all, get the most of your battery.