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Semi fabrication technology has changed many large devices such as display and solar, and now it looks to extend the use in another large scale area of batteries. The large format area is just starting to produce a whole range of opportunities for extending the use semi technology and fabrication techniques. This will lead to a further change in the industry as the cost structure is now going to be spread over a much larger area. Companies such as AMAT are going to be looking at a much deeper and broader market in the future. The link below is just one of many examples coming online. Semi technology is all about manufacturing on a nanotechnology scale.
Extending the recharge cycle lifespan on lithium-ion batteries will be a big improvement, especially for companies like Apple because they don't allow the consumer to change their own batteries when they wear out over time. Most Android phones have removable, rechargeable batteries, so this isn't much of an issue yet.
This is another area where I'm following closely. Historically battery cost/performance has improved at a rate of 7% of year, but that has been accelerating in recent years thanks to the EV market. The EV market itself was enabled by mobile computing, as early Tesla prototypes had a battery kludged together from a large number of laptop batteries. It's a perfect market for rapid technological improvement, as the market size can be greatly expanded as battery cost trends down. If battery costs can be roughly halved from here EV's will be cost competitive with ICE, leading to mass adoption.
There are a few paths by which battery technology can improve, and one of the most promising is using nano structured materials, as linked above. Semi technology will certainly be of assistance here.
