Most of us buy a power bank once every few years – and when choosing one, we look at capacity, price and design. What is inside rarely interests us. Yet that is exactly what decides how safe a power bank is, how quickly it starts losing endurance and when you will have to replace it.
Semi-Solid State is the first fundamental technological change in the construction of power bank battery cells in more than ten years – and it addresses problems that classic lithium-ion technology has struggled with since its beginnings.
- 2–3× more charging cycles – compared to ordinary power banks with standard Li-ion technology
- Minimal risk of fire – Semi-Solid State technology provides high thermal stability
- More resistant to drops and impacts – the gel inside the battery holds its shape, with no risk of electrolyte spillage
What is a Semi-Solid State battery
A classic power bank works on the principle of lithium ions moving through a liquid electrolyte – an organic solvent. This liquid does its job, but it has two fundamental weaknesses: it is flammable and it gradually degrades. Every charging cycle damages it slightly, until the battery starts losing capacity – typically after 300–500 cycles.
Semi-Solid State replaces this liquid with a gel-like, paste-like substance. The ions move on the same principle, but the environment they travel through is fundamentally different. Instead of a free liquid there is a dense gel that holds its shape, does not spill when damaged and ages much more slowly.
Key advantages
Safety
A classic Li-ion battery contains roughly 20% flammable organic solvent. Mechanical damage, a hard impact, a short circuit or overheating can lead to so-called thermal runaway – uncontrolled overheating that ends with the cell catching fire. Semi-Solid State replaces most of this liquid with a gel electrolyte. Less flammable material inside the cell directly reduces the probability of fire. The gel structure is also mechanically more resistant – on impact, compression or puncture the cell holds its shape better than a liquid, which spills immediately.
In the industry this resistance is verified with penetration tests – puncturing with a nail or a drill at full charge. Where classic Li-ion reacts with immediate ignition, Semi-Solid State cells show a significantly lower or no thermal response. The risk of fire is not zero, but it is measurably lower than with standard Li-ion technology.
Lifespan
A gel electrolyte degrades more slowly than a liquid one – it is chemically more stable, and its firmer structure slows the formation of dendrites: microscopic lithium growths that gradually block ion transfer in classic batteries and reduce capacity.
The result in numbers: a classic Li-ion power bank typically lasts 300–500 charging cycles while retaining 80% capacity, while Semi-Solid State batteries declare approximately 1,000 cycles. With daily charging, that means a difference of roughly 10–16 months for a classic power bank versus 2.5–3 years for Semi-Solid State.
Why this technology is arriving right now
The number of incidents involving lithium batteries on board aircraft has been rising for years. Regulators have responded by gradually tightening the rules: IATA DGR 67th edition (from January 2026) introduced specific restrictions for power banks in the cabin – a ban on charging from the on-board USB, a ban on storing them in the overhead compartment and restrictions on use during taxiing, take-off and landing. In March 2026, ICAO introduced the first worldwide limit of two power banks per passenger; from 2027 it will also be a formal IATA rule.
In this context, Semi-Solid State technology is the first step towards safer travel. The significantly lower content of flammable electrolyte and the higher temperature resistance of the gel cell reduce the probability of fire in the event of mechanical damage or overheating. It is not a revolution – but it is a measurable step in the right direction.
Mobile Origin PB19: Semi-Solid State in everyday use
PB19 is our first power bank built on Semi-Solid State technology. The battery cell with a gel electrolyte brings higher safety and a longer lifespan without sacrificing anything else.
The 10,000 mAh capacity covers roughly two full charges of a modern smartphone. Magnetic wireless charging via Qi2 (15 W) works with iPhone 12 series and newer, as well as Android devices that support the Qi2 standard. The integrated USB-C cable solves the situation when you do not have a cable at hand.
The TFT display shows the exact state of charge in percent – not just three LEDs that never tell you whether 30 or 60% is left. The flip-out stand holds your phone in a comfortable position for watching content or video calls while it charges wirelessly.
Alongside the USB-C input and output, the PB19 also includes a second USB-C port, so you can charge two devices at once. It is available in black and white.
Frequently asked questions
Is everyday use of a Semi-Solid State power bank different from a classic one?
From the user's point of view, no – you charge the same way, via cable or wirelessly. The difference is inside: the gel electrolyte retains its properties better even after hundreds of cycles, so after a year or two you will not feel that the power bank holds less.
How exactly does Semi-Solid State reduce the risk of fire?
A classic Li-ion battery contains roughly 20% flammable organic solvent. Semi-Solid State replaces it with a gel substance with a minimum of liquid – there is significantly less fuel for thermal runaway (uncontrolled overheating). In industrial penetration tests – puncturing with a nail at full charge – Semi-Solid State cells do not ignite where classic Li-ion burns immediately. The risk is not zero, but it is measurably lower.
How long does a Semi-Solid State battery last compared to a classic one?
With everyday charging once a day (365 cycles per year), a classic Li-ion power bank with a declared 300–500 cycles lasts roughly 10–16 months before it starts noticeably losing capacity. A Semi-Solid State cell declared at 1,000 cycles would last roughly 2.5–3 years under the same conditions. The numbers are indicative – real lifespan depends on charging conditions and depth of discharge.
Why are Semi-Solid State power banks only going on sale now?
Semi-Solid State electrolyte technology has so far been used mainly in electric cars. The transfer to consumer electronics came in response to safety incidents with classic power banks and the new aviation rules valid from 2026. The economics are key: Semi-Solid State can be manufactured on roughly 80% of the same production infrastructure as classic Li-ion, so the production cost is now realistic for consumer products too.
Is a Semi-Solid State power bank safe to take on a plane?
Yes – the rules for transporting power banks are governed by capacity in Wh, not battery chemistry. The PB19 has 10,000 mAh (approximately 37 Wh), so it falls into the under-100 Wh category and is allowed in carry-on luggage without special permission. The physical properties of the Semi-Solid State battery (less flammable liquid) are a bonus, but the IATA DGR rules do not distinguish battery chemistry – only the capacity in Wh decides.
How many times will the PB19 charge a phone?
It depends on the phone's capacity. Due to losses during energy transfer, you realistically get around 6,500–7,000 mAh out of 10,000 mAh. An iPhone 16 Pro (3,582 mAh) charges roughly one and a half times, older models with 3,000 mAh roughly twice. Wired charging is more efficient than wireless – for the maximum number of charges, use the USB-C cable.
Glossary of terms
- Semi-Solid State electrolyte – the substance in a battery that allows lithium ions to move between the electrodes. Unlike a classic liquid electrolyte it has a gel consistency, contains less flammable liquid and degrades more slowly.
- Li-ion (lithium-ion battery) – the most widespread type of rechargeable battery in consumer electronics. It uses a liquid electrolyte, which is flammable and gradually degrades with repeated charging.
- Thermal runaway – uncontrolled overheating of a battery in which the heat released by chemical reactions further accelerates those reactions until ignition or explosion occurs. The main safety risk of classic Li-ion batteries.
- BMS (Battery Management System) – the electronic system in a power bank that monitors and controls the charging and discharging of the battery. It protects against overload, overheating and short circuits.
- Charging cycle – one complete charge of the battery from 0 to 100% (or the equivalent – for example two charges from 50%). It is the main measure of battery lifespan.
- Dendrites – microscopic lithium growths that form on the anode of a Li-ion battery during charging. They gradually reduce capacity and in extreme cases can cause a short circuit. A Semi-Solid State electrolyte slows their formation.
- Energy density (Wh/kg) – the amount of energy stored per kilogram of battery weight. Higher energy density combined with the structurally more stable gel electrolyte allows Semi-Solid State cells to have a thinner construction than classic Li-ion.
- Qi2 – a wireless magnetic charging standard with 15 W output and precise magnetic alignment. The PB19 supports Qi2 (15 W).
- mAh / Wh – mAh (milliampere-hour) states the battery capacity; Wh (watt-hour) also takes voltage into account and better reflects real energy. Conversion: mAh × 3.7 V ÷ 1,000. The PB19 has 10,000 mAh = approximately 37 Wh – this number decides the air transport rules.
- DoD (Depth of Discharge) – the percentage of capacity the battery is discharged by before recharging. The shallower the discharge (lower DoD), the more cycles the battery lasts. The ideal operation of a power bank is in the 20–80% capacity range.
- Pass-through charging – the ability of a power bank to receive energy from the mains and simultaneously deliver it to a connected device.