Paper Battery

 

Paper Battery

 

What is a paper battery?

A paper battery is a flexible, ultra-thin energy storage and production device formed by combining carbon nanotube with a conventional sheet of cellulose-based paper. A paper battery acts as both a high energy battery and super capacitor, combining two components that are separate in traditional electronics and capable of providing long term steady voltage. The paper batteries could meet the energy demand of next generation gadgets.
Recently developed paper battery combine the Li-ion based chemicals to make a combination of Li-ion and paper battery. They have a wide range of operating temperature. Specialized paper batteries are expected to act as power sources for any of the devices implanted in humans and animals. 

Advantages:

Their ability to use electrolytes in blood make them potentially useful for medical devices such as pacemakers.

Paper batteries have long lasting time.
It can act in two ways a battery as well as super capacitor.
It can be bent and twisted, trimmed with scissors or moulded into any needed shape.
They are environment - friendly.
It eliminates the need for bulky transformers.
It is rechargeable.

They are flexible and can be folded or cut without any effect on their efficiencies. This is because of the fact that they are made up of materials like cellulose and carbon nanotubes which have high tensile strength.

 They are disposable as they are made up of cellulose which is bio degradable and non-toxic.

They utilize carbon nanotubes, which are one of the most highly efficient conductors of electricity. 

Disadvantages:

The paper battery can be torn or clipped easily as it possess low shear strength.
Construction of carbon nanotubes is expensive.
It is very expensive to use.
These are very dangerous to human health when it is inhaled.
It requires high charging time.
These batteries generate e-wastage.

Since cellulose has low shear strength, these batteries have low strength and can be torn easily.

CONSTRUCTION:

The main components for paper batteries are Carbon Nanotube (CNT), Lithium metal (Li+), electrolytes, Paper.

Construction of a paper battery mainly includes these steps:

Step 1: Black carbon ink is applied on a cellulose-based paper.

Step2:  Black carbon ink is being spread on a paper spread on the paper.

Step3: A thin lithium film is laminated over the exposed cellulose surface.

Step4: The cellulose paper is heated at 80⁰C for 5 minutes.

Step5: Next, the film is peeled off from the substrate

Step6: The film acts as electrodes of the paper battery. One film is connected to the electrolyte LTO (Li4Ti5012) and another film is pasted to the electrolyte LCO (LiCo02).

Step7: Next, Connect a LED on both the ends of the battery and check its functionality.

Carbon nanotubes having thickness one millionth of a centimetre. The carbon is the reason for the thick black colour for the battery. These nanotube films act as the electrodes which are embedded in cellulose based paper, soaked in ionic electrolytic liquid. The electrolyte does not contain any water content. So as there is nothing to freeze or evaporate, it can be used in any environmental conditions.

WORKING:

A normal battery or rechargeable battery contains many components that produce electrons through a chemical reaction, while in a paper battery all these components are made in a single unit. It makes it more energy efficient, the paper is dipped in the ion-based liquid solution next a chemical reaction occurs between the electrodes and liquid. The paper electrode stores energy while recharging within 10 seconds because the ions flow through the thin electrode quickly. The best method to increase the output of the battery is to stack different paper batteries one over the other. The battery can produce power even if it is folded or cut.

APPLICATIONS:

There are many fields where paper batteries can be used, for example: electronics, medical sciences, automobiles and aircrafts. In electronic devices such as mobile phones, calculators digital cameras, mouse, keyboard, Bluetooth devices. In medical sciences for making pacemakers for the heart, artificial tissues, drug delivery systems, cosmetics and in Bio sensors. Also in automobiles and aircraft as in light weight, guided missiles, hybrid car batteries, long air flights and in satellite programs for powering electronic devices.

These batteries have the potential adaptability to power the next generation electronic appliances, medical devices and hybrid vehicles. So, these batteries could solve all the problems associated with conventional electrical energy storage devices.

This idea is still in labs and a commercially viable paper battery will take at least 40-60 years to become a reality. In future we can expect a stack of paper batteries that is able to power up a car. These are the power source to next generation electronic devices, medical devices, pace makers, hybrid vehicles, etc.