Breakthrough Stretchy Battery Moves Like Toothpaste and Could Power Pacemakers and Hearing Aids
Scientists Develop Flexible Battery with Unique Properties
Researchers have created a groundbreaking battery that can stretch and bend without losing its power, opening new possibilities for wearable technology and medical devices. The discovery, led by scientists at Linköping University in Sweden, has the potential to revolutionize the way we design batteries for a wide range of applications.
“The texture is a bit like toothpaste,” said Aiman Rahmanudin, an assistant professor at Linköping University. “The material can be used in a 3D printer to shape the battery as you please. This opens up for a new type of technology.”
Overcoming the Tradeoff Between Size and Power
Traditional batteries face a fundamental challenge: they must balance size and power. The researchers at Linköping University have solved this problem by using materials that can hold and conduct negative and positive charges efficiently. This innovation allows batteries to maintain their performance even when stretched or bent.
The study, published in the journal Science Advances, highlights a new approach to battery design that could lead to significant advancements in the field. The battery can be recharged and discharged over 500 times while maintaining its performance, making it a promising solution for various applications.
Flexible Battery Design with Organic Materials
The researchers reimagined the components of a battery, focusing on the active ingredients, the conductive parts, and the terminals. The cathodes and anodes are made of modified lignin, an organic material derived from paper production. The connections are still metallic but are composed of nanographite and silver nanowires, which allow the battery to remain flexible.
The result is a battery that behaves like a water balloon—retaining its shape while holding a large amount of material and remaining flexible. This design allows the battery to be stretched to double its length without losing functionality.
Potential Applications in Medical and Everyday Technology
The potential applications of this discovery are vast. The battery could be used in medical devices such as insulin pumps, pacemakers, and hearing aids. It could also be integrated into e-textiles that conform to the body, enabling smart clothing with embedded electronics. Additionally, soft robotics that mimic human movements could benefit from this technology.
“The study from Linköping University demonstrates a groundbreaking approach to battery design,” said Pragathi Darapaneni, a senior product development engineer at Schaeffler Asia. “By utilizing fluid electrodes, the researchers have created a battery that maintains functionality while being deformable. This could lead to significant advancements in the design of wearable and implantable devices.”
Challenges and Future Improvements
While the battery is promising, there are challenges to overcome. The current version operates at 0.9 volts, which is lower than the typical 1.5 volts of most batteries. The researchers are seeking chemical compounds to enhance the voltage capabilities. Additionally, they are evaluating the safety of the materials, ensuring they are non-toxic and safe for prolonged contact with human skin.
Despite these challenges, the development of this flexible battery represents a significant step forward in battery technology. It has the potential to transform the way we use and interact with electronic devices, making them more adaptable and user-friendly.
Conclusion: A New Era in Battery Technology
The breakthrough in stretchy battery technology marks the beginning of a new era in power solutions. With its unique properties and potential applications, this innovation could redefine the future of wearable tech, medical devices, and robotics. As research continues, the possibilities for this technology are only just beginning.