Researchers have created soft and stretchable batteries using sustainable fluid electrodes, in a breakthrough led by Professor Thor Balkhed. The current wearable technology market relies on rigid and bulky batteries found in devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers. However, with the promise of more convenient future wearables such as electronic skin patches and soft robots, flexibility in battery design is crucial.
Conventional battery designs face challenges in balancing energy storage and flexibility, as adding more active materials to increase battery life results in thicker and less flexible electrodes. Linköping University researchers have addressed this issue by developing batteries with fluid electrodes instead of solid ones. These “electrofluids” are toothpaste-like substances containing tiny electrically active particles suspended in an electrolyte. The viscosity of the fluid, rather than its hardness, provides strength and flexibility, enabling the battery to bend, twist, and stretch without compromising energy storage capacity.
Assistant Professor Aiman Rahmanudin, who spearheaded the research, described the fluid electrodes as versatile materials that can be shaped using a 3D printer to fit a variety of device designs. By transitioning from solid to fluid electrodes, the researchers have created a battery that seamlessly integrates into devices without sacrificing flexibility. This innovation marks a significant step towards developing sustainable batteries, as the fluid electrodes are made from environmentally friendly materials like conductive plastics and lignin, a byproduct of paper manufacturing.
In addition to increasing flexibility, the researchers prioritized sustainability by using nature-derived materials in the battery design. Unlike traditional batteries that rely on environmentally harmful and scarce resources, the fluid electrodes offer a greener alternative with materials like lignin, which is abundant and eco-friendly. This innovative approach not only enhances battery flexibility but also paves the way for more sustainable energy storage solutions in the future.
Every year, over a million tons of lignin are produced worldwide, mostly ending up burned or discarded. However, researchers have found a way to convert lignin into a valuable battery material that can store energy efficiently. The research team at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics, led by Mohsen Mohammadi, a postdoctoral researcher and co-author of a study published in Science Advances, highlights the potential of turning waste lignin into a sustainable battery material to support a circular economy.
The innovative fluid battery design incorporates electrode particles floating in an electrolyte. These particles naturally form connections that conduct electricity, allowing the battery to adapt to stretching and bending without compromising performance. The battery can stretch to twice its length and still operate effectively, showcasing its durability and flexibility.
Unlike previous fluid batteries that used problematic liquid metals like gallium, the sustainable organic materials used in this battery from Linköping University avoid issues such as decreased fluidity over time and the risk of solidification. By utilizing environmentally friendly organic materials, the battery design ensures consistent mechanical performance regardless of the amount of fluid used, making it ideal for comfortable wearable devices.
While the current battery design demonstrates feasibility, improvements are still necessary to enhance performance, particularly in terms of voltage output. The research team is exploring new chemical combinations, such as incorporating common metals like zinc or manganese, to increase voltage while maintaining sustainability.
The potential applications of fluid batteries extend beyond wearable devices to include medical implants, consumer electronics, and robotics. By providing reliable and flexible power sources, these batteries could revolutionize the way we interact with technology, enhancing comfort, safety, and convenience in various sectors.
Imagine a future where devices seamlessly blend into our lives, powered by soft, innovative batteries. Experts foresee a world with over a trillion connected gadgets by 2035, revolutionizing fields like healthcare, food monitoring, and communication. This groundbreaking research, highlighted by Aiman Rahmanudin and Mohsen Mohammadi, envisions electronics that are not only functional but also adaptable to human needs. By reimagining battery design, these advancements pave the way for sustainable and practical wearable technologies that could enhance our daily lives. This article was sourced from The Brighter Side of News – for more inspiring stories, sign up for their newsletter.
