Electronics that can bend and stretch require batteries that possess the same flexible characteristics. While previous attempts incorporated conductive fabric or rigid components in flexible battery designs, optimal flexibility requires all battery components to be inherently stretchable. However, existing prototypes often suffer from limited energy storage capabilities or moderate elasticity, hindering their practicality. Overcoming these challenges, scientists at Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications have developed a groundbreaking lithium-ion battery composed entirely of stretchable components.
Unlike traditional batteries, this new solid-state battery features an electrolyte layer that can expand by an astounding 5000%. The researchers achieved this by incorporating the electrolyte into a polymer layer sandwiched between two flexible electrode films. To construct the electrodes, a thin layer of a conductive paste made from silver nanowires and carbon black, along with lithium-based cathode or anode materials, was applied to a surface. A layer of polydimethylsiloxane, a flexible polymer often used in contact lenses, was then added to create a rubber-like material when activated by light.
The resulting battery exhibited impressive performance compared to previous designs. It showcased approximately six times the average charge capacity of a similar stretchable battery using a liquid electrolyte. Furthermore, it maintained consistent capacity over 67 charging cycles, while other prototypes with solid electrodes showed only a 1% capacity reduction in the first 30 cycles. In contrast, batteries with liquid electrolytes experienced a 16% reduction in capacity. This breakthrough in stretchable battery technology brings us closer to the development of wearable or implantable devices that can flex and move with the human body.
While further improvements are necessary, the solid-state battery’s ability to maintain charge capacity, its stretchability, and its significant energy storage capabilities mark a significant advancement in the field. The potential applications of this technology extend beyond flexible electronics to a wide range of industries, including healthcare, sports, and aerospace, where the ability to incorporate power sources into flexible and adaptable devices is crucial. As research in stretchable battery technology continues, we can anticipate a future where bendable and stretchable electronics are more integrated into our daily lives than ever before.
An FAQ section based on the main topics and information presented in the article:
Q: What are stretchable batteries?
A: Stretchable batteries are batteries that can bend and stretch without losing functionality.
Q: What is the challenge with existing stretchable batteries?
A: Existing prototypes often have limited energy storage capabilities or moderate elasticity, which limits their practicality.
Q: How have scientists at Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications addressed these challenges?
A: The scientists have developed a groundbreaking lithium-ion battery composed entirely of stretchable components, including a polymer electrolyte layer that can expand by 5000%.
Q: How are the electrodes constructed in this new battery?
A: The electrodes are constructed by applying a thin layer of conductive paste made from silver nanowires and carbon black, along with lithium-based cathode or anode materials, to a surface. A layer of flexible polymer called polydimethylsiloxane is then added to create a rubber-like material when activated by light.
Q: How does this new battery perform compared to previous designs?
A: This new battery showcased approximately six times the average charge capacity of a similar stretchable battery using a liquid electrolyte. It also maintained consistent capacity over 67 charging cycles compared to other prototypes that showed a 1% reduction in the first 30 cycles.
Q: What are the potential applications of this stretchable battery technology?
A: The potential applications are wide-ranging, extending beyond flexible electronics to industries such as healthcare, sports, and aerospace. The ability to incorporate power sources into flexible and adaptable devices is crucial in these fields.
Definitions:
– Stretchable: Able to bend and stretch without losing functionality.
– Electrolyte: A substance that conducts electricity when dissolved or melted, usually used in batteries to carry ions between the anode and cathode.
– Nanowires: Extremely thin wires with dimensions on the nanometer scale.
– Cathode: The positively charged electrode from which electrons flow in an electrical device.
– Anode: The negatively charged electrode to which the positively charged ions flow in an electrical device.
– Polymer: A large molecule made up of repeating subunits.
Suggested related links:
– Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications
– Stretchable Battery Technology Research at Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications