Nano-Batteries Look Like Paper

What if batteries were light and flexible and make mostly of cellulose. Well, then...batteries would be paper, now wouldn't they...and that would just be crazy.

But researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have managed to create batteries from carbon nano-tubes printed on paper. The batteries can store charge easily and release the charge in a quick burst (like a capacitor) or slowly over time, like a battery. The battery contains no toxic substances, can exist in heat up to 300 F, and can be cut or trimmed and still be perfectly operational.

While the materials used in the lab are inexpensive, there is currently no way to mass produce the device. However, researchers are investigating methods of printing the batteries just like a newspaper. But, in the long run, the problem may be energy density. There's no talk in the research of how much charge can be stored per unit of weight. However, if the researchers can't get energy density to rival current batteries, chances are, these hybrid battery-capacitors will never find their way into electronic gadgets, let alone electric cars. Though, they will likely find a home in specialized applications like medical devices.

Via Physorg

See Also:
-Non-Toxic Paper Battery-
-EcoGeek Battery Guide-

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