In the field of science and technology, two teams of researchers have recently achieved a major breakthrough in the development of stretchy, jelly-like batteries that could potentially revolutionize the field of flexible electronics. These innovative power sources hold great promise for wearable technology, particularly in the realm of health monitoring devices, due to their unprecedented flexibility and durability.
The first team, consisting of Chinese researchers from Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, has successfully produced a lithium-ion battery using polymers. This battery, which is approximately the size of a thumb, has the remarkable ability to expand to 50 times its original size while maintaining its capacity even after 67 charge and discharge cycles. The researchers achieved this feat by applying thin layers of nanometre-sized silver wires, lithium salts, carbon black, and polymer precursors onto a plate. After treating the mixture with light, the result is a rubbery battery that is both solid and stretchy. The team’s findings have been published in ACS Energy Letters, with the researchers expressing confidence that their work will advance the development of stretchable energy devices for wearable and implantable electronics.
A different approach was taken by the second team of UK researchers from the University of Cambridge, who utilized a hydrogel composed of water and polymers to create a self-healing jelly battery that can stretch to 15 times its original size. This innovative battery, detailed in a paper published in Science Advances, overcomes the typical challenge of balancing stretchability and conductivity. Through the development of ionic polymers capable of holding electric charges, the team was able to construct hydrogel layers that are both highly stretchable and conductive. Additionally, these hydrogel batteries can survive being squashed to a tenth of their size and repair themselves in under 30 seconds when damaged, making them an ideal candidate for use in medical devices.
The potential applications of these stretchy batteries are vast. In the future, these unique power sources could be used in a wide range of wearable technology, from health monitoring devices to more advanced medical implants. The ability to customize the mechanical properties of the hydrogels raises the possibility of creating implants that closely match human tissue, reducing the likelihood of rejection by the body or the build-up of scar tissue.
The development of stretchy batteries by these two teams of scientists represents significant progress in the field of flexible electronics. These innovations have the potential to transform the way we think about wearable technology, opening the door to new possibilities and applications that were previously unimaginable. As research continues and new advancements are made, the future of flexible, wearable technology looks brighter and more promising than ever.