1

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Any achievement, be it scholastic or otherwise does not depend solely on the

individual efforts but on the guidance, encouragement and cooperation of

intellectuals, elders and friends. A number of personalities, in their own capacities

have helped me in carrying out this seminar work. I would like to take this

opportunity to thank them all.

I would like to express my hearty gratitude to Mr Rajkumar

Jain, Head of the Department of Electronics and Communication, P.E.S.C.E for

providing permission and facilities to conduct the seminar in a systematic way

I would like to express my hearty gratitude to Mr.Dilip Tiwari

Asst.Professor, seminar coordinator, Department of Electronics and

Communications, C.I.I.T.M. for her guidance, regular source of encouragement

and assistance throughout this seminar.

I express my sincere gratitude to Mr.Dilip Tiwari,

Asst.Professor, seminar guide, Department of Electronics and Communications,

P.E.S.C.E for inspiring and sincere guidance throughout the seminar.

I am thankful to all the faculty members in the Department of

Electronics and Communications, C.I.I.T.M. for their constant support.

I would like to thank my parents and friends for their moral support.

Thanks for being always there. Finally, I thank God, for his blessings.

Abhishek sanadaya

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ABSTRACT

The Batteries form a significant part of many electronic devices. Typical

electrochemical batteries or cells convert chemical energy into electrical energy.

Batteries based on the charging ability are classified into primary and secondary

cells. Secondary cells are widely used because of their rechargeable nature.

Presently, battery takes up a huge amount of space and contributes to a large

part of the device's weight. There is strong recent interest in ultrathin, flexible, safe

energy storage devices to meet the various design and power needs of modern

gadgets. New research suggests that carbon nanotubes may eventually provide the

best hope of implementing the flexible batteries which can shrink our gadgets even

more.

The paper batteries could meet the energy demands of the next generation

gadgets. A paper battery is a flexible, ultra-thin energy storage and production

device formed by combining carbon nanotubes with a conventional sheet of

cellulose-based paper. A paper battery acts as both a high-energy battery and super

capacitor, combining two components that are separate in traditional electronics.

This combination allows the battery to provide both long-term, steady power

production and bursts of energy. Non-toxic, flexible paper batteries have the

potential to power the next generation of electronics, medical devices and hybrid

vehicles, allowing for radical new designs and medical technologies.

The various types of batteries followed by the operation principle,

manufacturing and working of paper batteries are discussed in detail.

3

Table of Contents

Chapter _______________ Page no

1. Introduction to batteries………………………………………..…………1

1.1 Terminologies……………………………………………………...2

1.2 Principle of operation of cell…………………………….…….…..4

1.3 Types of battery…………………………………………………....5

1.4 Recent developments……………………………………………....6

1.5 Life of battery…………………………………………….……......7

1.6 Hazards...…………………….………………………...…………..8

2. Paper Battery………………………….……………………...…………..9

3. Carbon nanotubes……………………….………………………………..12

3.1Properties of carbon nanotubes……………………………………14

4. Fabrication of paper battery…………….…………….…………………..15

5. Working of paper battery………………….………..………………….....18

6. Advantages of paper battery……………………...…………………..…..21

7. Limitations of paper battery…………………..…………………….........22

8. Applications of paper battery………………...…………………….…….22

9. Conclusion……………………………………………………….…..…..24

References………………………………………………………..…..…..25

4

List of Figures

Figures Description

Figure 1a……………………………………Symbolic View of the Battery

Figure 1b…………………………………...Conventional Battery

Figure 1.2…………………………………..Principle Operation of Battery

Figure 1.3a………………………………....Primary cell

Figure 1.3b………………………………....Secondary cell

Figure 1.4………………………………..…USB cell

Figure 1.5………………………………..…Life of Battery

Figure 1.6………………………………..…Electronic Waste

Figure 2………………………………….....Paper Battery

Figure 2.1………………………………….Types of CNTs

Figure 3………………………………….....Carbon nanotubes

Figure 3.1…………………………………..Relation b/w resistence vs. width

Figure 3.2…………………………………..Relation b/w resistivity vs. temp.

Figure 4………………………………….....Fabrication Process

Figure 4.1………………………………......Paper Battery

Figure 4.2…………………………………..Sechemetic of fabrication process

5

Figure 5………………………………….....working of paper battery

Figure 5.1………………………………….Testing of paper battry

6

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1. INTRODUCTION TO BATTERIES

An electrical battery is one or more electrochemical cells that convert stored

chemical energy into electrical energy. Since the invention of the first battery in

1800 by Alessandro Volta, batteries have become a common power source for

many household and industrial applications.

Batteries are represented symbolically as

Fig. 1a Symbolic view Fig. 1b conventional

battery

Electrons flow from the negative terminal towards the positive terminal.

Based on the rechargeable nature batteries are classified as

a. Non rechargeable or primary cells

b. Rechargeable or secondary cells

Based on the size they are classified as

a. Miniature batteries

b. Industrial batteries

Based on nature of electrolyte

8

a. Dry cell

b. Wet cell

1.1 Terminologies

1.1.1 Accumulator - A rechargeable battery or cell

1.1.2 Ampere-Hour Capacity - The number of ampere-hours which can be

delivered by a battery on a single discharge.

1.1.3 Anode - During discharge, the negative electrode of the cell is the

anode. During charge, that reverses and the positive electrode of the cell is

the anode. The anode gives up electrons to the load circuit and dissolves into

the electrolyte.

1.1.4 Battery Capacity - The electric output of a cell or battery on a service

test delivered before the cell reaches a specified final electrical condition and

may be expressed in ampere-hours, watt- hours, or similar units. The

capacity in watt-hours is equal to the capacity in ampere-hours multiplied by

the battery voltage.

1.1.5 Cutoff Voltage final - The prescribed lower-limit voltage at which

battery discharge is considered complete. The cutoff or final voltage is

usually chosen so that the maximum useful capacity of the battery is

realized.

9

1.1.6 C - Used to signify a charge or discharge rate equal to the capacity of

a battery divided by 1 hour. Thus C for a 1600 mAh battery would be 1.6 A,

C/5 for the same battery would be 320 mA and C/10 would be 160 mA.

1.1.7 Capacity - The capacity of a battery is a measure of the amount of

energy that it can deliver in a single discharge. Battery capacity is normally

listed as amp-hours (or milli amp-hours) or as watt-hours.

1.1.8 Cathode - Is an electrode that, in effect, oxidizes the anode or absorbs

the electrons. During discharge, the positive electrode of a voltaic cell is the

cathode. When charging, that reverses and the negative electrode of the cell

is the cathode.

1.1.9 Cycle - One sequence of charge and discharge.

1.1.10 Cycle Life - For rechargeable batteries, the total number of

charge/discharge cycles the cell can sustain before its capacity is

significantly reduced. End of life is usually considered to be reached when

the cell or battery delivers only 80% of rated ampere- hour capacity.

1.1.11 Electrochemical Couple - The system of active materials within a cell

that provides electrical energy storage through an electrochemical reaction.

1.1.12 Electrode - An electrical conductor through which an electric current

enters or leaves a conducting medium

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1.1.13 Electrolyte - A chemical compound which, when fused or dissolved in

certain solvents, usually water, will conduct an electric current.

1.1.14 Internal Resistance - The resistance to the flow of an electric current

within the cell or battery.

1.1.15 Open-Circuit Voltage - The difference in potential between the

terminals of a cell when the circuit is open (i.e., a no-load condition).

1.1.16 Voltage, cutoff - Voltage at the end of useful discharge. (See Voltage,

end-point.)

1.1.17 Voltage, end-point - Cell voltage below which the connected

equipment will not operate or below which operation is not recommended.

1.2 Principal of Operation of cell

A battery is a device that converts chemical energy directly to electrical

energy. It consists of a number of voltaic cells. Each voltaic cell consists of two

half cells connected in series by a conductive electrolyte containing anions and

cations. One half-cell includes electrolyte and the electrode to which anions

(negatively charged ions) migrate, i.e., the anode or negative electrode. The other

half-cell includes electrolyte and the electrode to which cations (positively charged

ions) migrate, i.e., the cathode or positive electrode. In the redox reaction that

powers the battery, cations are reduced (electrons are added) at the cathode, while

anions are oxidized (electrons are removed) at the anode. The electrodes do not

touch each other but are electrically connected by the electrolyte. Some cells use

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two half-cells with different electrolytes. A separator between half cells allows

ions to flow, but prevents mixing of the electrolytes.

Fig. 1.2 principle operation

Each half cell has an electromotive force (or emf), determined by its ability

to drive electric current from the interior to the exterior of the cell. The voltage

developed across a cell's terminals depends on the energy release of the chemical

reactions of its electrodes and electrolyte. Alkaline and carbon-zinc cells have

different chemistries but approximately the same emf of 1.5 volts. Likewise NiCd

and NiMH cells have different chemistries, but approximately the same emf of 1.2

volts. On the other hand the high electrochemical potential changes in the reactions

of lithium compounds give lithium cells emf of 3 volts or more.

1.3 Types of batteries

Batteries are classified into two broad categories. Primary batteries

irreversibly (within limits of practicality) transform chemical energy to electrical

energy. When the initial supply of reactants is exhausted, energy cannot be readily

restored to the battery by electrical means. Secondary batteries can be recharged.

That is, they can have their chemical reactions reversed by supplying electrical

energy to the cell, restoring their original composition.

Primary batteries: This can produce current immediately on assembly.

Disposable batteries are intended to be used once and discarded. These are most

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commonly used in portable devices that have low current drain, are only used

intermittently, or are used well away from an alternative power source, such as in

alarm and communication circuits where other electric power is only intermittently

available. Disposable primary cells cannot be reliably recharged, since the

chemical reactions are not easily reversible and active materials may not return to

their original forms. Battery manufacturers recommend against attempting

recharging primary cells. Common types of disposable batteries include zinc-

carbon batteries and alkaline batteries.

Secondary batteries: These batteries must be charged before use. They are

usually assembled with active materials in the discharged state. Rechargeable

batteries or secondary cells can be recharged by applying electric current, which

reverses the chemical reactions that occur during its use. Devices to supply the

appropriate current are called chargers or rechargers.

Fig. 1.3a Primary cell Fig. 1.3b Secondary cell

1.4 Recent developments

Recent developments include batteries with embedded functionality such as

USBCELL, with a built-in charger and USB connector within the AA format,

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enabling the battery to be charged by plugging into a USB port without a charger

USB Cell is the brand of NiMH rechargeable battery produced by a company

called Moixa Energy. The batteries include a USB connector to allow recharging

using a powered USB port. The product range currently available is limited to a

1300 mAh.

Fig. 1.4 USB cell

1.5 Life of battery

Even if never taken out of the original package, disposable (or "primary")

batteries can lose 8 to 20 percent of their original charge every year at a

temperature of about 20°–30°C. [54] This is known as the "self-discharge" rate and

is due to non-current-producing "side" chemical reactions, which occur within the

cell even if no load is applied to it. The rate of the side reactions is reduced if the

batteries are stored at low temperature, although some batteries can be damaged by

freezing. High or low temperatures may reduce battery performance. This will

14

affect the initial voltage of the battery. For an AA alkaline battery this initial

voltage is approximately normally distributed around 1.6 volts.

Rechargeable batteries self-discharge more rapidly than disposable alkaline

batteries, especially nickel-based batteries a freshly charged NiCd loses 10% of its

charge in the first 24 hours, and thereafter discharges at a rate of about 10% a

month. Most nickel-

based batteries are partially discharged when purchased, and must be charged

before first use.

1.6 Hazards related to batteries

1.6.1 Explosion

A battery explosion is caused by the misuse or malfunction of a battery, such as

attempting to recharge a primary (non-rechargeable) battery, or short circuiting a

battery.

1.6.2 Corrosion

Many battery chemicals are corrosive, poisonous, or both. If leakage occurs, either

spontaneously or through accident, the chemicals released may be dangerous

Fig 1.5 Life cycle

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1.6.3 Environmental pollution

The widespread use of batteries has created many environmental concerns, such as

toxic metal pollution. Battery manufacture consumes resources and often involves

hazardous chemicals. Used batteries also contribute to electronic waste.

Americans purchase nearly three billion batteries annually, and about 179,000 tons

of those end up in landfills across the country.

1.6.4 Ingestion

Small button/disk batteries can be swallowed by young children. While in the

digestive tract the battery's electrical discharge can burn the tissues and can be

serious enough to lead to death.

Fig 1.6 Electronic waste

2. PAPER BATTERY

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Energy has always been spotlighted. In the past few years a lot of inventions

have been made in this particular field. The tiny nuclear batteries that can provide

energy for 10 years, but they use radioactive elements and are quite expensive.

Few years back some researchers from Stanford University started experiments

concerning the ways in which a copier paper could be used as a battery source.

After a long way of struggle they, recently, concluded that the idea was right. The

batteries made from a plain copier paper could make for the future energy storage

that is truly thin.

The anatomy of paper battery is based on the use of Carbon Nanotubes tiny

cylinders to collect electric charge. The paper is dipped in lithium containing

solution. The nanotubes will act as electrodes allowing storage device to conduct

electricity. It’s astounding to know that all the components of a conventional

battery are integrated in a single paper structure; hence the complete mechanism

for a battery is minimized to a size of paper.

One of the many reasons behind choosing the paper as a medium for battery

is the well-designed structure of millions of interconnected fibers in it. These fibers

can hold on carbon nanotubes easily. Also a paper has the capability to bent or

curl.

You can fold it in different shapes and forms plus it as light as feather. Output

voltage is modest but it could be increased if we use a stack of papers. Hence the

voltage issues can be easily controlled without difficulty. Usage of paper as a

battery will ultimately lead to weight diminution of batteries many times as

compared to traditional batteries.

It is said that the paper battery also has the capability of releasing the energy

quickly. That makes it best utilization for devices that needs burst of energy,

17

mostly electric vehicles. Further, the medical uses are particularly attractive

because they do not contain any toxic materials.

Fig.2 Papper Battry

A paper battery is a flexible, ultra-thin energy storage and production device

formed by combining carbon nanotubes with a conventional sheet ofcellulosebased

paper. A paper battery acts as both a highenergy battery and super capacitor,

combining two discrete components that are separate in traditional electronics.

Paper Battery= Paper (Cellulose) + Carbon Nanotubes

Cellulose is a complex organic substance found in paper and pulp; not digestible

by humans. A Carbon NanoTubes (CNT) is a very tiny cylinder formed from a

single sheet of carbon atoms rolled into a tiny cylinder. These are stronger than

steel and more conducting than the best semiconductors. They can be Single-

walled or Multi-walled.

Mayer-rod-coated on the paper substrate with an effective thickness of 10 _m. The

wet PVDF functions as a glue to stick the double layer films on paper. The

concentration of PVDF in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) was 10% by weight the

double layer films were laminated on the paper while the PVDF/ NMP was still

wet. During this process, a metal rod rolls over the films to remove air bubbles

trapped between films and the paper separator. After laminating LTO/CNT on one

18

side of the paper, the same process was used to put LCO/CNT on the opposite side

of the paper to complete the Li-ion battery fabrication. Figure 1d,e shows the

scheme and a final device of the Li-ion paper battery prior to

encapsulation and cell testing. Althougha paper-like membrane has been used as

the separator for other energy storage systems including supercapacitors, it is the

first demonstration of the use of commercial paper in Li-ion batteries, 12 where

paper is used as both separator and mechanical support.

Fig2.1 Types of CNTs

3. CARBON NANOTUBES

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are allotropes of carbon with a cylindrical

nanostructure. Nanotubes have been constructed with length-to-diameter ratio of

up to 132,000,000:1, significantly larger than any other material. These cylindrical

carbon molecules have novel properties, making them potentially useful in many

applications in nanotechnology, electronics, optics, and other fields of materials

science, as well as potential uses in architectural fields.

They may also have applications in the construction of body armor. They

exhibit extraordinary strength and unique electrical properties, and are efficient

thermal conductors.

19

Their name is derived from their size, since the diameter of a nanotube is on

the order of a few nanometers (approximately 1/50,000th of the width of a human

hair), while they can be up to 18 centimeters in length (as of 2010). Nanotubes are

categorized as single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs) and multi-walled nanotubes

(MWNTs).

In theory, metallic nanotubes can carry an electric current density of 4 × 109

A/cm2 which is more than 1,000 times greater than metals such as copper, where

for copper interconnects current densities are limited by electro migration.

In paper batteries the nanotubes act as electrodes, allowing the storage

devices to conduct electricity. The battery, which functions as both a lithium-ion

battery and a super capacitor, can provide a long, steady power output comparable

to a conventional battery, as well as a super capacitor’s quick burst of high energy

and while a conventional battery contains a number of separate components, the

paper battery integrates all of the battery components in a single structure, making

it more energy efficient.

Carbon nanotubes have been implemented in Nano electromechnical

systems, including mechanical memory elements(NRAM being developed by

Nantero Inc.)

Fig 3. Carbon nanotubes

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3.1 Properties of Carbon Nanotubes:

• Ratio of Width: Length: 1:107

• High tensile Strength (Greater than Steel).

• Low Mass density & High Packing Density.

• Very Light and Very Flexible.

• Very Good Electrical Conductivity (better than Silicon).

• Low resistance (~33 ohm per sq. inch).

• Output Open Circuit Voltage(O.C.V): 1.5-2.5 V (For a postage stamp sized)

• The O.C.V. of Paper Batteries is directly proportional to CNT concentration.

• Stacking the Paper and CNT layers multiplies the Output Voltage; Slicing the

Paper and CNT layers divides the Output Voltage.

• Thickness: typically about 0.5-0.7mm.

• Nominal continuous current density: 0.1 mA/cm2/ active area.

• Nominal capacity: 2.5 to 5 mAh/cm2/ active area.

• Shelf life (RT): 3 years.

• Temperature operating range: -75°C to +150°C.

• No heavy metals (does not contain Hg, Pb, Cd, etc.)

• No safety events or over-heating in case of battery abuse or mechanical damage

• No safety limitations for shipment, packaging storage and disposal.

Fig3.1 Variation of Resistance with Width of CNT

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Fig3.2. Variation of Resistivity with Temperature

4. FABRICATION OF PAPER BATTERY

The materials required for the preparation of paper battery are

a. Copier paper

b. Carbon nano ink

c. Oven

The steps involved in the preparation of the paper battery are as follows

Step 1: The copier paper is taken.

Step 2: carbon Nano ink which is black in color is taken. Carbon nano ink is a

solution of nano rods, surface adhesive agent and ionic salt solutions. Carbon nano

ink is spread on one side of the paper.

Step 3: the paper is kept inside the oven at 150C temperature. This evaporates the

water content on the paper. The paper and the nano rods get attached to each other.

Step 4: place the multi meter on the sides of the paper and we can see voltage drop

is generated.

22

Fig 4. Fabrication process

After drying the paper becomes flexible, light weight in nature. The paper is

scratched and rolled to protect the nano rods on paper.

Fig4.1 Paper Battry

23

Figure 4.2. (a) Schematic of fabrication process for free-standing LCO/CNT or LTO/CNT

double layer thin films. The CNT film is doctor-bladed onto the SS substrate and dried. An

LTO or LTO slurry is then doctor-blade-coated on top of CNT film and dried. The whole

substrate is immersed into DI water, and the double layer of LTO/CNT or LCO/ CNT can

be easily peeled off due to the poor adhesion of CNTs to the SS substrate.

(b) (Left) 5 in. _ 5 in. LTO/CNT double layer film coated on SS substrate; (middle) the

double layer film can be easily separated from the SS substrate in DI water; (right) the final

free-standing film after drying.

(c) Schematic of the lamination process: the freestanding film is laminated on paper with a

rod and a thin layer of wet PVDF on paper.

(d) Schematic of the final paper Li-ion battery device structure, with both LCO/CNT and

LTO/CNT laminated on both sides of the paper substrate. The paper is used as both the

separator and the substrate.

(e) Picture of the Li-ion paper battery before encapsulation for measurement.

24

5. WORKING OF PAPER BATTERY

The battery produces electricity in the same way as the conventional lithium-

ion batteries that power so many of today's gadgets, but all the components have

been incorporated into a lightweight, flexible sheet of paper.

The devices are formed by combining cellulose with an infusion of aligned

carbon nanotubes. The carbon is what gives the batteries their black color.

These tiny filaments act like the electrodes found in a traditional battery,

conducting electricity when the paper comes into contact with an ionic liquid

solution.

Ionic liquids contain no water, which means that there is nothing to freeze or

evaporate in extreme environmental conditions. As a result, paper batteries can

function between -75 and 1500C.

The paper is made conducting material by dipping in ink. The paper works

as a conductive layer. Two sheets of paper kept facing inward act like parallel

plates (high energy electrodes). It can store energy like a super capacitor and it can

discharge bursts of energy because of large surface area of nano tubes.

Fig.5 working of a paper battery

25

Chlorine ions flow from the positive electrode to the negative one, while

electrons travel through the external circuit, providing current. The paper electrode

stores charge while recharging in tens of seconds because ions flow through the

thin electrode quickly. In contrast, lithium batteries take 20 minutes to recharge.

The sheets can be rolled, twisted, folded, or cut into numerous shapes with no loss

of integrity or efficiency, or stacked like printer paper to boost total output.

The components are molecularly attached to each other: the carbon nanotube print

is embedded in the paper, and the electrolyte is soaked into the paper batteries

produce electrons through a chemical reaction between electrolyte and metal in the

traditional battery. Chemical reaction in the paper battery is between electrolyte

and carbon nanotubes.

Electrons collect on the negative terminal of the battery and flow along a

connected wire to the positive terminal Electrons must flow from the negative to

the positive terminal for the chemical reaction to continue.

Fig5.1 Paper battry

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Figure 5.2 (a) Lighting a red LED with a Li-ion paper battery which is encapsulated with

_10 _m PDMS.

(b) Flexible Li-ion paper batteries light an LED device.

(c) Galvanostatic charging/discharging curves of a laminated LTO_LCO paper batteries, a

structure as in Figure 1d.

(d) Self-discharge behavior of a full cell after being charged to 2.6 V. The initial drop is due

to the IR drop after turning off the charging current. Inset: cycling performance of

LTO_LCO full cells.

(e) Comparison of our paper Li-ion battery with a polymer paper battery. The green arrow

indicates the target of the paper battery.

(f) Schematic for stacked cells separated by 10 _m plastic paper. An individual cell is made

with laminated LTO/CNT and LCO/CNT on either side of a piece of Xerox paper. A small

piece of Cu is connected on the LTO/CNT side and Al on the LCO/CNT side.

27

6. ADVANTAGES

The flexible shape allows the paper battery to be used small or irregularly-

shaped electronics:

One of the unique features of the paper battery is that it can be bent to any such

shape or design that the user might have in mind. The battery can easily squeeze

into tight crevasses and can be cut multiple times without ruining the battery's life.

For example if a battery is cut in half, each piece will function, however, each

piece will only contain 1/2 the amount of original power. Conversely, placing two

sheets of paper battery on top of one-another will double the power.

The paper battery may replace conventional batteries completely:

By layering sheets of this paper, the battery's voltage and current can be

increased that many times. Since the main components of the paper battery are

carbon nanotubes and cellulose, the body structure of the battery is very thin,

"paper-thin". Thus to maximize even more power, the sheets of battery paper can

be stacked on top of one another to give off tremendous power. This can allow the

battery to have a much higher amount of power for the same size of storage as a

current battery and also be environmentally friendly at the same time.

Supply power to an implanted pacemaker in the human body by using the

electrolytes in human blood:

An improvement in the techniques used in the health field can be aided by the

paper battery. Experiments have taken place showing that batteries can be

energized by the electrolyte emitted from one's own blood or body sweat. This can

conserve the usage of battery acid and rely on an environmental friendly

mechanism of fueling battery cells with the help from our bodies.

28

The paper battery can be molded to take the shape of large objects, like a car

door:

As stated earlier, the key characteristics that make the paper battery very appealing

are that it can be transformed into any shape or size, it can be cut multiple times

without damaging it, and it can be fueled through various ways besides the typical

harmful battery acid that is used in the current day battery.

7. LIMITATIONS

• Presently, the devices are only a few inches across and they have to be

scaled up to sheets of newspaper size to make it commercially viable.

• Carbon nanotubes are very expensive, and batteries with large enough power

are unlikely to be cost effective.

• Cutting of trees leading to destroying of the nature.

8. APPLICATIONS

The paper-like quality of the battery combined with the structure of the nanotubes

embedded within gives them their light weight and low cost, making them

attractive for portable electronics, aircraft, automobiles, and toys (such as model

aircraft), while their ability to use electrolytes in blood make them potentially

useful for medical devices such as pacemakers. The medical uses are particularly

attractive because they do not contain any toxic materials and can

be biodegradable; a major drawback of chemical cells.

However, Professor

Sperling cautions that commercial applications may be a long way away, because

nanotubes are still relatively expensive to fabricate. Currently they are making

devices a few inches in size. In order to be commercially viable, they would like to

29

be able to make them newspaper size; a size which, taken all together, would be

powerful enough to power a car.

With the developing technologies and reducing cost of CNTs, the paper batteries

will find applications in the following fields:

1. In Electronics:

• in laptop batteries, mobile phones, handheld digital cameras: The weight of these

devices can be significantly reduced by replacing the alkaline batteries with light-

weight Paper Batteries, without compromising with the power requirement.

Moreover, the electrical hazards related to recharging will be greatlyreduced.

• in calculators, wrist watch and other low drain devices.

• in wireless communication devices like speakers, mouse, keyboard ,Bluetooth

headsets etc.

• in Enhanced Printed Circuit Board(PCB) wherein both the sides of the PCB can

be used: one for the circuit and the other side (containing the components )would

contain a layer of customized Paper Battery. This would eliminate heavy step-

down transformers and the need of separate power supply unit for most electronic

circuits.

2. In Medical Sciences:

• in Pacemakers for the heart

• in Artificial tissues (using Carbon nanotubes)

30

• in Cosmetics, Drug-delivery systems

• in Biosensors, such as Glucose meters, Sugar meters, etc.

3. In Automobiles and Aircrafts:

• in Hybrid Car batteries

• in Long Air Flights reducing Refueling

• for Light weight guided missiles

• for powering electronic devices in Satellite programs

9. CONCLUSION

One of the major problems bugging the world now is Energy

crisis. Every nation needs energy and everyone needs power. And this problem

which disturbs the developed countries perturbs the developing countries like India

to a much greater extent. Standing at a point in the present where there can’t be a

day without power, Paper Batteries can provide an altogether path-breaking

solution to the same. Being Biodegradable, Light-weight and Nontoxic, flexible

paper batteries have potential adaptability to power the next generation of

electronics, medical devices and hybrid vehicles, allowing for radical new designs

and medical technologies. But India still has got a long way to go if it has to be

self-dependant for its energy solution. Literature reflects that Indian researchers

31

have got the scientific astuteness needed for such revolutionary work. But what

hinders their path is the lack of facilities and funding. Of course, the horizon of

inquisitiveness is indefinitely vast and this paper is just a single step towards this

direction

.

We have discussed the various terminologies, principle of operation of a

battery and recent developments related to it. The life of a battery is an important

parameter which decides the area of application of the battery. Increased use of

batteries gives rise to E-waste which poses great damage to our environment.

In the year 2007 paper battery was manufactured. The technology is capable

of replacing old bulky batteries. The paper batteries can further reduce the weight

of the electronic gadgets.

The adaptations to the paper battery technique in the future could allow for

simply painting the nanotube ink and active materials onto surfaces such as walls.

These surfaces can produce energy.

REFERENCES

Thin, Flexible Secondary Li-Ion Paper Batteries Liangbing Hu, Hui Wu,

Fabio La Mantia, Yuan Yang, and Yi Cui

Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University,

Stanford, California 94305.

David Linden “Handbook of batteries”