ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Working on presentations is one of the important aspects in an engineering students

carrier. It is to strengthen the practical concepts. These presentation seminars make the
student more acquainted with the latest technology and recent developments in their field.
Also, enhances ones communication and presentation skills.

Firstly, I convey my sincere thanks to all the employees of CSE Department of IIMT
Engineering College, Meerut. Doing a task in a better manner is never one mans effort.
It is often the result of the invaluable contribution of number of individuals in a direct or
indirect manner. I convey special thanks to our HOD, Amit Sir, for his special guidance
and for providing me the opportunity to make and present a seminar, and I express my
gratitude to all the department members for their help and cooperation.

Km. Anjali
Verma

PREFACE
Engineering students gain only theoretical knowledge through books. But theoretical
knowledge alone is not sufficient for absolute mastery in any field. The knowledge
provided by our books is not of much use without knowing its practical implementation.
It has been experienced that theoretical knowledge is volatile in nature, however, practical
knowledge imparts solid foundation in our mind.

This report is in fact a summary oPA f, what I have learnt and seen and done in my
presentation titled PER BATTERY. Succeeding chapters give details of all the
necessary data- the details of this new innovative technology that turns the surface of the
human body as a safe, high speed network transmission path.

Km. Anjali
Verma

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.
Keywords: paper batteries, flexible, carbon nanotubes

Table of Contents
Chapter

Page No

1. Introduction To Batteries..5
1.1Terminologies......6
1.2Principle Of Operation Of Cell...7
1.3Types Of Battery....8
1.4Recent Developments.....9
1.5Life Of Battery....9
1.6Hazards......10
2. Paper Battery...11
3. Carbon Nanotubes......15
4. Fabrication Of Paper Battery........20
5. Working Of Paper Battery.....21
6. Advantages Of Paper Battery........22
7. Limitations Of Paper Battery........23
8. Applications Of Paper Battery.....24
9. Conclusion.....25
References..26

List Of Figures
Figures

Description

Figure 1aSymbolic 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 3.....Carbon Nanotubes
Figure 4.....Fabrication Process
Figure 5.....Working Process

CHAPTER-1

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
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 watthours 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.

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 amphours (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

7

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
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
8

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
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, 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
10

Fig 1.5 Life cycle

temperature of about 2030C. [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 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 nickelbased 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
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
11

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

CHAPTER-2

PAPER BATTERY
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. Its
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
12

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, mostly
electric vehicles. Further, the medical uses are particularly attractive because they do not
contain any toxic materials.

CHAPTER-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.

Fig 3.1 Carbon nanotubes

13

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 capacitors 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.)
A recent research done by a group of researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in
Troy, New York are back to using paper with a high-tech twist. Carbon nanotubes are
infused into a material that is 90 per cent cellulose and which is virtually identical to
ordinary paper. The nanotubes, which colour the paper black, act as electrodes and allow
the storage devices to conduct electricity. The results originally appeared online in RPI
News on August 13, 2007.
The device functions as both a lithium-ion battery and a super-capacitor, which stores
charge like a battery but has no electrolyte. The paper battery provides a long, steady
power output as against a conventional battery and also as a super-capacitor's quick burst
of high energy. The ionic liquid electrolyte that is soaked into the paper is a liquid salt and
contains no water, so it won't freeze or boil. The paper battery also uses no toxic
chemicals. Not only does it help power electronic devices, but in larger configurations the
paper battery could be moulded into shapes like the door of a car.
The paper battery resulted from an accidental collaboration of three laboratories at
Rensselaer that were melding the contributions of students in the fields of chemistry and
chemical engineering; materials science; and electrical engineering. Dr. Robert Linhardt's
group was making thin cellulose membranes to help in kidney research. A student in
another lab suggested carbon nanotubes to make the membranes stronger, and a student in
the third lab saw the potential for use as a battery and super-capacitor.
The researchers have now formed a company called as the Paper Battery Company. Now
their goal is to take the process that they began in the lab and adapt it to large-scale
fabrication that would lend it to commercial applications. They now need to boost the
battery's energy capacity, and also lower the cost of making the batteries on a large scale.
14

In addition to transportation, they hope to adapt their design for use with windmills and
with photovoltaic cells, which produce electricity from sunlight. These batteries would be
used to store energy for u he sun is not shining or when the wind is not blowing.

The nanoengineered battery is lightweight, ultra thin, completely flexible, and geared
toward meeting the trickiest design and energy requirements of tomorrows gadgets,
implantable medical equipment, and transportation vehicles.
Along with its ability to function in temperatures up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and down
to 100 below zero, the device is completely integrated and can be printed like paper. The
device is also unique in that it can function as both a high-energy battery and a highpower supercapacitor, which are generally separate components in most electrical
systems. Another key feature is the capability to use human blood or sweat to help power
the battery.
Details of the project are outlined in the paper Flexible Energy Storage Devices Based
on Nanocomposite Paper published Aug. 13 in theProceedings of the National Academy
of Sciences.
The semblance to paper is no accident: more than 90 percent of the device is made up of
cellulose, the same plant cells used in newsprint, loose leaf, lunch bags, and nearly every
other type of paper.
Rensselaer researchers infused this paper with aligned carbon nanotubes, which give the
device its black color. The nanotubes act as electrodes and allow the storage devices to
conduct electricity. The device, engineered to function as both a lithium-ion battery and a
supercapacitor, can provide the long, steady power output comparable to a conventional
battery, as well as a supercapacitors quick burst of high energy.
The device can be rolled, twisted, folded, or cut into any number of shapes with no loss of
mechanical integrity or efficiency. The paper batteries can also be stacked, like a ream of
printer paper, to boost the total power output.
Its essentially a regular piece of paper, but its made in a very intelligent way, said
paper co-author Robert Linhardt, the Ann and John H. Broadbent Senior Constellation
Professor of Biocatalysis and Metabolic Engineering at Rensselaer.
Were not putting pieces together its a single, integrated device, he said. 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. The end result is a
device that looks, feels, and weighs the same as paper.
The creation of this unique nanocomposite paper drew from a diverse pool of disciplines,
requiring expertise in materials science, energy storage, and chemistry. Along with
Linhardt, authors of the paper include Pulickel M. Ajayan, professor of materials science
and engineering, and Omkaram Nalamasu, professor of chemistry with a joint
appointment in materials science and engineering. Senior research specialist Victor
Pushparaj, along with postdoctoral research associates Shaijumon M. Manikoth, Ashavani
Kumar, and Saravanababu Murugesan, were co-authors and lead researchers of the
15

project. Other co-authors include research associate Lijie Ci and Rensselaer

Nanotechnology Center Laboratory Manager Robert Vajtai.
The researchers used ionic liquid, essentially a liquid salt, as the batterys electrolyte. Its
important to note that ionic liquid contains no water, which means theres nothing in the
batteries to freeze or evaporate. This lack of water allows the paper energy storage
devices to withstand extreme temperatures, Kumar said.
Along with use in small handheld electronics, the paper batteries light weight could make
them ideal for use in automobiles, aircraft, and even boats. The paper also could be
molded into different shapes, such as a car door, which would enable important new
engineering innovations.
Plus, because of the high paper content and lack of toxic chemicals, its environmentally
safe, Shaijumon said.
Paper is also extremely biocompatible and these new hybrid battery/supercapcitors have
potential as power supplies for devices implanted in the body. The team printed paper
batteries without adding any electrolytes, and demonstrated that naturally occurring
electrolytes in human sweat, blood, and urine can be used to activate the battery device.
Its a way to power a small device such as a pacemaker without introducing any harsh
chemicals such as the kind that are typically found in batteries into the body,
Pushparaj said.
The materials required to create the paper batteries are inexpensive, Murugesan said, but
the team has not yet developed a way to inexpensively mass produce the devices. The end
goal is to print the paper using a roll-to-roll system similar to how newspapers are printed.
When we get this technology down, well basically have the ability to print batteries and
print supercapacitors, Ajayan said. We see this as a technology thats just right for the
current energy market, as well as the electronics industry, which is always looking for
smaller, lighter power sources. Our device could make its way into any number of
different applications.
The team of researchers has already filed a patent protecting the invention. They are now
working on ways to boost the efficiency of the batteries and supercapacitors, and
investigating different manufacturing techniques.
"Energy storage is an area that can be addressed by nanomanufacturing technologies and
our truly inter-disciplinary collaborative activity that brings together advances and
expertise in nanotechnology, room-temperature ionic liquids, and energy storage devices
in a creative way to devise novel battery and supercapacitor devices," Nalamasu said.
The paper energy storage device project was supported by the New York State Office of
Science, Technology, and Academic Research (NYSTAR), as well as the National Science
Foundation (NSF) through the Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center at Rensselaer.

16

In this highly technological world with advanced machines, electronics have been woven
into almost every aspect of everyday life. Batteries are integrated into the majority of any
electric appliance found in the home and work place, and therefore could be titled as one
of the most important tools to ever be invented. The knowledge of how batteries operate
is substantial to understanding the basics of any electrical contraption.
The first evidence of batteries was dated to be from in the neighborhood of 250B.C.
These ancient batteries were discovered in archaelogical digs in Baghdad, Iraq. These
antiquated batteries were used in simple operations to electroplate objects with a thin
layer of metal, much the same way we plate things with gold and silver. Much later,
batteries were re-discovered in 1800 by a man named Alessandro Volta. The electrical
unit of potential was named after him-the volt. Alessandro Volta was born in 1745 and
died in 1827, and in this time period he re-produced one of the most important parts of
life. He developed the battery by alternating pieces of electrolyte soaked discs (sodium
chloride), zinc, and copper plates. These plates and discs were stacked in a 1 2 3 order,
and when a wire was placed on the two poles of the battery it would produce electricity.
Battery chemistry is a complex science to gain complete knowledge about, but basic
battery chemistry will be covered. An electrochemical cell uses energy released from a
spontaneous chemical redox reaction to generate electric current. The current is derived
from the flow of electrons conducted through the metal and the movement of ions in a
solution, called electrolytic conduction. A battery consists of a single electrochemical cell
or a number of cells connected in series.(Fisher,518) A battery could be created by using
a Zinc anode and a copper cathode. An anode is a part of an electrochemical cell that
releases electrons to the cathode, therefore being oxidized, and a cathode receives the
electrons from the anode, therefore it undergoes reduction. So to create the Zinc/Copper
battery, the Zinc rod would be placed into a Zinc Sulphate solution(ZnSO4), and the
Copper rod would go into the Copper Sulphate solution(CuSO4). When the two rods are
connects in some way, by wire or by deliberate touch, many things happen. ...

17

Fig 3.2 Battery in Opertaion

CHAPTER-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.

18

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.

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.

CHAPTER-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.

19

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

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.

CHAPTER-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.
20

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.
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.

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.

21

APPLICATIONS

Pace makers in heart (uses blood as electrolyte)

22

Used as alternate to conventional batteries in gadgets

Powered smart cards RF id tags

Smart toys, children sound books

E-cards, greetings, talking posters

Girls/boys apparel

23

CONCLUSION
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.

24

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

25