A start-up in Singapore has invented paper batteries that can change their shape, according to Nanyang Technological University. These novel batteries could challenge lithium-ion dominance, the academic body says, because the materials are less expensive and easier to work with. But how practical is the idea commercially? Let’s find out!
Which Materials Go Into These Paper Batteries?
The press release reveals the Singapore-based startup is a company called Flint. Company co-founder Carlo Charles reveals they pushed lithium, nickel and cobalt aside, which are expensive. And then replaced these with more affordable zinc, manganese and cellulose paper, that are readily available.
Flint’s paper batteries comprise a zinc-based anode, a manganese-based cathode, and a paper separator. But the secret sauce to the recipe is the hydrogel with which Flint coats these items, before baking them in a vacuum oven. Now we know a hydrogel is a gel in which the liquid component is water. But what goes into this particular gel?
Flint is coy on the topic of the gel, and their website is not yet in the public domain. But their LinkedIn profile does enthuse about being part of a global collective, joining forces to create a sustainable future. Although they do acknowledge they are challenging ‘a well-established industry that is too big to tackle alone’.
For a Moment Let’s Imagine What Might Be
Wikipedia describes paper batteries as using cellulose spacers incorporating nano-scale structures that act as electrodes to improve conductivity. The encyclopedia explains how these unusually-thin storage cells incorporate easily into a wide range of existing applications.
We can’t see any reason why it should not be possible to roll, cut, or fold the Flint battery into a variety of different shapes and sizes. If it works as well as start-up Flint describes their dream, then our battery world might be on to a good thing soon.
More Information
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Preview Image: Flint Paper Battery Structure
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