Researchers Build Washable Battery That Stretches Like Rubber Without Exploding
Researchers claimed to have put their prototypes through an actual laundry cycle in home and commercial grade washing machines and the batteries worked fine after 39 thorough wash cycles.
We¡¯ve seen batteries in a variety of shapes and sizes, however, researchers from the University of British Columbia¡¯s faculty of applied science have developed a new kind of battery that¡¯s flexible as well as washable, while also being safer and more environmentally friendly.
Kai Jacobson
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Reported first by the Independent, the battery can survive twisting and stretching twice its normal size and can be easily machine washed, much like our clothes.
Normal batteries have internal layers trapped in a hard outer shell. However, for these flexible batteries, researchers fused the key chemicals zinc and manganese dioxide with a rubber polymer.
These chemicals are far safer than lithium-ion that¡¯s currently seen in almost all battery-operated devices today and is not as toxic upon breakdown either.
The final battery is made of several ultra-thin layers of these plastics, with an air and watertight seal. Researchers claimed to have put their prototypes through an actual laundry cycle in home and commercial grade washing machines and the batteries worked fine after 39 thorough wash cycles.
Dr Ngoc Tan Nguyen, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of British Columbia¡¯s faculty of applied science said in a statement, ¡°Wearable electronics are a big market and stretchable batteries are essential to their development. However, up until now, stretchable batteries have not been washable. This is a critical addition if they are to withstand the demands of everyday use.¡±
Also Read: Scientists Solve 40-Year-Old Battery Tech Issue To Fast Charge Electric Cars Soon
Kai Jacobson
Researchers are now working on improving the battery¡¯s life cycle and output with the expectation that when it reaches the market, it could be priced similar to that of a normal rechargeable battery.
Other applications could include watches, medical patches as well as smart wear that could change colour, temperatures etc.
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