TODAYS MINI PROJECT: What is Paper Battery ? 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. These special nanomaterials are a one-dimensional structure with very small diameters.The small diameter helps the nanomaterial ink stick strongly to the fibrous paper, making the battery very durable. The reason 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. We can fold it in different shapes and forms plus it as light as feather. A paper battery acts as both a high- energy battery and supercapacitor . This combination allows the battery to provide both long-term, steady power production and bursts of energy. Construction and Working Carbon nanotubes are infused into a material that is 90% 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 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 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. 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. The paper battery also has the capability of releasing the energy quickly. Cellulose Vs. Aramid Papers It is found that Cellulosic paper is probably not the substrate technology apt for paper batteries. Normal cellulosic paper is combustible, variable and can be subjected to dimensional stability problems like cockling or curl. The porous media should be able to withstand a high temperature, have precise dielectric properties throughout, meet porosity requirements for carbon nanotube coating and be dimensional stable. So the use of Aramid papers as the substrate comes into picture.Aramid papers have a higher degradation temperature between 350-500 C higher than cellulosic papers or other synthetic papers. Aramid papers have superior dimensional stability. The porosity and dielectric properties can be easily regulated. Advantages and Applications The Paper batteries are light weight as compared to traditional batteries, making them easy to carry and transport. It is very useful where burst of energy is required for operation like mostly electric vehicles. The medical uses are particularly attractive because they do not contain any toxic materials.
Posted on: Wed, 31 Jul 2013 18:23:08 +0000
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