Stencil-printed Li-ion batteries conform to any object
Published in ACS Nano Letters in a paper titled “Printable Solid-State Lithium-Ion Batteries: A New Route toward Shape-Conformable Power Sources with Aesthetic Versatility for Flexible Electronics”, the PRISS Batteries consist of a solid-state composite electrolyte (SCE) layer and SCE matrix-embedded electrodes, which can be printed on just about any object of any shape, as it is possible with today’s stencil process.
The researchers were able to tune the rheological properties of the SCE paste and electrode slurry to give them thixotropic fluid characteristics suitable for complex deposition patterns on non-flat objects. They also had to design a high boiling point electrolyte to make the PRISS batteries compatible with heat curing.
The materials used allowed the researchers to circumvent solvent-drying and liquid-electrolyte injection process steps, while removing the need for conventional microporous separator membranes. This makes the printable batteries truly shape-conformable, opening new design opportunities for better battery integration.
Leading this research, UNIST professor Sang-Young Lee expects the PRISS batteries to alleviate design constraints in wearable devices, removing the need for a pre-designated battery space with fixed dimension and shape.
One example being shown is the integration of the PRISS batteries directly onto smart glasses frames.
What’s more, after characterizing the electrochemical behaviour of PRISS batteries, the researchers found that these batteries exhibited a 90 percent capacity retention after 30 cycles, with no significant loss in charge or discharge capacities, a capacity retention which beats that of conventional Li-ion batteries.
Visit the UNIST at www.unist.ac.kr
Related articles:
IoT energy storage takes shape: its flexible, printed and thin
Fully printed energy-storage device gets USD1 million of additional funding
How about password-protected paper mail?
If you enjoyed this article, you will like the following ones: don't miss them by subscribing to :
