Paper Batteries: The Power Source of the Future

As an alternative to traditional batteries and electricity, nanotechnology-based paper batteries are expected to be used in the future. Developed by researchers at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the United States, this stamp-sized nanotechnology paper can generate 2.3 volts of electrical energy. According to the spokesperson for the research team, Professor Robert Linhardt, this battery contains carbon nanotubes that are one millionth the thickness of a centimeter, each carrying a single electron. These nanotubes are compressed, and the paper contains an ionic liquid electrolyte, which stores electricity. He further stated that if we can stack 500 sheets of paper together, we would achieve 500 times the voltage. Conversely, if we split it in two, we would get half the voltage. In other words, having control over the paper allows us to regulate both the electricity and the voltage. According to the researchers, these paper batteries could be used in electronics and medical science in the future.