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A promising innovation in the energy field is attracting attention: a fluid battery that can take any shape. Developed by researchers seeking more flexible and efficient solutions, this technology allows the energy storage system to adapt to irregular surfaces, mobile structures and devices with unconventional designs.
A new type of battery is attracting the attention of researchers and industry. It is soft, can be molded into any shape and was developed by scientists at Linköping University in Sweden.
The discovery could transform the way electronic devices are powered in the future. The research was published in the journal Science Advances.
New approach to flexible batteries
The great innovation lies in the transformation of the electrodes, which are no longer solid and now have a fluid form.
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The material resembles toothpaste. It can be placed in a 3D printer, for example, and shaped as needed. According to assistant professor Aiman Rahmanudin, this change paves the way for new forms of technology.
Unlike conventional batteries, which are solid and take up a lot of space, this fluid battery adapts to the design of the device.
This represents a significant change, especially for technologies that need to be discreet, small and integrated into the human body.
Applications on different devices
It is estimated that more than a trillion devices will be connected to the internet in the next ten years. This includes not only smartphones and computers, but also medical devices such as pacemakers, insulin pumps and wearable sensors.
In the long term, the new battery could be used in soft robotics, electronic fabrics and even nerve implants.
Rahmanudin explains that current batteries are the largest component of any electronic device. Because they are rigid, they limit the design and user experience. With a moldable battery, these barriers disappear. The electronic device can be designed in a completely different way, adapting to the shape of the body, for example.
Overcoming old challenges
Previously, other teams had tried to create flexible batteries, based on materials that could be stretched or with sliding parts. But the problem was always the same: the more capacity you wanted, the more material you needed, making the device rigid again.
The team at Linköping University has solved this problem by showing that it is possible to have a high-capacity battery without sacrificing flexibility. They were the first to demonstrate that rigidity does not have to be linked to battery performance.
Fluid electrodes have been studied in the past. Some have tried using liquid metals such as gallium. However, this type of material only worked on one side of the battery and could solidify during use, which compromised its efficiency.
Sustainability as an advantage
Another important aspect of the new model is sustainability. Instead of rare and polluting metals, the scientists used abundant and recyclable materials. The battery was made with conductive polymers — called conjugated polymers — and lignin, a byproduct of the paper industry.
Lignin, which is usually discarded, has been transformed into a high-value material. This helps create a more circular system that repurposes industrial waste for new applications. Mohsen Mohammadi, a researcher at the Organic Electronics Laboratory, points out that this approach reduces environmental impact.
The new battery can be recharged more than 500 times without loss of performance. What's more, it can be stretched to twice its size and still function normally.
Next steps in development
Even with the advances, the battery still needs to improve. It currently has a voltage of 0,9 volts. Researchers are looking for ways to increase this value so that the battery is compatible with more types of devices.
One alternative being studied is the use of other chemical compounds, such as zinc or manganese. Both are common and more readily available metals. The team believes that these elements could help achieve a higher voltage.
The project is still under development at the LiU Campus in Norrköping. The expectation is that, over time, this technology can be commercially applied in a variety of sectors.
The last relevant piece of information is that, with further testing and adjustments, the new battery has the potential to become a milestone in the advancement of smart devices — combining flexibility, performance and sustainability in a single product.
