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A promising innovation in the field of energy is catching 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 non-conventional design.
A new type of battery is catching the attention of researchers and the industry. It is soft, can be shaped into any form, 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 major innovation is in the transformation of the electrodes, which have shifted from being solid to having a fluid form.
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The material resembles toothpaste. It can be placed, for example, in a 3D printer and shaped as needed. According to assistant professor Aiman Rahmanudin, this change paves the way for new technology formats.
Unlike conventional batteries, which are solid and occupy a lot of space, this fluid battery adapts to the device’s design.
This represents a significant change, especially for technologies that need to be discreet, small, and integrated into the human body.
Applications in Different Devices
The estimate is that over 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 like pacemakers, insulin pumps, and wearable sensors.
In the long term, the new battery could be used in lightweight robotics, electronic textiles, and even neural implants.
Rahmanudin explains that current batteries are the largest component of any electronic device. Because they are rigid, they limit design and user experience. With a moldable battery, these barriers disappear. The electronic device can be designed completely differently, adapted to the shape of the body, for example.
Overcoming Old Challenges
Previously, other teams attempted to create flexible batteries based on materials that could be stretched or had sliding parts. But the problem was always the same: the more capacity desired, the more material was needed, making the device rigid again.
The team at Linköping University solved this issue 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 need to be linked to battery performance.
Fluid electrodes had been studied in the past. Some attempted to use liquid metals like gallium. However, this type of material only worked on one side of the battery and could solidify during use, compromising its efficiency.
Sustainability as an Advantage
Another important point of the new model is sustainability. Instead of rare and polluting metals, 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, was transformed into a high-value material. This helps create a more circular system that reuses waste from the industry for new applications. Mohsen Mohammadi, a researcher in the organic electronics lab, emphasizes that this approach reduces environmental impact.
The new battery can be recharged more than 500 times without performance loss. Additionally, it can be stretched to twice its size and continue to function normally.
Next Steps in Development
Even with the advancements, the battery still needs improvement. Currently, it 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 of the alternatives under study is the use of other chemical compounds, such as zinc or manganese. Both are common and more accessible metals. The team believes that these elements could help achieve a higher voltage.
The project continues to develop at the LiU Campus in Norrköping. The expectation is that, over time, this technology can be commercially applied in various sectors.
The latest relevant information is that, with more testing and adjustments, the new battery has the potential to become a landmark in the advancement of smart devices — combining flexibility, performance, and sustainability in a single product.
