New Battery Tech: Paper & Carbon Nanotubes

[ahhaa]

Arguably, civilization was stalled out until paper was invented; today the battery is a real limiting factor. But now the mind boggles- sing the paperwork electric!

Paper battery offers future power

The black piece of paper can power a small light
Flexible paper batteries could meet the energy demands of the next generation of gadgets, says a team of researchers. They have produced a sample slightly larger than a postage stamp that can release about 2.3 volts, enough to illuminate a small light. But the ambition is to produce reams of paper that could one day power a car.

Professor Robert Linhardt, of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, said the paper battery was a glimpse into the future of power storage. The team behind the versatile paper, which stores energy like a conventional battery, says it can also double as a capacitor capable of releasing sudden energy bursts for high-power applications.

While a conventional battery contains a number of separate components, the paper battery integrates all of the battery components in a single structure, making it more energy efficient.

more at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6945732.stm

[Heywould3]

thats very interesting. i wonder how long the battery holds its power? it says that it uses electrolytes, i wonder if the interaction with the carbon is where the power comes from. if so then that means that it could be a continuioius power source that would only run out when the electrolytes are gone. it said it can be used in pacemakers and blood used for the elecrtolytes. that means a battey that lasts for ever.. or as long as you have blood. lol.