Paper Battery Full Seminar Report

SEMINAR REPORT 2012-13 1 PAPER BATTERY

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am very happy to express my sincere gratitude to

Mr.CAPT.DINACHANDRAN.C(Principal,IPT&Govt.Polytechnic

college, Shornur) and all staff members of the Electronics

Department, I also express my heartfelt thanks toMrs. BINDHU

C.K(Head of the Department of Electronics) &Mr.

PRAKASH.P(Staff Advisor, Department of Electronics) for valuable

help and guidance for successful presentation of the seminar.

I thank all my friends for their whole hearted support and co-

operation. Above all, I express my heartiest thanks to God.

ASHIM.K.S

DEPT.OF ELECTRONICS I.P.T.&G.P.T.C SHORANUR


ABSTRACT

The Batteries form a significant part of many electronic devices. Typical

electrochemical batteries or cells convert chemical energy into electrical energy. Batteries

based on the charging ability are classified into primary and secondary cells. Secondary cells

are widely used because of their rechargeable nature.

Presently, battery takes up a huge amount of space and contributes to a large part of

the device's weight. There is strong recent interest in ultrathin, flexible, safe energy storage

devices to meet the various design and power needs of modern gadgets. New research

suggests that carbon nanotubes may eventually provide the best hope of implementing the

flexible batteries which can shrink our gadgets even more.

The paper batteries could meet the energy demands of the next generation gadgets. A

paper battery is a flexible, ultra-thin energy storage and production device formed by

combining carbon nanotubes with a conventional sheet of cellulose-based paper. A paper

battery acts as both a high-energy battery and super capacitor, combining two components

that are separate in traditional electronics. This combination allows the battery to provide

both long-term, steady power production and bursts of energy. Non-toxic, flexible paper

batteries have the potential to power the next generation of electronics, medical devices and

hybrid vehicles, allowing for radical new designs and medical technologies.

The various types of batteries followed by the operation principle, manufacturing and

working of paper batteries are discussed in detail.

Keywords: paper batteries, flexible, carbon nanotubes



CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION TO BATTERIES

Terminologies

Principle of operation of cell

Types of battery

Lithium-ion battery development

Recent developments

Life of battery

Hazards

PAPER BATTERY

CARBON NANOTUBES

FABRICATION OF PAPER BATTERY

WORKING OF PAPER BATTERY

ADVANTAGES OF PAPER BATTERY

LIMITATIONS OF PAPER BATTERY

APPLICATIONS OF PAPER BATTERY

CONCLUSION

REFERENCES



1. INTRODUCTION TO BATTERIES

An electrical battery is one or more electrochemical cells that convert stored chemical

energy into electrical energy. Since the invention of the first battery in 1800 by Alessandro

Volta, batteries have become a common power source for many household and industrial

applications.

Batteries are represented symbolically as

Fig. 1a Symbolic view Fig. 1b conventional battery

Electrons flow from the negative terminal towards the positive terminal.

Based on the rechargeable nature batteries are classified as

a. Non rechargeable or primary cellsb. Rechargeable or secondary cells

Based on the size they are classified as

a. Miniature batteriesb. Industrial batteries

Based on nature of electrolyte

a. Dry cellb. Wet cell



1.1 Terminologies

1.1.1 Accumulator - A rechargeable battery or cell

1.1.2 Ampere-Hour Capacity - The number of ampere-hours which can be delivered by a battery on a single discharge.

1.1.3 Anode - During discharge, the negative electrode of the cell is the anode. During charge, that reverses and the positive electrode of the cell is the anode. The anode gives up electrons to the load circuit and dissolves into the electrolyte.

1.1.4 Battery Capacity - The electric output of a cell or battery on a service test delivered before the cell reaches a specified final electrical condition and may be expressed in ampere-hours, watt- hours, or similar units. The capacity in watt-hours is equal to the capacity in ampere-hours multiplied by the battery voltage.

1.1.5 Cutoff Voltage final - The prescribed lower-limit voltage at which battery discharge is considered complete. The cutoff or final voltage is usually chosen so that the maximum useful capacity of the battery is realized.

1.1.6 C - Used to signify a charge or discharge rate equal to the capacity of a battery divided by 1 hour. Thus C for a 1600 mAh battery would be 1.6 A, C/5 for the same battery would be 320 mA and C/10 would be 160 mA.

1.1.7 Capacity - The capacity of a battery is a measure of the amount of energy that it can deliver in a single discharge. Battery capacity is normally listed as amp-hours (or milli amp-hours) or as watt-hours.

1.1.8 Cathode - Is an electrode that, in effect, oxidizes the anode or absorbs the electrons. During discharge, the positive electrode of a voltaic cell is the cathode. When charging, that reverses and the negative electrode of the cell is the cathode.

1.1.9 Cycle - One sequence of charge and discharge.

1.1.10 Cycle Life - For rechargeable batteries, the total number of charge/discharge cycles the cell can sustain before its capacity is significantly reduced. End of life is



usually considered to be reached when the cell or battery delivers only 80% of rated ampere- hour capacity.

1.1.11 Electrochemical Couple - The system of active materials within a cell that provides electrical energy storage through an electrochemical reaction.

1.1.12 Electrode - An electrical conductor through which an electric current enters or leaves a conducting medium

1.1.13 Electrolyte - A chemical compound which, when fused or dissolved in certain solvents, usually water, will conduct an electric current.

1.1.14 Internal Resistance - The resistance to the flow of an electric current within the cell or battery.

1.1.15 Open-Circuit Voltage - The difference in potential between the terminals of a cell when the circuit is open (i.e., a no-load condition).

1.1.16 Voltage, cutoff - Voltage at the end of useful discharge. (See Voltage, end-point.)

1.1.17 Voltage, end-point - Cell voltage below which the connected equipment will not operate or below which operation is not recommended.

Recharge-ability & the “memory effect”

Recharge-ability: basically, when the direction of electron discharge (negative to positive) is reversed, restoring power.The Memory Effect: (generally) When a battery is repeatedly recharged before it has discharged more than half of its power, it will “forget” its original power capacity.Cadmium crystals are the culprit! (NiCd)

1.2 Principal of Operation of cell

A battery is a device that converts chemical energy directly to electrical energy. It

consists of a number of voltaic cells. Each voltaic cell consists of two half cells connected in



series by a conductive electrolyte containing anions and cations. One half-cell includes

electrolyte and the electrode to which anions (negatively charged ions) migrate, i.e., the

anode or negative electrode. The other half-cell includes electrolyte and the electrode to

which cations (positively charged ions) migrate, i.e., the cathode or positive electrode. In the

redox reaction that powers the battery, cations are reduced (electrons are added) at the

cathode, while anions are oxidized (electrons are removed) at the anode. The electrodes do

not touch each other but are electrically connected by the electrolyte. Some cells use two

half-cells with different electrolytes. A separator between half cells allows ions to flow, but

prevents mixing of the electrolytes.

Fig. 1.2 principle operation

Each half cell has an electromotive force (or emf), determined by its ability to drive

electric current from the interior to the exterior of the cell. The voltage developed across a

cell's terminals depends on the energy release of the chemical reactions of its electrodes and

electrolyte. Alkaline and carbon-zinc cells have different chemistries but approximately the

same emf of 1.5 volts. Likewise NiCd and NiMH cells have different chemistries, but

approximately the same emf of 1.2 volts. On the other hand the high electrochemical

potential changes in the reactions of lithium compounds give lithium cells emf of 3 volts or

more.

1.3 Types of batteries

Batteries are classified into two broad categories. Primary batteries irreversibly

(within limits of practicality) transform chemical energy to electrical energy. When the initial

supply of reactants is exhausted, energy cannot be readily restored to the battery by electrical

means. Secondary batteries can be recharged. That is, they can have their chemical reactions

reversed by supplying electrical energy to the cell, restoring their original composition.

Primary batteries: This can produce current immediately on assembly. Disposable

batteries are intended to be used once and discarded. These are most commonly used in DEPT.OF ELECTRONICS I.P.T.&G.P.T.C SHORANUR


portable devices that have low current drain, are only used intermittently, or are used well

away from an alternative power source, such as in alarm and communication circuits where

other electric power is only intermittently available. Disposable primary cells cannot be

reliably recharged, since the chemical reactions are not easily reversible and active materials

may not return to their original forms. Battery manufacturers recommend against

attempting recharging primary cells. Common types of disposable batteries include

zinc-carbon batteries and alkaline batteries.

Secondary batteries: These batteries must be charged before use. They are usually

assembled with active materials in the discharged state. Rechargeable batteries or secondary

cells can be recharged by applying electric current, which reverses the chemical reactions that

occur during its use. Devices to supply the appropriate current are called chargers or

rechargers.

Fig. 1.3a Primary cell Fig. 1.3b Secondary cell

1.4 Lithium-ion battery development

In the 1970’s, Lithium metal was used but its instability rendered it unsafe and

impractical. Lithium-cobalt oxide and graphite are now used as the lithium-Ion-

moving electrodes.

The Lithium-Ion battery has a slightly lower energy density than Lithium metal, but is

much safer. Introduced by Sony in 1991.



Advantages of Li-Ion battery

POWER – High energy density means greater power in a smaller package.

160% greater than NiMH

220% greater than NiCd

HIGHER VOLTAGE – a strong current allows it to power complex mechanical

devices.

LONG SHELF-LIFE – only 5% discharge loss per month.

10% for NiMH, 20% for NiCd

1.5 Environmental effects of Li-Ion battery

Rechargeable batteries are often recyclable.

Oxidized Lithium is non-toxic, and can be extracted from the battery, neutralized,

and used as feedstock for new Li-Ion batteries.

The Intersection

“In terms of weight and size, batteries have become one of the limiting factors in the

development of electronic devices.”

“The problem with...lithium batteries is that none of the existing electrode materials

alone can deliver all the required performance characteristics including high capacity,

higher operating voltage, and long cycle life. Consequently, the other way is to

optimize available electrode materials by designing new composite structures on the

nanoscale.”

Micro-Generated Energy Storage

Li-Ion batteries’ high energy density allows batteries them to power complex

machinery.Li-Ion batteries recharge quickly and hold their charge longer, which provides



flexibility to the micro-generator.particularly helpful for wind and solar generators!

Lightness, and power per volume allow for storage and design flexibility.

1.6 Recent developments

Recent developments include batteries with embedded functionality such as

USBCELL, with a built-in charger and USB connector within the AA format, enabling the

battery to be charged by plugging into a USB port without a charger USB Cell is the brand of

NiMH rechargeable battery produced by a company called Moixa Energy. The batteries

include a USB connector to allow recharging using a powered USB port. The product range

currently available is limited to a 1300 mAh.

Fig. 1.4 USB cell

1.7 Life of battery

Even if never taken out of the original package, disposable (or "primary") batteries

can lose 8 to 20 percent of their original charge every year at a temperature of about 20°–

30°C. [54] This is known as the "self-discharge" rate and is due to non-current-producing



"side" chemical reactions, which occur within the cell even if no load is applied to it. The

rate of the side reactions is reduced if the batteries are stored at low temperature, although

some batteries can be damaged by freezing. High or low temperatures may reduce battery

performance. This will affect the initial voltage of the battery. For an AA alkaline battery this

initial voltage is approximately normally distributed around 1.6 volts.

Rechargeable batteries self-discharge more rapidly than disposable alkaline batteries,

especially nickel-based batteries a freshly charged NiCd loses 10% of its charge in the first

24 hours, and thereafter discharges at a rate of about 10% a month. Most nickel-

based batteries are partially discharged when purchased, and must be charged before first use.

1.8 Hazards related to batteries

1.8.1 Explosion

A battery explosion is caused by the misuse or malfunction of a battery, such as attempting to

recharge a primary (non-rechargeable) battery, or short circuiting a battery.

1.8.2 Corrosion

Many battery chemicals are corrosive, poisonous, or both. If leakage occurs, either

spontaneously or through accident, the chemicals released may be dangerous

1.8.3 Environmental pollution

The widespread use of batteries has created many environmental concerns, such as toxic

metal pollution. Battery manufacture consumes resources and often involves hazardous

chemicals. Used batteries also contribute to electronic waste.

Americans purchase nearly three billion batteries annually, and about 179,000 tons of those

end up in landfills across the country.

2 Ingestion



Small button/disk batteries can be swallowed by young children. While in the digestive tract

the battery's electrical discharge can burn the tissues and can be serious enough to lead to

death.

2. PAPER BATTERY

Energy has always been spotlighted. In the past few years a lot of inventions have

been made in this particular field. The tiny nuclear batteries that can provide energy for 10

years, but they use radioactive elements and are quite expensive. Few years back some

researchers from Stanford University started experiments concerning the ways in which a

copier paper could be used as a battery source. After a long way of struggle they, recently,

concluded that the idea was right. The batteries made from a plain copier paper could make

for the future energy storage that is truly thin.

The anatomy of paper battery is based on the use of Carbon Nanotubes tiny cylinders

to collect electric charge. The paper is dipped in lithium containing solution. The nanotubes

will act as electrodes allowing storage device to conduct electricity. It’s astounding to know

that all the components of a conventional battery are integrated in a single paper structure;

hence the complete mechanism for a battery is minimized to a size of paper.

One of the many reasons behind choosing the paper as a medium for battery is

the well-designed structure of millions of interconnected fibers in it. These fibers can hold on

carbon nanotubes easily. Also a paper has the capability to bent or curl.

You can fold it in different shapes and forms plus it as light as feather. Output

voltage is modest but it could be increased if we use a stack of papers. Hence the voltage

issues can be easily controlled without difficulty. Usage of paper as a battery will ultimately

lead to weight diminution of batteries many times as compared to traditional batteries.

It is said that the paper battery also has the capability of releasing the energy quickly.

That makes it best utilization for devices that needs burst of energy, mostly electric



vehicles. Further, the medical uses are particularly attractive because they do not contain any

toxic materials.

Fig.2 paper battery

3. CARBON NANOTUBES

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are allotropes of carbon with a cylindrical nanostructure.

Nanotubes have been constructed with length-to-diameter ratio of up to 132,000,000:1,

significantly larger than any other material. These cylindrical carbon molecules have novel

properties, making them potentially useful in many applications in nanotechnology,

electronics, optics, and other fields of materials science, as well as potential uses in

architectural fields.

They may also have applications in the construction of body armor. They exhibit

extraordinary strength and unique electrical properties, and are efficient thermal conductors.

Their name is derived from their size, since the diameter of a nanotube is on the order

of a few nanometers (approximately 1/50,000th of the width of a human hair), while they can

be up to 18 centimeters in length (as of 2010). Nanotubes are categorized as single-walled

nanotubes (SWNTs) and multi-walled nanotubes (MWNTs).

In theory, metallic nanotubes can carry an electric current density of 4 × 109 A/cm2

which is more than 1,000 times greater than metals such as copper, where for copper

interconnects current densities are limited by electro migration.

In paper batteries the nanotubes act as electrodes, allowing the storage devices to

conduct electricity. The battery, which functions as both a lithium-ion battery and a super

capacitor, can provide a long, steady power output comparable to a conventional battery, as

well as a super capacitor’s quick burst of high energy and 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.



Carbon nanotubes have been implemented in Nano electromechnical systems,

including mechanical memory elements(NRAM being developed by Nantero Inc.)

Fig 3. Carbon nanotubes

Properties of a Carbon Nanotube

• The intrinsic mechanical and transport properties of Carbon Nanotubes make them the

ultimate carbon fibers.

• The following tables compare these properties to other engineering materials.

Mechanical properties of engineering fibers are:

Fiber material Specific density Energy Strength

Carbon nanotube 1.3 to 2 1 10 to 60

Carbon fiber-PAN 1.7 to 2 0.2 to 0.6 1.7 to 5

Carbon fiber-PITCH 2 to 2.2 0.4 to 0.96 2.2 to 3.3

Glass 2.5 0.07/0.08 2.4/4.5

Kelvar*49 1.4 0.13 3.6 to 4.1

Steel 7.8 0.2 4.1



4. FABRICATION OF PAPER BATTERY

The materials required for the preparation of paper battery are

a. Copier paper

b. Carbon nano ink

c. Oven

The steps involved in the preparation of the paper battery are as follows

Step 1: The copier paper is taken.

Step 2: carbon Nano ink which is black in color is taken. Carbon nano ink is a solution of

nano rods, surface adhesive agent and ionic salt solutions. Carbon nano ink is spread on one

side of the paper.

Step 3: the paper is kept inside the oven at 150C temperature. This evaporates the water

content on the paper. The paper and the nano rods get attached to each other.

Step 4: place the multi meter on the sides of the paper and we can see voltage drop is

generated.



Fig 4. Fabrication process

After drying the paper becomes flexible, light weight in nature. The paper is scratched and

rolled to protect the nano rods on paper.

5. WORKING OF PAPER BATTERY

The battery produces electricity in the same way as the conventional lithium-ion

batteries that power so many of today's gadgets, but all the components have been

incorporated into a lightweight, flexible sheet of paper.

The devices are formed by combining cellulose with an infusion of aligned carbon

nanotubes. The carbon is what gives the batteries their black color.

These tiny filaments act like the electrodes found in a traditional battery, conducting

electricity when the paper comes into contact with an ionic liquid solution.

Ionic liquids contain no water, which means that there is nothing to freeze or

evaporate in extreme environmental conditions. As a result, paper batteries can function

between -75 and 1500C.

The paper is made conducting material by dipping in ink. The paper works as a

conductive layer. Two sheets of paper kept facing inward act like parallel plates (high energy

electrodes). It can store energy like a super capacitor and it can discharge bursts of energy

because of large surface area of nano tubes.



Fig.5 working of a paper battery

Chlorine ions flow from the positive electrode to the negative one, while electrons

travel through the external circuit, providing current. The paper electrode stores charge while

recharging in tens of seconds because ions flow through the thin electrode quickly. In

contrast, lithium batteries take 20 minutes to recharge.

6. ADVANTAGES

The flexible shape allows the paper battery to be used small or irregularly-shaped

electronics:

One of the unique features of the paper battery is that it can be bent to any such shape or

design that the user might have in mind. The battery can easily squeeze into tight crevasses

and can be cut multiple times without ruining the battery's life. For example if a battery is cut

in half, each piece will function, however, each piece will only contain 1/2 the amount of

original power. Conversely, placing two sheets of paper battery on top of one-another will

double the power.

The paper battery may replace conventional batteries completely:

By layering sheets of this paper, the battery's voltage and current can be increased that

many times. Since the main components of the paper battery are carbon nanotubes and

cellulose, the body structure of the battery is very thin, "paper-thin". Thus to maximize even

more power, the sheets of battery paper can be stacked on top of one another to give off

tremendous power. This can allow the battery to have a much higher amount of power for the

same size of storage as a current battery and also be environmentally friendly at the same

time.



Supply power to an implanted pacemaker in the human body by using the electrolytes

in human blood:

An improvement in the techniques used in the health field can be aided by the paper

battery. Experiments have taken place showing that batteries can be energized by the

electrolyte emitted from one's own blood or body sweat. This can conserve the usage of

battery acid and rely on an environmental friendly mechanism of fueling battery cells with

the help from our bodies.

The paper battery can be molded to take the shape of large objects, like a car door:

As stated earlier, the key characteristics that make the paper battery very appealing are that it

can be transformed into any shape or size, it can be cut multiple times without damaging it,

and it can be fueled through various ways besides the typical harmful battery acid that is used

in the current day battery.

7. LIMITATIONS

• Presently, the devices are only a few inches across and they have to be scaled up to

sheets of newspaper size to make it commercially viable.

• Carbon nanotubes are very expensive, and batteries with large enough power are

unlikely to be cost effective.

• Cutting of trees leading to destroying of the nature.



8. APPLICATIONS

Pace makers in heart (uses blood as electrolyte)

Used as alternate to conventional batteries in gadgets

Powered smart cards RF id tags

Smart toys, children sound books

E-cards, greetings, talking posters

Girls/boys’ apparel



9. CONCLUSION

We have discussed the various terminologies, principle of operation of a battery and

recent developments related to it. The life of a battery is an important parameter which

decides the area of application of the battery. Increased use of batteries gives rise to E-waste

which poses great damage to our environment.

In the year 2007 paper battery was manufactured. The technology is capable of

replacing old bulky batteries. The paper batteries can further reduce the weight of the

electronic gadgets.

The adaptations to the paper battery technique in the future could allow for simply

painting the nanotube ink and active materials onto surfaces such as walls. These surfaces can

produce energy.



REFERENCES

Thin, Flexible Secondary Li-Ion Paper Batteries Liangbing Hu, Hui Wu, Fabio La

Mantia, Yuan Yang, and Yi Cui

Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford,

California 94305.

David Linden “Handbook of batteries”


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Paper Battery Full Seminar Report