In the world of espionage movies, gadgets often have a limited lifespan and self-destruct after use. Inspired by this concept, scientists at Binghamton University are developing tiny batteries that can do the same.
The Research Journey
Professor Seokheun "Sean" Choi has been researching disposable "papertronics" for 20 years. However, a significant challenge remains: finding a suitable power source for these biodegradable electronics. Most conventional power sources contain toxic materials, raising environmental concerns.
Exploring Probiotics
Choi’s team turned to probiotics—live microorganisms that offer health benefits when ingested—as a potential solution. In previous research, they used well-known electricity-producing bacteria but were uncertain if probiotics could produce electricity.
Maryam Rezaie, a PhD student who led the latest research, stated, "We were not sure if probiotics would produce electricity." Initial results showed that probiotics produced very low voltage output and had short operating times.
Innovations in Battery Design
To enhance performance, Rezaie developed a new approach by coating dissolvable paper with a low pH-sensitive polymer. This innovation significantly increased voltage output and extended the duration of operation. "I was surprised how much it worked," Rezaie remarked, expressing excitement over the efficiency of the new design.
Future Research Directions
Future research will focus on:
- Exploring individual probiotic strains with extra electric genes.
- Investigating how these strains interact synergistically.
The ultimate goal is to connect multiple units in series or parallel configurations, paving the way for more efficient biodegradable electronics.
Choi emphasized the need for further investigation into how different strains work together. Binghamton University has filed patents on this technology, but no commercial applications have been announced yet.
Challenges Ahead
According to Choi, several challenges must be addressed before commercialization, including:
- Scaling up production
- Reducing toxicity levels to ensure safety for human consumption
- Improving efficiency and durability to extend battery life beyond a few hours
Choi believes that overcoming these challenges could lead to the widespread availability of disposable paper batteries within the next decade or two.
Potential Applications
Disposable paper batteries could have numerous applications, including:
- Pacemakers: Currently requiring surgical implantation every five years due to battery depletion, these batteries could eliminate the need for surgery altogether.
- Hearing Aids: These devices also require replacement every five years; disposable paper batteries could potentially eliminate this need.
- Medical Implants: Applications include insulin pumps and glucose monitors.
- Wearable Devices: Fitness trackers and smartwatches could benefit from this technology.
- Smart Homes and Cities: The batteries could contribute to a more sustainable future by significantly reducing electronic waste.
Conclusion
While several challenges remain before commercialization, disposable paper batteries represent a promising technology with diverse applications. Once these hurdles are overcome, they are likely to become widely available within the next decade or two, contributing to a more sustainable future.
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