In a recent breakthrough, scientists from Arizona State University have developed a novel method to significantly boost the energy density and capacity of paper-based lithium-ion batteries by using a folding technique known as Miura-ori. According to a report on Phys.org, this innovation could revolutionize the design of flexible and space-efficient power sources for electronic devices.
The research, published in *Nano Letters*, was led by Qian Cheng and his team at Arizona State University. They explored how folding paper-based batteries can enhance their performance while maintaining flexibility. The study highlights that foldable batteries are particularly useful in compact devices where space is limited. As Candace Chan, an assistant professor involved in the research, noted, integrating a power source with other components into a single, foldable device is essential for the next generation of portable electronics.
To create the battery, the researchers used carbon nanotube (CNT) inks as current collectors, traditional lithium powders as electrodes, and thin, porous Kimwipes as the paper substrate. A polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) coating was added to improve adhesion between the CNTs and the paper, ensuring better electrical conductivity and stability.
They tested both simple half-folding and the more complex Miura-ori folding technique. When using the half-fold method, the energy density and capacity per unit area increased by 1.9, 4.7, and 10.6 times after one, two, and three folds, respectively. However, the Miura-ori method proved even more effective: a 6 cm x 7 cm battery folded into 25 layers achieved a 14-fold increase in energy density and capacity, reducing its total area to just 1.68 square centimeters.
Chen explained that they measured the improvement based on energy density per unit area rather than per weight, as the mass of the battery remains constant during folding. In general, the electrochemical performance of the folded batteries remained stable, with higher coulombic efficiency compared to flat cells. This may be due to better contact between the electrode material and the carbon nanotubes after folding.
However, batteries folded using the Miura-ori pattern showed slight reductions in discharge capacity and permittivity. To address this, the researchers introduced a flexible insulating film called Parylene-C between layers, which helped prevent delamination at the fold intersections.
This research opens up new possibilities for high-performance, foldable batteries. With advancements in geometric folding algorithms, computational tools, and robotic manipulation, future developments could lead to large-scale, commercially viable foldable batteries.
Paper-based batteries are already appealing due to their low cost and ease of manufacturing. By enhancing their performance through folding, these batteries could become a key technology for a wide range of applications—from wearable electronics to flexible smartphones.
As Chen concluded, "Using folding and origami concepts can unlock new geometric designs and features for paper-based energy storage systems. This field has tremendous potential for future innovation."
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