While some people are thinking about how we can sweat less, others are thinking about how to use sweat for beneficial purposes.
Researchers from NTU University of Singaporehave developed a new type of battery that could be ideal for future wearable devices. The battery stretches and gets the energy it needs to operate from sweat. The battery is soft and, according to the description, flat, like a bandage. The 2cm x 2cm piece is attached to a flexible and sweat-absorbent textile that can be easily integrated into wearable devices, including smartwatches, medical devices, etc.
The developers conducted tests during whichThe tester placed the battery on his wrist and rode a stationary bicycle for 30 minutes. During this time, the user generated a voltage of 4.2 V and an output power of 3.9 mW, which is enough to operate a commercial temperature sensor and transfer data from the sensor to a smartphone via Bluetooth. The battery is environmentally friendly and does not contain heavy metals or harsh chemicals like other modern batteries.
Researchers claim to have created a batterywhich will provide electronic wearable devices with a guaranteed source of energy obtained from the human body. The team expects the battery to be able to power a wide range of devices. Additionally, since a new battery does not contain harsh chemicals inside, there is no concern that if damaged, a ruptured battery will leak acids or other harsh substances onto the user.
NTU created a battery using ink toprinters containing silver flakes and hydrophilic polyurethane acrylate (HPUA). When the silver flakes come in contact with sweat, chloride ions and the acidity of the sweat cause the silver flakes to bond and increase their electrical conductivity. The chemical reaction also creates a current between the electrodes.
Stretch textiles used absorbrelatively large amount of sweat, which allows you to provide a constant source of energy, even if the person does not sweat much. Another advantage is that, according to the authors, the battery will be more durable than existing ones.
Full datasheet is available here (PFD, 2 MB)
Source: ntu
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