PAPER BATTERY

ABSTRACT
Traditionally, electronics have been designed around their batteries. In recent years, however, a
new battery, known as the paper battery, has been developed that can easily conform to the size
and shape of various electronics. The paper battery is becoming increasingly significant as
technology tends towards thinner and more paper-like devices. This paper will include a
technical discussion of how the paper battery works. It will assess the efficiency and explore the
advantages of recent developments in the fabrication of paper batteries. Several applications of
the paper battery will then be described, and ethical issues that arise with it will be explored.

This report will illustrate how the paper battery utilizes carbon nanotubes and cellulose in its
design to create a flexible battery while maintaining electrical efficiency. Further discussion will
detail how the paper battery integrates the components of a typical battery into a cohesive design
that is paper thin. The advantages of this design include an increased range of applicability and a
simpler, more efficient fabrication process. Applications that will be explored include smart
cards, medical devices and solar panels. This description will be followed by a discussion on
ethical issues surrounding the paper battery, such as Nano-toxicology; since paper batteries use
nanotechnology, any health risks must be evaluated, especially for medical applications.
However, the paper battery is a promising innovation whose efficient use of space will open up
thousands of possibilities for electronic and mechanical design.

The objective is aimed at understanding & analyzing the properties and characteristics of Paper
Batteries; to study its advantages, potential applications, limitations and disadvantages. This
report also aims at highlighting the construction and various methods of production of Paper
Battery and look for alternative means of mass-production.

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1. INTRODUCTION
The continuously advancing technology of portable electronic devices requires more flexible
batteries to power them. Batteries power a wide range of electronic devices including phones,
laptop computers and medical devices such as cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators. With the
ever increasing demand for efficiency and design, there is a need for ultrathin, safe and flexible
energy storage options. 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 long term, steady power production and bursts of
energy. Through the use of super capacitors, batteries can be made that will deliver renewable
energy from bodily fluids such as blood or sweat. This technology can be greatly utilized by
medical devices. It combines two essential materials, cellulose and carbon nanotubes (CNTs),
that fit the characteristics of spacer and electrode and provide inherent flexibility as well as
porosity to the system. Cellulose, the main constituent of paper and an inexpensive insulating
separator structure with excellent biocompatibility, can be made with adjustable porosity. CNTs,
a structure with extreme flexibility, have already been widely used as electrodes in
electrochemical devices.
By proper integration the output power of paper batteries can be adapted to required level of
voltage–current. This cellulose based spacer is compatible with many possible electrolytes.
Researchers used ionic liquid, essentially a liquid salt, as the battery’s electrolyte, as well as
naturally occurring electrolytes such as human sweat, blood and urine.
Due to the flexible nature of the cellulose and nanotubes, this power source can be easily
modified or placed in the body or various medical devices. The need for surgery to replace
batteries on internal medical devices would be nonexistent. This is because super capacitor does
not show a loss in power dissipation over time like normal chemical batteries do. Patients with
implanted medical devices will also benefit from the flexibility because previous devices may
cause discomfort for person due to a larger solid power source.
As this technology is adapted it will prove to be extremely useful and could even save not only
cost but lives also.

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1.1. Necessity
There are many reasons to research a battery that is safe, thin, & flexible. Let us study some of
the problems of the most commonly used batteries
Li-ion (Lithium ion batteries)
Li-ion battery is the most commonly used battery for smart phones, laptops, digital cameras and
all sorts of home appliances.it is basically a rechargeable battery with lithium as a negative
electrode. It is known for its low self-discharge, high efficiency. But it is expensive, it has safety
issues. The electrolyte needs to be kept pressurized. It also requires an electronic monitoring
system to avoid over charging, overheating, over voltage etc. So, it needs temperature sensor,
voltage regulator etc. which increases cost. The electrolyte is highly inflammable, reactive and
hazardous.
Lead acid batteries
These are oldest rechargeable batteries and widely used for large scale applications like power
backup, automobiles, submarines, and also in some hybrid vehicles. The problem associated are
Sulfation and Stratification of electrolyte, corrosion of plates, toxic nature of lead etc.
After studying the problems associated with the most commonly used batteries we can conclude
that paper batteries along some modifications like Li-ion + CNT paper or some other possible
combinations can replace the commonly used batteries.

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LITERATURE REVIEW
The following literature is based on the research papers published in various national and
international journals, book and review articles.

A.Ganguly, S. Sar – Paper Battery- A Promising Energy Solution For India

This paper gives a thorough insight on this relatively revolutionizing and satisfying solution of
energy storage through Paper Batteries and provides an in-depth analysis of the same. 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 can
function both as a high-energy battery and super capacitor, combining two discrete components
that are separate in traditional electronics. This combination allows the battery to provide both
long-term steady power production as well as bursts of energy. Being Biodegradable, Light-
weight and Non-toxic, flexible paper batteries have potential adaptability to power the next
generation of electronics, medical devices and hybrid vehicles, allowing for radical new designs
and medical technologies.
The paper is aimed at understanding & analyzing the properties and characteristics of Paper
Batteries; to study its advantages, potential applications, limitations and disadvantages. This
paper also aims at highlighting the construction and various methods of production of Paper
Battery and look for alternative means of mass-production.

Syed Sibghatullah Quadri, Syed Sameer, Pathan Jawwad Khan, Shaikh Shoeb-
Paper Battery: The Future of batteries
Today the biggest problem faced by the electronics industry is the size of the battery as gadgets
gets thinner and smaller day by day. But at certain point the battery size and its weight creates an
obstacle. To overcome this paper-battery presents the ultimate solution. The paper battery is
literally a conducting paper with a lot of power packed inside it. The various problems faced by
the commonly used batteries and how the paper battery offers the solution to all these problems.
A detailed construction of paper battery is explained in this paper. A comparison of
SWCNT and MWCNT is also shown in this paper. This paper also contains the possible
applications which could change our lives. The safety issues of Li-ion batteries, the limitations of

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NiCad & NiMH and the drawbacks of lead acid battery are discussed in this paper. The
advantage of paper battery over these batteries is also described.

S. Balu, M. Mahalakshmi- Paper Batteries: Paper Thin Power

The paper battery is becoming increasingly significant as technology tends towards thinner and
more paper-like devices. This paper will include a technical discussion of how the paper battery
works. It will assess the efficiency and explore the advantages of recent developments in the
fabrication of paper batteries. Several applications of the paper battery will then be described,
and ethical issues that arise with it will be explored. This paper will illustrate how the paper
battery utilizes carbon nanotubes and cellulose in its design to create a flexible battery while
maintaining electrical efficiency. Further discussion will detail how the paper battery integrates
the components of a typical battery into a cohesive design that is paper thin. The advantages of
this design include an increased range of applicability and a simpler, more efficient fabrication
process. Applications that will be explored include smart cards, medical devices and solar panels.
This description will be followed by a discussion on ethical issues surrounding the paper battery,
such as Nano-toxicology; since paper batteries use nanotechnology, any health risks must be
evaluated, especially for medical applications. However, the paper battery is a promising
innovation whose efficient use of space will open up thousands of possibilities for electronic and
mechanical design.

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BACKGROUND STUDY OF PAPER BATTERY

History of Paper Batteries

The creation of this unique nano-composite paper drew from a diverse pool of disciplines,
requiring expertise in materials science, energy storage and chemistry. In August 2007, a
research team at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (led by Drs. Robert Linhardt, the Ann and John
H. Broadbent Senior Constellation Professor of Bio-catalysis and Metabolic Engineering at
Rensselaer; Pulickel M. Ajayan, professor of materials science and engineering; and Omkaram
Nalamasu, professor of chemistry with a joint appointment in materials science and engineering)
developed the paper battery.
Senior research specialist Victor Pushparaj, along with postdoctoral research associates
Shaijumon M. Manikoth, Ashavani Kumar and Saravanababu Murugesan, were co-authors and
lead researchers of the project. Other co-authors include research associate Lijie Ci and
Rensselaer Nanotechnology Center Laboratory Manager Robert Vajtai.

Definition of Paper battery

A paper battery is a flexible, ultra-thin energy storage and production device formed by combining
carbon nanotube s 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.

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CONVENTIONAL BATTERY (LEAD-ACID BATTERY)

Fig: Construction of a lead-acid battery

Working Principle of Lead Acid Battery

When the sulfuric acid dissolves, its molecules break up into positive hydrogen ions (2H+) and
sulphate negative ions (SO4—) and move freely. If the two electrodes are immersed in solutions
and connected to DC supply then the hydrogen ions being positively charged and moved towards
the electrodes and connected to the negative terminal of the supply. The SO4— ions being
negatively charged moved towards the electrodes connected to the positive terminal of the
supply main (i.e., anode).

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Each hydrogen ion takes one electron from the cathode, and each sulphate ions takes the two
negative ions from the anodes and react with water and form sulfuric and hydrogen acid.
The oxygen, which produced from the above equation react with lead oxide and form lead
peroxide (PbO2.) Thus, during charging the lead cathode remain as lead, but lead anode gets
converted into lead peroxide, chocolate in colour.
If the DC source of supply is disconnected and if the voltmeter connects between the electrodes,
it will show the potential difference between them. If wire connects the electrodes, then current
will flow from the positive plate to the negative plate through external circuit i.e. the cell is
capable of supplying electrical energy.

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DRAWBACKS OF LEAD-ACID BATTERY

 Very heavy and bulky.

 Typical coulombic charge efficiency only 70% but can be as high as 85% to 90% for
special designs.
 Danger of overheating during charging
 Typical cycle life 300 to 500 cycles.
 Must be stored in a charged state once the electrolyte has been introduced to avoid
deterioration of the active chemicals.
 Lead is heavier compare to alternative elements.
 It has low specific energy, poor weight to energy ratio.
 It can be charged slowly i.e. fully saturated charge takes 14 to 16 hours.
 It must be stored in charged condition in order to prevent sulfation.
 It has limited cycle life. Moreover repeated deep cycling reduces battery life.
 Flooded version of battery requires watering.
 It is not environmentally friendly.
 There are transportation restrictions on flooded type.

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PAPER BATTERY
Structure of paper battery

CONSTRUCTION OF PAPER BATTERY

A paper battery construction involves the following components:

 Cathode: Carbon Nanotube (CNT)
 Anode: Lithium Metal (Li+)
 Electrolyte: All electrolytes (including bio Electrolytes like sweat, blood and urine).
 Separator: Paper (Cellulose)

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Carbon Nanotubes
Paper battery combines cellulose based paper with CNT the paper can act both high energy paper
battery and super capacitor depending on the design. Cellulose is complex organic substance
found in paper and pulp. CNT‟s are main ingredients of paper battery.
CNT‟s where discovered by Japanese scientist name Iijima in 1991.
They are now considered as top class subject in academic researches and industrial areas CNT‟s
are allotropes is carbon made of graphite and have be constructed in cylindrical tubes with Nano
meter scale in diameter and several millimeters in length.
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) consist exclusively of carbon atoms arranged in a series of condensed
benzene rings rolled up into a tubular structure. This novel artificial nanomaterial belongs to the
family of fullerenes, the third allotropic form of carbon along with graphite and diamond which
are both natural sp2 (planar) and sp3 (cubic) forms, respectively.
Based on the number of layers, structures of, CNTs are classified into two types:
 Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)
 Multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)

Fig: Single-walled CNT Fig: Multi-walled CNTs

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Single Walled Multi Walled

Single layer of graphene. Multiple layers of graphene.

Catalyst is required for synthesis Can be produce without catalyst

Bulk synthesis is difficult Bulk synthesis is easy

More Defection during Less defection but difficult to improve

functionalization
Purity is poor Purity is high
Easy characterization and evaluation Difficult characterization and
evaluation
less accumulation in body More accumulation body
Easy to twist Difficult to Twist

Three main techniques generally used for SWCNTs and MWCNTs production are:
 Arc-Discharge method (using arc vaporization of two carbon rods), Laser Ablation
method(using graphite), and
 Chemical Vapor Deposition (using hydrocarbon sources: CO, methane, ethylene,
acetylene).
After preparation, CNTs are submitted to purification by acid refluxing, surfactant aided
sonication, or air oxidation procedure in order to eliminate impurities such as amorphous carbon,
fullerenes, and transition metals introduced as catalysts during the synthesis. Pristine CNTs are
now synthesized and marketed by many chemical firms worldwide.

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Properties of Carbon Nanotubes:

• Ratio of Width: Length: 1:107
• High tensile Strength (Greater than Steel).
• Low Mass density & High Packing Density.
• Very Light and Very Flexible.
• Very Good Electrical Conductivity (better than Silicon).
• Low resistance (~33 ohm per sq. inch).
• Output Open Circuit Voltage (O.C.V): 1.5-2.5 V (For a postage stamp sized Specimen)
• The O.C.V. of Paper Batteries is directly proportional to CNT concentration.
• Stacking the Paper and CNT layers multiplies the Output Voltage; Slicing the Paper and CNT
layers divides the Output Voltage.
• Thickness: typically about 0.5-0.7mm.
• Nominal continuous current density: 0.1 mA/cm2/ active area.
• Nominal capacity: 2.5 to 5 mAh /cm2/ active area.
• Shelf life (RT): 3 years.
• Temperature operating range: -75°C to +150°C.
• No heavy metals (does not contain Hg, Pb, Cd, etc.)
• No safety events or over-heating in case of battery abuse or mechanical damage
• No safety limitations for shipment, packaging storage and disposal.

Construction of a paper battery mainly includes these steps:

Step 1: Black carbon ink is applied on a cellulose-based paper.
Step 2: Black Carbon ink is being spread on a paper spread on the paper.
Step 3: A thin lithium film is laminated over the exposed cellulose surface.
Step 4: The cellulose paper is heated at 80oC for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Next, the film is peeled off from the substrate.
Step 6: The film acts as electrodes of the paper battery. One film is connected to the electrolyte
LTO (Li4Ti5012) and another film is pasted to the electrolyte LCO (LiCo02).
Step 7: Next, connect a LED on both the ends of the battery and check its functionality

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WORKING OF PAPER BATTERY

A conventional battery or Rechargeable battery contains a number of separate components that
produce electrons through a chemical reaction between the metal and the electrolyte of the
battery. The Paper battery works when the paper is dipped in the ion-based liquid solution; next a
chemical reaction occurs between the electrodes and liquid. The electrons move from the cathode
to anode to generate electricity. The paper electrode stores energy while recharging within 10
seconds because the ions flow through the thin electrode quickly. The best method to increase
the output of the battery is to stack different paper batteries one over the other.

Fig: Construction & Working of Paper Battery

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Why Paper Battery?

 Limited Life Time: Primary batteries ‘irreversibly’ transform chemical energy to

electrical energy. Secondary batteries can be recharged but they have very short life time,
paper batteries overcome both problems.

 Leakage: In case of leakage the chemicals release may be dangerous but no such toxic
chemicals are used in paper batteries.

 Environmental Concerns: The wide spread use of batteries has created many
environmental concerns, such as toxic metal pollution etc. while paper batteries can be
easily decomposes without any harm.

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ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

Advantages
 Used as both battery and capacitor.
 It is flexible.
 It is ultra-thin energy storage device.
 Long lasting.
 Non-toxic.
 Steady power production.
 Shaped for different applications.
 High efficiency.
 Available in different sizes.
 Energy efficient.
 It is light weight.
 It is more economical.
 Can be easily disposed.
 Can be recharged.
 Generates close to 1.5 Volts of energy.

Disadvantages
 Prone to tearing.
 Nanotubes made from carbon are expensive due to use of procedures like electrolysis and
laser ablation.
 Should not be inhaled, as they can damage lungs.

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APPLICATIONS
With the developing technologies and reducing cost of CNTs, the paper batteries will find
applications in the following fields:

In Electronics:

 In laptop batteries, mobile phones, handheld digital cameras: The weight of these devices
can be significantly reduced by replacing the alkaline batteries with light-weight Paper
Batteries, without compromising with the power requirement. Moreover, the electrical
hazards related to recharging will be greatly reduced.
 In calculators, wrist watch and other low drain devices.
 In wireless communication devices like speakers, mouse, keyboard, Bluetooth headsets
etc.
 In Enhanced Printed Circuit Board (PCB) wherein both the sides of the PCB can be used:
one for the circuit and the other side (containing the components) would contain a layer
of customized Paper Battery. This would eliminate heavy step-down transformers and the
need of separate power supply unit for most electronic circuits.

In Medical Sciences:

 In Pacemakers for the heart

 In Artificial tissues (using Carbon nanotubes)
 In Cosmetics, Drug-delivery systems
 In Biosensors, such as Glucose meters, sugar meters, etc.

In Automobiles and Aircrafts:

 In Hybrid Car batteries

 In Long Air Flights reducing Refueling
 For Light weight guided missiles
 For powering electronic devices in Satellite programs.

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USE OF PAPER BATTERY

 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.
 A paper battery is a battery engineered to use a paper-thin sheet of cellulose infused with
aligned carbon nanotubes. Nano-tubes act as electrodes allowing the storage devices to
conduct electricity.
 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.
 Integrates all of the battery components in a single structure, making it more energy efficient.
 Paper battery extreme flexibility; the sheets can be rolled, twisted, folded, or cut into
numerous shapes with no loss of integrity or efficiency, or stacked, like printer paper (or a
Voltaic pile), to boost total output.
 Can be made in a variety of sizes, from postage stamp to broadsheet.
 The paper-like quality of the battery combined with the structure of the nanotubes embedded
within gives them their light weight and low cost, making them attractive for portable
electronics, aircraft, automobiles, and toys.
 Ability to use electrolytes in blood make them potentially useful for medical devices such as
pacemakers & do not contain any toxic materials and can be biodegradable; a major
drawback of chemical cells.

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FUTURE SCOPE
It holds great potential to advance capabilities in portable power design for applications ranging
from bioinstrumentation to consumer electronics and even large power systems served by
conventional batteries.
The paper like qualities of material makes it especially attractive for energy storage in medically
implanted devices (for example, a pacemaker, insulin pump or the implantable radio chip).

CONCLUSON
One of the major problems bugging the world now is Energy crisis. Every nation needs energy
and everyone needs power. And this problem which disturbs the developed countries perturbs the
developing countries like India to a much greater extent. Standing at a point in the present where
there can’t be a day without power, Paper Batteries can provide an altogether path-breaking
solution to the same. Being Biodegradable, Light-weight and Nontoxic, flexible paper batteries
have potential adaptability to power the next generation of electronics, medical devices and
hybrid vehicles, allowing for radical new designs and medical technologies. But India still has
got a long way to go if it has to be self-dependent for its energy solution.
After analysis of paper battery we can conclude that the major component of paper battery is
CNT. The CNT manufacturing techniques are inefficient which obviously increases the cost,
making the paper battery expensive. If the cost is kept economical the batteries will revolutionize
the electronics industry. The shear strength of paper battery can be increased by adding glass
fiber, resins, plastics etc. Further research is needed in Nano-toxicology to make CNT‟s non-
hazardous for our health. The use of lithium as an electrode in paper battery can solve most of
the safety issues of Li-ion batteries. With paper batteries we can predict a whole a new world of
possibilities and endless applications which will one day change our daily lives.

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REFERENCES
1. A. Ganguly, S. Sar- Paper Battery- A Promising Energy Solution for India-International
Journal of Advanced Engineering Research and Studies/Vol. I/ Issue I/October-
December, 2011/130-133.
2. Syed Sibghatullah Quadri, Syed Sameer, Pathan Jawwad Khan, Shaikh Shoeb-Paper
Battery: The Future of Batteries-IJARIIE/Vol-3 Issue-3 2017/IJARIIE-ISSN (O)-2395-
4396.
3. Hankeun Lee, Seokheun Choi, An origami paper-based bacteria-powered battery, Nano
Energy, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.nanoen.2015.05.019
4. S. Balu, M. Mahalakshmi-Paper Batteries: Paper Thin Power-International Journal of
Science and Research (IJSR), ISSN (Online): 2319-7064.
5. Thu H Nguyen, Arwa Fraiwan, Seokheun Choi- Paper-based batteries: A
review/Biosensors and Bioelectronics 54 (2014)640–649.
6. Pushparaj V. L, Manikoth S. M., Kumar A., Murugesan S., Ci L., Vajtai R., Linhardt R.
J., Nalamasu O., Ajayan P. M.: "Flexible Nanocomposite Thin FilmEnergy Storage
Devices". Proceedings of the NationalAcademy of Science USA 104, 13574-13577,
2007.Retrieved 2010-08-08.

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