In a groundbreaking development that could reshape the future of flexible electronics, researchers have fabricated a reconfigurable battery using liquid metal, offering a new dimension to wearable technology and energy storage solutions. The study, led by Bohao Jin from the Key Laboratory of Cryogenics at the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the School of Future Technology at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, was recently published in the English-language journal “International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing.”
The innovative battery structure is created using soft lithography and 3D printing technology. The team introduced a Ga52.5Sn39.5Zn8 anode material, a Bi67In33 cathode material, and an alkaline hydrogel electrolyte to form a flexible battery. This combination allows for a variety of circuit structures, enabling the series-parallel integration of different numbers of single cells. The result is a battery that can achieve varying voltages and powers, with a maximum open-circuit voltage of 4.6 V and a maximum output power of 1.193 mW.
One of the most significant aspects of this research is the proposal of a reconfigurable soft battery group. “We have realized the regulation of the battery voltage through the microfluidic perfusion process without the need for an external variable-voltage circuit,” Jin explained. This innovation eliminates the necessity for additional circuitry, simplifying the design and potentially reducing costs.
The team also fabricated an EGaIn-NaOH microfluidic switch, which achieves control of a light-emitting diode (LED). To demonstrate the practical application of their invention, they created a wristband with a flexible battery that powers a liquid crystal display (LCD) with a clock or a temperature sensor.
The implications of this research for the energy sector are profound. The ability to create flexible, reconfigurable batteries opens up new possibilities for wearable technology, medical devices, and other applications where traditional rigid batteries are impractical. The use of liquid metal in battery fabrication also offers the potential for improved performance and longevity.
As the world continues to demand more flexible and wearable electronic devices, this research could pave the way for significant advancements. The ability to reconfigure battery voltage through microfluidic perfusion could lead to more efficient and adaptable energy storage solutions, reducing the need for multiple battery types and simplifying the design process.
In the words of Jin, “This research represents a significant step forward in the development of flexible and reconfigurable energy storage solutions. We believe that our findings will have a substantial impact on the energy sector and pave the way for new applications in wearable technology and beyond.”
As the energy sector continues to evolve, innovations like this reconfigurable battery will be crucial in meeting the demands of a rapidly changing technological landscape. The research published in the “International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing” marks a significant milestone in the journey towards more flexible and adaptable energy solutions.