Introduction: Researchers say they have created a battery that can run on sweat, providing a reliable power source generated from the human body for wearable electronic devices.
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have developed a new type of battery that could be ideal for future wearable products. This battery is stretchable and draws its energy from sweat. It is also flexible, described as being able to stretch as flat as a bandage. Measuring only 2cm x 2cm, the battery attaches to a flexible, sweat-wicking textile and can easily be attached to wearable devices, including smartwatches, medical devices, and a variety of other wearable electronic devices.
The project scientists conducted a test in which the wearer wore the battery on their wrist and rode a stationary bicycle for 30 minutes. During this time, the wearer generated an output power of 4.2 volts and 3.9 milliwatts, enough to power a commercial temperature sensor and transmit the sensor's data to a smartphone via Bluetooth. The battery does not contain any heavy metals or irritating chemicals found in current batteries.
Researchers say they have created a battery that can operate using sweat, providing a reliable power source generated from the human body for wearable electronic devices. The team anticipates that this battery will be able to power a wide variety of devices. Furthermore, because the team's new battery does not contain any irritating chemicals, there is no concern about acid or other irritants splashing onto the wearer in the event of an accident where the battery ruptures.
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University have created this battery using an ink printing technique that incorporates silver foil and hydrophilic polyurea-acrylate (HPUA). When the silver foil comes into contact with sweat, the chloride ions and acidic substances in the sweat cause the silver foil to clump together, increasing its conductivity. As shown in the video below, this chemical reaction also causes an electric current to flow between the electrodes.
The stretchable textiles used have excellent absorbency, retaining a significant amount of sweat and providing a stable power source even when the user doesn't sweat much. Another advantage is that the team anticipates the battery will be more durable than existing batteries. Currently, researchers are working to further investigate how the battery's performance is affected by body temperature and other factors.
