Paper Batteries Are On the Cutting Edge of Power Technology

Flexible paper batteries are the Next Big Thing in portable power technology. They might not currently be able to produce as much power as conventional batteries, but because of their size and light weight they stand to replace bulkier ordinary batteries in low-power applications (especially those in which lighter and more flexible power sources would have an advantage).

Other distinct advantages paper batteries have over conventional batteries:

• They’re easier and cheaper to manufacture because they can be printed or pasted, using special inks, on just about any surface.
• They don’t require metal casings like conventional energy cells.
• They contain no caustic chemicals and can’t overheat or explode.
• They’re environmentally friendly – they’re non-toxic (they contain no heavy metals such as mercury, lead or cadmium) and can be disposed of easily after they’re depleted.

Israel’s Power Paper is already selling their own flexible paper-battery products. Their products fall into three categories, PowerID (very low power radio-frequency ID tags that can easily be updated and whose power lasts very long), PowerNovelties (toys and design-based products) and PowerCosmetics (the use of special paper power cells for skincare that can be customized to any shape and size and conformed to match temperature and humidity. PowerCosmetics’ initial focus is on anti-aging and skin whitening treatments, but they say their technology can be adapted to address other cosmetic concerns).

We wonder when flexible paper batteries will be available commercially – and what other companies will make use of it (and in what new applications as well). The possibilities beggar the imagination.
Flexible paper batteries are the Next Big Thing in portable power technology. They might not currently be able to produce as much power as conventional batteries, but because of their size and light weight they stand to replace bulkier ordinary batteries in low-power applications (especially those in which lighter and more flexible power sources would have an advantage).

Other distinct advantages paper batteries have over conventional batteries:

• They’re easier and cheaper to manufacture because they can be printed or pasted, using special inks, on just about any surface.
• They don’t require metal casings like conventional energy cells.
• They contain no caustic chemicals and can’t overheat or explode.
• They’re environmentally friendly – they’re non-toxic (they contain no heavy metals such as mercury, lead or cadmium) and can be disposed of easily after they’re depleted.

Israel’s Power Paper is already selling their own flexible paper-battery products. Their products fall into three categories, PowerID (very low power radio-frequency ID tags that can easily be updated and whose power lasts very long), PowerNovelties (toys and design-based products) and PowerCosmetics (the use of special paper power cells for skincare that can be customized to any shape and size and conformed to match temperature and humidity. PowerCosmetics’ initial focus is on anti-aging and skin whitening treatments, but they say their technology can be adapted to address other cosmetic concerns).

We wonder when flexible paper batteries will be available commercially – and what other companies will make use of it (and in what new applications as well). The possibilities beggar the imagination.