The Fraunhofer Research Institution for Electronic Nano Systems (Chemnitz, Germany) demonstrated their innovative printed battery in Tokyo last month.
Using printing technology it was possible to sequence the printed batteries in series thereby increasing the nominal voltage of 1.5V to 3V, 4.5V and more. The battery components include zinc manganese which is more environmentally friendly than mercury alternatives.
Fraunhofer scientists were able to achieve almost 100% production yield with the highly efficient printing technologies and battery components used.
The printed batteries are particularly suitable for thin and flexible products such as intelligent chip and sensor cards, medical patches and plasters for transdermal medication and vital signs monitoring, as well as lab on chip analyses. Further work will continue so that the battery technology can be adapted to the preparation of flexible displays and solar cells - and could be combined where necessary.
Development of secondary batteries is planned for the possible use as traction batteries and energy harvesting systems.
Also attend Printed Electronics Europe 2009.
