A postage stamp size battery made of nanopores !!!

Researchers at the North American University of Maryland have achieved a level of miniaturization for the unique design of a battery. Its structure is based on a ceramic sheet the size of a postage stamp breakthrough of millions of microscopic holes called nanopores. The first prototype will recharge in ten minutes and already supports thousands of charging cycles.

How to create batteries that can power ever smaller electronic devices? This problem feeds the work of many research and development and academic laboratories worldwide. Whether it is connected, intelligent clothing, medical or biometric sensors, such as the one on which Google board, the power system remains one of the major technical obstacles objects. The battery size stamp created by the University of Maryland in the United States offers a promising track.

NanoCenter researchers have, in fact, developed a structure that incorporates all the components of a battery no bigger than a postage stamp ceramic sheet. In an article in the journal Nature Nanotechnology, they explain that the principle is based on nanopores. This is made up of millions of pinholes whose diameter is "80,000 times smaller than a human hair." These holes contain an electrolyte solution with an anode and a cathode at each end.

Each nanopore structure acts as a mini-battery, because it contains an electrolyte solution with an anode and a cathode at its ends. Researchers say they have already identified areas for development to make the next version ten times more powerful. © University of Maryland NanoCenter

The next version will be ten times more powerful

Nanopores are interconnected in parallel, which allows them to store and release energy in unison. The first working prototype is charging in twelve minutes and can support thousands of loads. This research project is funded by the US Department of Energy. One may wonder when the first batteries of this type are marketed.

Researchers NanoCenter remain vague on the subject by explaining that it is currently a concept. But they claim to have identified the changes to integrate in order to make the next ten times more powerful version. The other imperative is to develop a manufacturing process that is consistent with mass production. Again, no deadline is specified ...