Eco-Friendly Power with Paper-Based Batteries

Introduction

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, finding eco-friendly energy storage solutions has become a top priority. Traditional battery technologies often rely on toxic materials and non-biodegradable components, posing significant environmental risks. Our paper-based magnesium battery offers an innovative alternative, providing efficient, reliable energy storage that is both biodegradable and sustainable. This battery is ideal for industries looking to align with environmental goals while maintaining high-performance standards.

The Environmental Impact of Conventional Batteries

Traditional batteries, while effective, contribute to significant environmental challenges. They are made using materials such as lithium and lead, which can harm ecosystems when improperly disposed of. Furthermore, the manufacturing processes for conventional batteries often require significant energy and resources, adding to their carbon footprint.

As global demand for energy continues to rise, industries are seeking alternatives that reduce environmental impact without sacrificing efficiency or performance. Whether for consumer electronics, renewable energy storage, or portable power solutions, the need for green, biodegradable battery options is clear.

Why Choose Paper-Based Batteries?

Our paper-based magnesium battery offers a truly eco-friendly alternative. By utilizing paper as a primary material and magnesium as the active element, this battery is biodegradable and easy to dispose of, reducing environmental waste. Its lightweight, flexible design makes it perfect for use in small, portable devices, consumer electronics, and environmentally conscious applications.

The simplicity of its construction allows for cost-effective manufacturing, making it a viable solution for large-scale production. Despite its biodegradable components, the battery delivers reliable, long-lasting energy storage, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. It can power sensors, portable electronics, or even be used in larger renewable energy systems that prioritize sustainability.

Key Benefits

Eco-Friendly: Made from biodegradable materials like paper and magnesium, reducing environmental impact.
Cost-Effective: Simpler construction and materials make this battery economical to produce.
Versatile Applications: Ideal for consumer electronics, renewable energy, and sustainable product development.
Lightweight and Flexible: Perfect for portable devices and flexible applications requiring lightweight power solutions.

Empower a Greener Future with Paper-Based Batteries

Licensing this paper-based magnesium battery technology provides companies with a unique opportunity to lead in sustainable energy solutions. This innovative, eco-friendly battery design offers an ideal blend of performance and environmental responsibility, making it the perfect choice for industries committed to greener practices.

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Abstract
Claims

The present application relates generally to paper-based magnesium batteries, and the manufacture and use thereof, such as in wearable or point of care devices.

What is claimed is:

1. A paper-based battery comprising:

a paper substrate adapted to receive a liquid; and

a cell comprising a magnesium anode disposed on the paper substrate and a cathode disposed on the paper substrate;

wherein the magnesium anode and the cathode are separated from and coplanar with each other, wherein upon application of a liquid to the paper substrate the magnesium anode, the cathode and the liquid are capable of generating an electric current and wherein said battery has a power density of at least about 1 mW/cm²after application of a liquid.

2. The paper-based battery of claim 1, wherein the paper substrate comprises one or more folds.

3. The paper-based battery of claim 2, wherein the magnesium anode and the cathode are coplanar on a region of the paper substrate bounded by one or more folds.

4. The paper-based battery of claim 2, wherein the folded paper substrate comprises at least three folds.

5. The paper-based battery of claim 1, wherein the paper substrate comprises a hydrophobic zone and a hydrophilic zone.

6. The paper-based battery of claim 1, wherein the paper substrate comprises a zone loaded with an electrolyte.

7. The paper-based battery of claim 6, wherein the zone loaded with electrolyte is in a path of travel of a liquid to the magnesium anode and the cathode.

8. The paper-based battery of claim 6, wherein the electrolyte comprises metal ions corresponding to the cathode and anode, optionally in combination with inorganic salts.

9. The paper-based battery of claim 6, wherein the electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of MgF₂, MgCl₂, MgBr₂, MgI₂, MgClO₄, Mg(C₂H₃O₂)₂, Mg(HCO₃)₂Mg(OH)₂, Mg(MnO₄)₂, Mg(ClO₃)₂, MgCO₃, MgCrO₄, MgCr₂O₇, MgSO₄, Mg₃(PO₄)₂, Mg(NO₃)₂, AgF, AgCl, AgBr, AgI, AgC₂H₃O₂, AgHCO₃, AgOH, AgNO₃, AgMnO₄, AgClO₃, CuF, CuCl, CuBr, CuI, CuF₂, CuCl₂, CuBr₂, CuI₂, PtCl₂, AuCl, KCl, NaCl and combinations thereof.

10. The paper-based battery of claim 1, wherein the cathode comprises a material selected from the group consisting of silver, copper, platinum, gold and carbon-based material.

11. The paper-based battery of claim 10, wherein the carbon-based material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, graphene, carbon nanotubes, carbon paste, glassy carbon paste and glassy carbon.

12. The paper-based battery of claim 1, wherein the paper substrate comprises a zone loaded with an oxidation agent for magnesium metal.

13. The paper-based battery of claim 12, wherein the oxidation agent is selected from the group consisting of BaCrO₄, MnO₂, PbO, KMnO₄, FeO, PbCrO₄, SnO₂, Bi₂O₃and combinations thereof.

14. The paper-based battery of claim 1, wherein the liquid comprises water.

15. The paper-based battery of claim 1, wherein the liquid comprises a biological or non-biological fluid or a combination thereof.

16. The paper-based battery of claim 15, wherein the biological fluid is selected from the group consisting of urine, blood-related samples, sputum, cerebral spinal fluid, interstitital fluid, bronchoalveolar lavage, lymph fluid, bone marrow fluid, ascetic fluid, exudative fluid, amniotic fluid, expectorated sputum, saliva, semen, bile, pancreatic fluid and combinations thereof.

17. The paper-based battery of claim 16, wherein the blood-related sample comprises whole blood, serum, or plasma.

18. The paper-based battery of claim 1, wherein the longest dimension of said magnesium anode is no more than about 10 mm.

19. The paper-based battery of claim 1, wherein the battery has an open circuit potential of more than 1.5 V for a single cell.

20. The paper-based battery of claim 1, wherein said battery does not contain a salt bridge.

21. The paper-based battery of claim 1, further comprising a zone for conducting a reaction.

22. The paper-based battery of claim 1, further comprising at least one or more additional cells connected to the first cell in series or in parallel.

23. A device comprising the paper-based battery of claim 1.

24. A method of making a paper-based battery, the method comprising:

providing a paper substrate adapted to receive a liquid; and

disposing magnesium and a cathode material on the paper substrate to form a cell comprising a magnesium anode and a cathode;

Title

Paper-based magnesium battery and the use thereof

Inventor(s)

Yeoheung Yun, Youngmi Koo

Assignee(s)

North Carolina A&T State University

Patent #

10128512

Patent Date

November 13, 2018