Swedish University Develops Power Paper That Stores Energy
Linköping University’s Laboratory of Organic Electronics in Sweden has developed a type of power paper that is capable of storing as much as 1 F of electricity in a single sheet which is 15 cms in diameter and the fraction of a millimetre in thickness. It is possible to charge the paper hundreds of times, with each charge lasting not more than a couple of seconds.
The paper requires nothing more than renewable cellulose and an easily available polymer as its components. The polymer-cellulose material simultaneously conducts both ions and electrons, thereby setting a world record with this kind of conduction activity. This attribute of the material also allows it to have an efficient power storage capacity.
Some other previous world records set by power papers include highest charge and capacitance in organic electronics, 1 C and 2 F (Coulomb and Farad) and highest transconductance in a transistor, 1 S (Siemens).
Early in July 2015, Pennstate State University also developed a polymer capable of storing energy. However, PennState’s development loses out to its Swedish counterpart in terms of production cost and ability to withstand wear and tear. It is susceptible to defects as well.
The paper developed by the Swedish university has a slight plastic feel to it. The researchers used a sheet to make an origami swan out of it, also providing an index of its strength. Needless to say, it is a brilliant specimen of tech that can go ahead to become a reliable source of reusable energy, at the same time being an efficient means of storing energy.
