Scientists in Japan have now managed to create a prototype battery that consists of a polymer film that is only 200nm thick. Polymers are long molecules which in this case have been equipped with nitroxide radicals carrying the much needed charges. By packing these polymer molecules tight they’ve been able to create a battery that can carry a big charge, be charged quickly and even survive up to 1000 recharges. The manufacturing of these is relatively simple as you simply cover a film with these polymers and then “glue” them on to the film by shining UV light on them.
This has resulted in a battery that is not just flexible and strong, but also simple and cheap to manufacture. They hope to have a battery ready to be used in portable devices within 3 years.
Picture from Waseda University
