Paper-thin, biodegradable batteries may be coming to an electronics store near you. The biodegradable batteries, which would compete with commercial lithium-ion batteries, are made of algae—the next big thing in biofuels, according to Inhabitat.
Researchers at Uppsala University in Sweden have found that the algae species that clump together on beaches (called Cladaphora) can be used to make cellulose that is strong enough to hold conducting polymers that can recharge and hold electricity. In addition to being eco-friendly, researchers believe that the biodegradable batteries can be used for flexible electronics in the future, such as clothing that lights up.
The algae-based paper sheet batteries hold up to 200% more charge than regular paper-based cellulose batteries, and they can recharge in as little as 11 seconds.
(inhabitat)
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