Are polymer-based batteries sustainable?

Overall, polymer-based batteries offer some unique properties. High power densities can be achieved, and flexible or even bendable electrodes and, subsequently, devices can be fabricated. The materials utilized do not contain (heavy) metals and open up the possibility for a sustainable battery fabrication.

What is a polymer based battery?

Polymer-based batteries typically consist of the electrodes and the electrolyte/separator (see Section 4.4). The electrodes themselves typically consist of three components in different ratios: The active polymer (see Section 4.1), a conductive additive (see Section 4.2) as well as a polymeric binder (see Section 4.3).

What is a solar rechargeable battery?

The solar rechargeable battery shows high flexibility for integration into a wristband while still being capable of powering LED bulbs (Fig. 3 (e)). The flexible cell also displays excellent deformability with the ability to be bent to a bending radius of 7.5 mm while maintaining satisfactory solar charging performance (Fig. 3 (f)).

Why is polymer based battery a good choice?

Furthermore, the processability of polymeric materials is often also better compared to powders of small organic molecules. Top: Schematic representation of a polymer-based battery in dual-ion configuration with two polymer-based electrodes: a) discharging and b) charging (top).

How does a solar chargeable battery work?

In a typical solar chargeable battery system, the active materials in the electrode must be electrochemically and photo-active to generate hole-electron pairs and convert solar energy into chemical energy via electrochemical reactions under illumination.

What is a monolithic solar chargeable battery?

The monolithic solar chargeable battery, in which the photovoltaic is integrated into the battery, is a more compact and efficient design. In such an integrated system, one or both of the positive and negative electrodes simultaneously perform solar energy conversion and energy storage.