ABSTRACT

Today the biggest problem faced by the electronics industry is the size of
the battery as gadgets gets thinner and smaller day by day. But at certain
point the battery size and its weight creates an obstacle. To overcome this
‘Paper Battery’ present the ultimate solution. The paper battery is literally
a conducting paper with a lot of power packed inside it. The various
problems faced by the commonly used batteries and how the paper
battery offers the solution to all these problems. A detailed construction of
paper battery is explained in this paper. A comparison of SWCNT and
MWCNT is also shown in this paper. This paper also contains the possible
applications which could change our lives. The safety issues of Li-ion
batteries, the limitations of NiCad & NiMH and the drawbacks of lead acid
battery are discussed in this paper. The advantage of paper battery over
these batteries is also described.

ABBREVIATIONS USED:
1. Carbon Nano tubes (CNT),
2. Single walled carbon Nano tubes (SWCNT),
3. Multi walled carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT),
4. Lithium ion (Li-ion)

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 CONTENTS

SL.NO INDEX PAGE NO

1. Introduction 3-4
2. Motivation 5
3. Literature Survey 6
4. Objective 7
5. Specification of Paper battery 8-9
6. Construction of Paper battery 10-11
7. Working 12
8. Advantages 13
9. Disadvantages 13
10. Applications 14-15
11. Comparison 16
12. Conclusion 17
13. Future Work 18
14. References 19

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 1. INTRODUCTION
There has been a growing demand for thinner and smaller electronic devices.
To achieve those demands “Paper Battery‟ offers the best solution. Paper
battery is actually a cellulose based „paper‟ with CNT deposited on either
side of paper. A stack of such papers makes a paper battery. Some batteries
use Silver Nano Wires instead of CNT. It is extremely thin, flexible, light
weight and stores much power in less space. Recently developed paper
battery combines the Li-ion based chemicals to make a combination of Li-ion
and paper battery.

Figure-1 Paper Battery

1.1 NECESSITY
There are many reasons to research a battery that is safe, thin, & flexible. Let
us study some of the problems of the most commonly used batteries.
 Li-ion (Lithium ion batteries)
Li-ion battery is the most commonly used battery for smart phones, laptops,
digital cameras and all sorts of home appliances. It is basically a rechargeable
battery with lithium as a negative electrode. It is known for its low self-
discharge, high efficiency. But it is expensive, it has safety issues. The
electrolyte needs to be kept pressurized. It also requires an electronic
monitoring system to avoid over charging, overheating, over voltage etc. So,
it needs temperature sensor, voltage regulator etc. which increases cost. The
electrolyte is highly inflammable, reactive and hazardous.

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In September 2016, Samsung recalled 2.5 million galaxies Note 7 because the
battery design caused both the electrodes to touch which caused short
circuit and they busted into flames.
In January, 2013 Boeing 787 Dreamliner of japan airlines caught fire at
Boston airport. The batteries were responsible. Luckily, no one got hurt, but
had it caught fire while flying the results would have been worst. Today most
of the smartphone users have no idea of how dangerous the Li-ion batteries
are. Recent studies have recommended using Li-ion along with CNT to get a
better, much safer battery.
 NiCad & NiMH (Nickel cadmium Nickel Metal Hydrate)
These are the most commonly used batteries for Hybrid cars, Satellites,
novelties and for Backup power. The problem of these batteries include that
they contain highly toxic metals like Cd (cadmium) they exhibit negative
temperature coefficient, this causes charging problems. NiMH produces
hydrogen gas which can rupture the cell. The temperature affects the
capacity and performance. They have high self-discharge rate. They have
been replaced by Li-ion in recent years. But still due to low cost than Li-ion
they are used in toys, remote controls &other portable electronics.
 Lead acid batteries
These are oldest rechargeable batteries and widely used for large scale
applications like power backup, automobiles, submarines, and also in some
hybrid vehicles. The problem associated are Sulfation and Stratification of
electrolyte, Corrosion of plates, toxic nature of lead etc.

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 2. MOTIVATION
After studying the problems associated with the most commonly used
batteries, we can conclude that paper batteries along some modifications
like Li-ion + CNT paper or some other possible combinations can replace the
commonly used batteries. And making them much safer, flexible and light
weight. If that happens, we will be able to power a hybrid vehicle with a
newspaper sized paper battery or we can have foldable laptops that can fit
in our pocket. The possibilities are endless.

2.1 THEME
Paper Battery either CNT based or Li-ion based provides a better solution for
energy storage. The electronic gadgets can get even thinner, smaller and
flexible. The Li-ion based paper battery can recharged efficiently and is much
safer than conventional Li-ion batteries. The CNT based paper battery is bio
degradable, eco-friendly and can be cycled many times. They have a wide
range of operating temperature. The overall efficiency of the paper battery is
high.

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 3. LITERATURE SURVEY
There has been a constant search for super battery. The ones Which can
combine the properties of a capacitor and a battery. A super capacitor can
be cycled millions of time, it charges in seconds but at the same time it has
high self-discharge and much expensive. A battery might have low Self-
discharge but need more time charge and doesn’t have indefinite
recyclability. So, a compromise between battery and capacitor produces the
paper battery which have combined properties of both. The recent
developments of the paper batteries utilize CNT as electrode and an
integrated design of layer of electrolyte to create thin and flexible battery.
Significant works have been carried out independently, notable among
which are by Pushparaj et al. [2007] and YiCui et al. [2010] in the field of
preparing the first prototypes.
Previous designs of flexible energy-storage devices have been based on
separated thin-electrode and spacer layers, proving less-than-optimum in
performance and handling because of the existence of multiple interfaces
between the layers. Pushparaj et al. demonstrated the fabrication of
“electrode-spacer electrolyte” integrated nanocomposite units to build a
variety of thin flexible energy-storage devices. The robust integrated thin-
film structure allows not only good electrochemical performance but also
the ability to function over large ranges of mechanical deformation, record
temperatures and with a wide variety of electrolytes. The attempt to
integrate the components on to a single unit was revived by Yi Cui et al. with
a much simpler and more promising approach. In this paper, they integrated
all of the components of a Li-ion battery into a single sheet of paper with a
simple lamination process. Although a paper-like membrane has been used
as the separator for other energy storage systems including super capacitors,
it was the first demonstration of the use of commercial paper in Li-ion
batteries, where paper is used as both separator and mechanical support.
Another significant attempt to exploit the properties of Paper batteries was
made by Dr. Mangilal Agrawal, Louisiana Tech University. Having done much
work with biosensors and bio-capacitors, he successfully demonstrated how
the relative proportion of CNT and Paper could be used to customize the
voltage output of the Paper Battery.
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 4. OBJECTIVE
To study the following;
 The use of self-rechargeable thin film batteries, their performance
and application.
 The glucose activated paper battery based on glucose oxidised
enzyme.
 Ultra-fast all polymer paper-based batteries.

Figure 1.1 Sample of Paper Battery

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 5. Specification of Paper Battery’s
5.1 Construction
Paper battery combines cellulose based paper with CNT the paper can act
both high energy paper battery and super capacitor depending on the
design. Cellulose is complex organic substance found in paper and pulp.
CNT‟s are main ingredients of paper battery.
CNT’s where discovered by Japanese scientist name Iijima in 1991. They are
now considered as top-class subject in academic researches and industrial
areas CNT‟s are allotropes is carbon made of graphite and have be
constructed in cylindrical tubes with Nano meter scale in diameter and
several millimetres in length.
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) consist exclusively of carbon atoms arranged in a
series of condensed benzene rings rolled up into a tubular structure. This
novel artificial nanomaterial belongs to the family of fullerenes, the third
allotropic form of carbon along with graphite and diamond which are both
natural sp2 (planar) and sp3 (cubic) forms, respectively.
Based on the number of layers, structures of, CNTs are classified into two
types: single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multi walled carbon
nanotubes (MWCNTs)

1. Single Walled (SWCNT)

2. Multi Walled (MWCNT)

Figure.2 Structure of CNT

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 Table:1
Single Walled Multi Walled
Single layer of graphene Multiple layers of graphene
Catalyst is required for Can be produce without
synthesis catalyst
Bulk synthesis is difficult Bulk synthesis is easy
More Defection during Less defection but difficult to
functionalization improve
Purity is poor Purity is high
Easy characterization and Difficult characterization and
evaluation evaluation
less accumulation in body More accumulation body
Easy to twist Difficult to Twist

Three main techniques generally used for SWCNTs and

MWCNTs productions are:

Arc-Discharge method (using arc vaporization of two carbon rods), Laser
Ablation method (using graphite), and Chemical Vapour Deposition (using
hydrocarbon sources: CO, methane, ethylene, acetylene). After preparation,
CNTs are submitted to purification by acid refluxing, surfactant aided
sonication, or air oxidation procedure in order to eliminate impurities such
as amorphous carbon, fullerenes, and transition metals introduced as
catalysts during the synthesis. Pristine CNTs are now synthesized and
marketed by many chemical firms worldwide.

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 6. Construction of a Paper Battery

Figure 3. Construction of paper battery

A paper battery construction involves the following components:

• Cathode: Carbon Nanotube (CNT)
• Anode: Lithium Metal (Li+)
• Electrolyte: All electrolytes (including bio Electrolytes like sweat, blood etc.)
• Separator: Paper (Cellulose)
Construction of a paper battery mainly includes these steps:
Step 1: Black carbon ink is applied on a cellulose-based paper.
Step 2: Black Carbon ink is being spread on a paper spread on the paper.
Step 3: A thin lithium film is laminated over the exposed cellulose surface.
Step 4: The cellulose paper is heated at 80oC for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Next, the film is peeled off from the substrate.
Step 6: The film acts as electrodes of the paper battery. One film is
connected to the electrolyte LTO (Li4Ti5012) and another film is pasted to
the electrolyte LCO (LiCo02).
Step 7: Next, connect a LED on both the ends of the battery and check its
functionality.

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Figure 3.1 Structural view of a Paper Battery

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 7. WORKING OF PAPER BATTERY
A conventional battery or Rechargeable battery contains a number of
separate components that produce electrons through a chemical reaction
between the metal and the electrolyte of the battery. The Paper battery
works when the paper is dipped in the ion-based liquid solution; next a
chemical reaction occurs between the electrodes and liquid. The electrons
move from the cathode to anode to generate electricity. The paper electrode
stores energy while recharging within 10 seconds because the ions flow
through the thin electrode quickly. Figure 4 shows the working of a paper
battery. The best method to increase the output of the battery is to stack
different paper batteries one over the other.

Figure 4. Working of Paper Battery

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8. Advantages of paper battery’s
• Non-toxic, biodegradable
• Eco friendly, biocompatible
• Easy to recycle
• Durable: shelf life of three years
• Works during extreme conditions -75°C to 150 °C
• Rechargeable
• No leakage of electrolyte
• No over heating
• Light weight and flexible
• Easily mouldable in desired shape
• Can work as super capacitor
• More power in less space
• Customizable output voltage by staking, slicing

9. Disadvantages of paper Battery’s

• Low shear strength can be torn easily
• CNT production technique is expensive
• Nano-toxic for CNT manufacturing workers
• Can cause fibrosis in lungs
• Aquatic like damaged by CNT

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 10. Possible Application
 RFID tags and other tracking
 Smart Newspapers
 Credit/Debit cards
 Greeting card with audio, light
 Hybrid cards
 Laptops, smartphones etc.
 Aircraft and spacecraft
 Blood and sugar monitoring portable devices
 Toys and novelties
 Calculator and wrist watches
 Wireless mouse, keyboards other computer accessories
 Bluetooth headphones, microphones etc.
 Digital camera
 Printed circuit board (PCB)

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Figure 5. Applications

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 11. COMPARISION BETWEEN PAPER
BATTERY AND LITHIUM-ION
BATTERY
Table:2
Performance Between Super Capacitor &
Comparison Li-Ion
Function Super Capacitor Li-Ion
Charge Time 1-10 Sec 10-60 Mins
1 Million or
Cycle Life 500 & Higher
30,000Hr
Cell Voltage 2.3 – 2.75 v 3.6 – 3.7 v
Specific Energy
5 (Typical) 100-200
(Wh/Kg)
Specific Power (W/Kg) Up to 10000 1000 to 3000
$0.5 to $1.00 (Large
Cost per whr $20 (Typical)
System)
Service life in Vehicle 10 to 15 years 5 to 10 years

Change Temp -40℃ to 60℃ 0 to 45℃

Discharge Temp -40℃ to 60℃ -20 to 60℃

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12. CONCLUSION
After analysis of paper battery, we can conclude that the major component
of paper battery is CNT. The CNT manufacturing techniques are inefficient
which obviously increases the cost, making the paper battery expensive. If
the cost is kept economical the batteries will revolutionize the electronics
industry.
The shear strength of paper battery can be increased by adding glass fibre,
resins, plastics etc.

Further research is needed in Nano toxicology to make CNT‟s non-hazardous

for our health. The use of lithium as an electrode in paper battery can solve
most of the safety issues of Li-ion batteries. With paper batteries we can
predict a whole a new world of possibilities and endless applications which
will one day change our daily lives.

Figure 6. Paper Battery

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13. FUTURE WORK
There are many technologies which are coming in future which may use it.
One important technology is about Transformers. Transformer is a Turkish
company named Let vision make it possible they have converted a BMW Z4
model into a working prototype of transformers. They might be interested in
using the paper battery because they need a convenient, light-weight source
of energy which provide sufficient energy and even consume less space they
might use the paper battery. There is recently in news about the case of
giant mobile company SAMSUNG they have created there most powerful
smartphone NOTE 7 using li-ion battery but it starts exploding it may be due
to the battery issue. But it won’t happen if they used the paper.

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14. REFERENCES
[1] B. G. P. Singh, C. Baburao, V. Pispati et al., “Carbon nanotubes. A novel
drug delivery system,” International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and
Chemistry, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 523–532, 2012.

[2] V. L. Pushparaj, M. M. Shaijumon, A. Kumar, S. Murugesan, L. Ci, R. Vajtai,

R. J. Linhardt, O. Nalamasu, and P. M. Ajayan, “Flexible energy storage
devices based on Nano composite paper,” PNAS, Aug. 2007, vol. 104, no. 4,
pp. 13574– 13577.

[3] Nojan Aliahmad, Mangilal Agarwal, Sudhir Shrestha, and Kody

Varahramyan, “IEEE Paper-Based Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Carbon
Nanotube-Coated Wood Microfibers”, IEEE Transactions on Nanotechnology,
May 2013, Vol.12, No. 3.

[4] Hu, L. C., J.; Yang, Y.; La Mantia, F.; Jeong, S.; Cui, Y. Highly Conductive
Paper for Energy Storage. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.U.S.A. 2009, 106, 21490–
21494.

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