The scientists used origami figure to create a battery Bashny.Net

Researchers Binghamton University in New York has created a new battery, folding like an origami figure of "ninja star", especially for food biosensors and other small devices in difficult field conditions.




Shokeun "Sean" Choi (Seokheun «Sean» Choi) and two of his disciples developed a device, a microbial fuel cell that works with the help of bacteria in a few drops of dirty water. The results of the joint work has been published in the Journal of Bioelectronics.

Choi previously developed a battery using an origami figure. The first design, reminiscent of a matchbox, joined together four modules. Version "ninja stars" of a size of about 6 to 35 cm in width, sequentially connects eight small battery has a high capacity and an electric voltage.

"The last time we proved the concept of performance. Capacity measured in NW "says Choi, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering. "At this time, we have increased capacity to the level of microwatts. We can feed the LED for about 20 minutes, or to provide other types of energy

biosensors. "

Biosensors based on the paper include tests for pregnancy and HIV testing. "The sensitivity of these tests is limited, and set up the battery can allow the use of more complex fluorescent or electrochemical biosensors in developing countries. Commercially available batteries are too expensive and wasteful for such use, "he says.

"Ultimately, I would like to develop is always ready to use, easily recyclable, bio-available batteries for use in areas with limited conditions».

Battery design involves folding the material into a star with one input at its center and electrical contacts disposed on each side. After a few drops of raw water was placed into the inlet of the device may be opened, then it takes a shape similar to a Frisbee that allows each of the eight fuel cells operate. Each module is a sandwich of five functional layers with its own anode, a proton exchange membrane and an air cathode.

The original battery, the size of only a matchbox, created by scientists can be made for about 5 cents. New Battery "ninja star" will cost more - about 70 cents - in part because it uses not only the filter paper and carbon cloth anode, and copper tape. Next the team's goal is to produce a device fully on a paper basis, which has the power like the new design, but a lower price.