A team of scientists in Switzerland have created a new disposable battery out of printed paper that discharges electricity when exposed to water.

By using specialized inks as cathode and anode that are printed on a paper substrate with a one-centimeter active area, the researchers were able to create a single cell battery. Drops of water could then be added to activate the battery in less than 20 seconds.

The created battery was able to achieve a stable voltage of 1.2V, which is close to the 1.5V of a standard AA battery. The paper battery also had enough power to run an alarm clock with a liquid crystal display.

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Paper-battery-IoT

The findings of the research team are publicly available in the Scientific Reports journal.

Per their article abstract, the scientists said they developed the battery with the goal of reducing waste generated by single-use electronics.

They cited another study that noted how e-waste is becoming the fastest growing waste stream globally and therefore encouraged advancements in materials with low environmental impact.

Biodegradable materials used to create the battery include zinc as the metal anode and paper as substrate.

Source: The Register

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