Scientists from the University of British Columbia (UBC) have developed a first-ever flexible and washable battery. The battery works upon twisting or stretching to twice its usual length, or when tossed in the laundry.
Wearable electronics are a big market and stretchable batteries are essential to their development. However, up until now, stretchable batteries have not been washable. This is a critical addition if they are to withstand the demands of everyday use.
Dr. Ngoc Tan Nguyen, Postdoctoral Fellow, Faculty of Applied Science, University of British Columbia
The new battery offers a host of engineering advances. The internal layers of a normal battery are made from hard materials enclosed in rigid casings. However, in this case, the researchers integrated zinc and manganese dioxide into a rubbery polymer to make them stretchable. Multiple ultra-thin polymer layers are encased inside a plastic casing to form the battery. The design creates an airtight, waterproof seal, ensuring battery integrity even after continuous use.
To test the battery’s seal, Bahar Iranpour, a Ph.D. student from the same team, suggested washing the battery. As the team continues to develop the technology, the battery should become even more durable. The team has successfully washed the battery 39 times so far.
We put our prototypes through an actual laundry cycle in both home and commercial-grade washing machines. They came out intact and functional and that’s how we know this battery is...
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