The document provides a comprehensive overview of paper batteries, detailing their composition, manufacturing processes, and potential applications in various fields such as electronics, automobiles, and medical science. It highlights the advantages of paper batteries over traditional batteries, including biodegradability, flexibility, and high energy storage capacity, while also addressing limitations of current electrochemical batteries. The document also discusses the history, properties, and functioning of paper batteries, emphasizing their innovative design and environmental benefits.

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CONTENTS
TOPIC PAGE NO.
1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................3
1.1 INTRODUCTION TO ORDINARY BATTERY
1.2 NEED FOR PAPER BATTERY
1.3 INTRODUCTION TO PAPER BATTERY
2. MANUFACTURING..........................................................................................14
2.1 CONSTUCTION OF PAPER BATTERY
2.2 WORKING OF PAPER BATTERY
3. APPLICATION & USE OF PAPER BATTERY.......................................19
3.1 IN ELCTRONICS
3.2 IN AUTOMOBILE AND AIRCRAFTS
3.3 IN MEDICAL SCIENCE
4. ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES.....................................................21
5. PAPER BATTERY: INDIAN SCENARIO.................................................23
6. FUTURE SCOPE..............................................................................................23
7. CONCLUSION..................................................................................................25

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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 . INTRODUCTION TO ORDINARY BATTERY
A battery is a device that converts chemical energy directly to
electrical energy. It consists of a number of voltaic cells. Each voltaic cell consists of
two half cells connected in series by conductive electrolyte containing anions and
cations. One half cell includes electrolyte and the electrode to which anions migrate,
i.e. the anode or negative electrode. The other half cell includes electrolyte and the
electrode to which cations migrate, i.e. the cathode.
In the redox reaction that powers the battery, cations are reduced at the
cathode, while anions are oxidised at the anode. The electrodes are electrically
connected by the electrolyte.
Some cells use two half cells with different electrolytes. A separator
between half cells allows ions to flow, but prevents mixing of the electrolytes.
Fig-1.( a voltaic cell )

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TYPES OF BATTERY
Batteries are classified into two broad categories, those are :
1. primary battery
2. secondary battery
Primary batteries irreversibly transform chemical energy to electrical energy.
When initial supply of reactant is exhausted, energy cannot be readily restored to the
battery by electrical means.
Secondary batteries can be recharged. That is they can have their chemical
reactions reversed by supplying electrical energy to the cell, restoring their original
composition.
fig-2.(NON RECHARGABLE ALKALINE BATTERIES ) fig-3.( RECHARGABLE LI-ION BATTERY )

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1.2. NEED FOR PAPER BATTERIES :-
The basic problems associated with the present Electro-Chemical
batteries are:-
(1) Limited Life- Time: Primary batteries irreversibly (within limits of
practicality) transform chemical energy to electrical energy. Secondary batteries can
be recharged; that is, they can have their chemical reactions reversed by supplying
electrical energy to the cell restoring their original composition. But, rechargeable
batteries are still costlier than primary batteries in the markets of developing
countries like India.
(2) Leakage: If leakage occurs, either spontaneously or through accident, the
chemicals released may be dangerous. For example, disposable batteries often use
zinc "can" as both a reactant and as the container to hold the other reagents. If this
kind of battery is run all the way down, or if it is recharged after running down too
far, the reagents can emerge through the cardboard and plastic that forms the
remainder of the container. The active chemical leakage can then damage the
equipment that the batteries were inserted into.
(3)Environmental Concerns: The widespread use of batteries has created many
environmental concerns, such as toxic metal pollution. Metals such as Cadmium,
Mercury, Lead, Lithium and Zinc have been identified as highly toxic metals. Also,
batteries may be harmful or fatal if swallowed. Small button/disk batteries can be
swallowed by young children. While in the digestive tract the battery's electrical
discharge can burn the tissues and can be serious enough to lead to death.
fig-4( A Leaking Electrochemical Battery)

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The limitations of Fuel cells are:-
(1). Cost:- Hydrogen-based fuel cells are still extremely costly for general
consumer use. Their use is still restricted to rocket launch vehicles. Liquid Hydrogen
and Hydrogen Peroxide are essential ingredients that make them costly.
(2). Portability & Size:- Fuel cells are still not portable in size, which makes it
very difficult for use in electronic and medical gadgets.
The limitations of Solar Cells are:-
(1) Versatility:- Solar cells can not be used under all situations, like Emergency
Power-Backup, Emergency Energy Purge.
(2) Adaptability:- Solar cells can not be used in all battery-powered equipment.
(3). Portability & Size:- They are not at all portable or robust.
(4)Need of an Auxiliary back-up battery:- The solar cells need an auxiliary
back-up battery during failures.
1.3. INTRODUCTION OF PAPER BATTERY
A paper battery is a flexible, ultra thin energy storage device. It can act as a
super capacitor and also as a high – energy battery, combining two discrete
components that are separate in traditional electronics. The functioning of paper
batteries is similar to that of a normal chemical battery. In normal cases, conventional
batteries may be easily damaged by corrosion and also sometimes they required a
bulky housing. But the paper batteries are non-corrosive, non-toxic and light-weight
than the normal batteries. It is created by combining two things: nano composite
paper and nanotubes (nano composite paper made from cellulose and nanotubes made
from carbon). Nanocomposite paper is a hybrid energy storage device made of
cellulose, which combines the features of super capacitors and batteries. It takes the

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high-energy storage capacity of the battery and high-energy density of the super
capacitor producing the bursts of extreme power.
Paper Battery= Paper (Cellulose) + Carbon Nanotubes
This combination permits the battery to provide both long term, bursts of energy,
steady power and production. Paper batteries have the potential to power the next
generation of medical devices, electronics and hybrid vehicles. Paper batteries can be
folded, twisted, molded, crumpled, shaped and cut for various applications without
any loss of efficiency, cutting one in half halves its energy production. Stacking them
multiplies power output. Early prototypes of the device are able to produce 2.5 volts
of electricity from a sample the size of a postage stamp.
The paper batteries are formed by combining cellulose with an infusion of
aligned carbon nanotubes that are each approximately one millionth of a centimeter
thick. The carbon is what gives the batteries their black colour. These tiny filaments
act like the electrodes found in a traditional battery, conducting electricity when the
paper comes into contact with an ionic liquid solution. Ionic liquids contain no water,
which means that there is nothing to freeze or evaporate in extreme environmental
conditions. As a result, paper batteries can function between -75 and 150 degrees
Celsius.
Fig-5. (paper battery)

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1.3.1 HISTORY OF PAPER BATTERY
The first and foremost method of constructing paper batteries was proposed
and initiated by Robert Linhardt, a chemist at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy,
New York. Cellulose paper was layered upon conductive carbon nanotubes. Though
the combination would be a sturdy material to construct batteries, however problem
arose when the material would fall apart when flexed.
Fig-6.( Robert Linhardt )

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A solution was found by Yi Cui, a materials scientist at Stanford University, Palo Alto (
California ). He and his team of researchers created an ink of carbon nanotube by
suspending them in water and an organic surfactant. This ink was evenly spread on a
piece of paper. As the inked paper was heated in the oven to drive off the water, the
nanotube bonded tightly to the paper fibers and a highly conductive sheet of paper
were created.
Fig-7.( Yi Cue, scientist at Stanford University, California )

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1.3.2. PAPER BATTERY PROPERTIES :-
Paper battery properties are mainly attributed to the properties of its parts such as
cellulose and carbon nanotubes.
Cellulose is a long chain of linked sugar molecules that gives wood its
remarkable strength. It is the main component of plant cell walls, and the basic
building block for many textiles and for paper. The properties of Cellulose include
high-tensile strength, biodegradability, low-shear Strength, biocompatibility, good
absorption capacity and excellent Porosity, non-toxic, reusability & recyclability.
Fig-8.(cellulose paper)
Carbon is accomplished with many allotropes. Some renowned form of carbon
allotropes are diamonds, graphite etc. Currently different forms of allotropes of
carbon have been ascertained and researched like carbon nanotubes. In Carbon
nanotubes, each carbon atom is amalgamating with all other three carbon atoms in
order to form a nanosize cylindrical structure. The nanosize cylindrical structure

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along with its novel properties makes the carbon nanotube conceivably beneficial in
wide range of applications in materials science, electronics, nanotechnology and
optics. The carbon nanotube unveils outstanding strength along with its distinctive
electrical properties also the carbon nanotube is an effective heat conductor too.
Fig-9.( carbon nanotube )

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1.3.3. Properties of carbon Nanotubes used in construction of paper battery:-
Carbon nanotubes are generally regarded as the single hardest materials known
to man. A single walled nanotube is able to withstand a pressure that amounts to 24
GPa. It can withstand this pressure without having any kind of deformity and without
seeming like it is being affected in anyway. Nanotubes are also known to have kinetic
properties that make them get nested with each other. There is an outstanding
telescoping property that they tend to display with time and this usually involves
sliding of the inner core nanotube. This sliding occurs with very little or no friction at
all and usually leads to rotational bearing.
When dealing with carbon nanotubes it is very vital to know that their electrical
properties are very unique. The nanotube structure usually has an effect on the
electrical properties of graphene owing to its electronic structure that is quite unique.
There are however a number of exceptions in the general rule regarding the electrical
properties of these nanotubes. Some superconductivity properties have also been
registered with some of these nanotubes and although there are several other
experiments that disagree with this assertion, these reports continue to create a stir
among experts.
The thermal properties of carbon nanotubes are quite unique too because these
nanotubes are mostly expected to have good conduction. Ballistic conduction is
actually a property that is shown by the nanotubes as they go about their thermal
conduction. Another vital issue in the properties of these nanotubes is the issue of
toxicity. When dealing with nanotechnology, many experts have raised several
questions about the toxicity of the nanotubes. This study and research is still in its
early stages and there is quite a lot criticism still going on. It is expected that over the
years the results will help to give experts a little more understanding of how these
nanotubes deal with the question of toxicity.
Other important properties of carbon nanotubes are-

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• High tensile Strength (Greater than Steel).
• Low Mass density & High Packing Density.
• Very Light and Very Flexible.
• Very Good Electrical Conductivity (better than Silicon).
• Thickness: typically about 0.5-0.7mm.
• Low resistance (~33 ohm per sq. inch).
• Nominal continuous current density: 0.1 mA/cm2/ active area.
• Temperature operating range: -75°C to +150°C.
• No heavy metals (does not contain Hg, Pb, Cd, etc.)
• No safety events or over-heating in case of battery abuse or mechanical damage
• No safety limitations for shipment, packaging storage and disposal.
Fig-10.( one layer atom of carbon i.e. carbon nanotube)

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2. MANUFACTURING
2.1 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 and urine)
* Separator: Paper (Cellulose).
Various ways to construct paper batteries are:-
1. The first method involves fabricating zinc and manganese dioxide based cathode
and anode. The batteries are printed onto paper using standard silkscreen printing
press. This paper is infused with aligned carbon nanotubes which are used as
electrode. This paper is dipped in a solution of ionic liquid which acts as the
electrolyte.
2. The second method is a bit complex and involves growing nanotubes on a silicon
substrate. The gaps in the matrix are then filled with cellulose and once the matrix is
dried, the combination of cellulose and nanotubes is peeled off. Thus sheets of paper
consisting of layers of carbon nanotubes are created. Two such sheets are combined
together to form a super capacitor with a ionic liquid like human blood, sweat or
urine being used an electrolyte.
3. The third is a simple method and can be constructed in a laboratory. It involves
spreading specially formulated ink of carbon nanutubes over a rectangular sheet of
paper coated with an ionic solution. A thin film of lithium is then laminated on the
other side of the paper. Aluminium rods are then connected to carry current between
the two electrodes.

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Fig-11.( paper battery parts )
4. this way of construction is more appreciated process. The steps of construction of
this process are :-
 Cellulose paper and carbon nano ink is taken.
 Carbon nano ink is spread on one side of the paper.
 Paper is kept inside oven at 150C temperature. This evaporates water content on
paper, so that paper and nano rods get attached each other.
 After drying, the paper becomes flexible, light weight and withstand from -75C
to 150C. This films act as electrodes of paper battery.
 One film is pasted to electrolyte LTO (Li4Ti5O12) the other film is pasted to
electrolyte LCO (LiCoO2).
 Paper is sandwiched between two electrolytes LTO & LCO with PVDF ( Poly
Vinylidene Fluoride) acting as glue and completes our paper battery.

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Fig-12.(structure of paper battery)
Fig-13.(Paper battery construction procedure)

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fig-14.MICROSCOPIC VIEW OF LAYERS
2.2 WORKING OF PAPER BATTERY
The internal performance of paper batteries is identical to that of a traditional
battery by generating a voltage about 1.5V. We can recall the working principles of a
traditional batteries where ions (+ ve charged particles) and electrons (- ve charged
particles) moves between the electrodes, anode (+ve electrode) and cathode (-ve
electrode). Due to the flow of electrons from cathode to anode, current start flowing
from anode to cathode along the conductor.
a) Cathode: Carbon Nanotube
b) Anode: Lithium metal (Li+)
c) Electrolyte: bio electrolytes like urine, blood and sweat. (All electrolytes can be
used)
d) Separator: Cellulose or Paper
Similarly in Paper Batteries, the metal (Lithium) is used as the anode and carbon
nanotubes as cathode and also the paper or cellulose is used as the separator. Due to

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the chemical reaction between the electrolyte and carbon, electrons are generated.
Similarly due to the chemical reaction between electrolyte and metal, ions are
generated. These generated electrons starts flow through the external circuit from
cathode to the anode.
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. The best method to increase
the output of the battery is to stack different paper batteries one over the other.
Fig-15.(Operation of paper battery)
.

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3. APPLICATIONS
With the developing technologies and reducing cost of CNTs, the paper batteries
will find applications in the following fields:-
3.1 In Electronics-
• In laptop batteries, mobile phones, handheld digital cameras: The weight of these
devices can be significantly reduced by replacing the alkaline batteries with light-
weight Paper Batteries, without compromising with the power requirement.
Moreover, the electrical hazards related to recharging will be greatly reduced.
• In calculators, wrist watch and other low drain devices.
• In wireless communication devices like speakers, mouse, keyboard, Bluetooth
headsets etc.
• In Enhanced Printed Circuit Board(PCB) wherein both the sides of the PCB can be
used:- one for the circuit and the other side (containing the components )would
contain a layer of customized Paper Battery. This would eliminate heavy step-down
transformers and the need of separate power supply unit for most electronic circuits.
Fig-16.

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Fig-17.(Applications of paper battery)
3.2 In Automobiles and Aircrafts:-
• In Hybrid Car batteries
• In Long Air Flights reducing refueling
• For Light weight guided missiles
• For powering electronic devices in Satellite programs
3.3 In Medical Sciences:-
• In Pacemakers for the heart
• In Artificial tissues (using Carbon nanot ubes)
• In Cosmetics, Drug-delivery systems
• In Biosensors, such as Glucose meters, Sugar meters, etc.

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4.ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS
4.1 ADVANTAGES OVER EXISTING BATTERIES:-
Fig-18.(use of paper battery as mobile battery)
1. Biodegradable & Non Toxic:- Since its major ingredients are of organic origin, it
is a biodegradable and non toxic product.
2. Biocompatible:- They are not easily rejected by our body's immune system if
implanted into human body.
3. Easily Reusable & Recyclable:- Being cellulose based product it is easily
recyclable and reusable, even with the existing paper recycling techniques.
4. Durable:- It has a shelf life of three years (at room temperature). Under extreme

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conditions it can operate within -75° to +150°C.
5. Rechargeable:- It can be recharged upto 300 times using almost all electrolytes,
including bio-salts such as sweat, urine and blood.
6. No Leakage & Overheating:- Owing to low resistance, it does not get overheated
even under extreme conditions. Since there are no leaky fluids, so even under
spontaneous or accidental damage, there is no leakage problem.
7. Very Light Weight & Flexible.
8. Easily Moldable Into Desired Shapes & Sizes.
9. Customizable Output Voltage:-
• By varying CNT concentration.
• By stacking & slicing.
4.2 LIMTATIONS & DISADVANTAGES OF PAPER BATTERIES:-
It would not be logical only to ponder over the miraculous properties and
applications of Paper Batteries .Things need to be discussed at the flip side as well.
Following are some of them:-
Have Low Shear strength:- They can be ‘torn’ easily.
 The Techniques and the Set-ups used in the production of Carbon Nanotubes
are very Expensive and very less Efficient. These are:-
(i) Arc discharge
(ii) Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD)
(iii) Laser Ablation
(iv) Electrolysis
 When inhaled, their interaction with the Microphages present in the lungs is
similar to that with Asbestos fibers, hence may be seriously hazardous to human
health.

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5.PAPER BATTERY:-INDIAN SCENARIO
Unfortunately, not much work has been carried out India, except for a few
notable ones. The work is carried out as a joint research project of the Kalasalingam
University in Krishnankovil, India; the Indian Institute of Technology ,Mumbai;
and IMRAM Tohoku University in Japan, assisted by India’s Department of
Science and Technology. Kalasalingam University’s G. Hirankumar brought optimized
cathode materials (CNT) to Tohoku University’s laboratories for three months of
joint development. Research is ongoing.
6.FUTURE SCOPE
Further extensive research is needed to conceive the idea of paper battery
further. It is felt that there is a need for improvement in areas such as the strength and
basic structure, size reduction, increasing OCV further and assessment of various
evaluation parameters. Unfortunately, not much work has been carried out India,
except for a few notable ones.The work is carried out as a joint research project of the
Kalasalingam University in Krishnankovil, India; the Indian Institute of Technology
,Mumbai; and IMRAM Tohoku University in Japan, assisted by India’s Department
of Science and Technology. Kalasalingam University’s G. Hirankumar brought
optimized cathode materials (CNT) to Tohoku University’s laboratories for three
months of joint development. Research is going on.
Widespread commercial deployment of paper batteries will rely on the
development of more inexpensive manufacturing techniques for carbon nanotubes.
As a result of the potentially transformative applications in electronics, aerospace,
hybrid vehicles and medical science, however, numerous companies and
organizations are pursuing the development of paper batteries. In addition to the
developments announced in 2007 at RPI and MIT, researchers in Singapore
announced that they had developed a paper battery powered by ionic solutions in

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2005. NEC has also invested in R & D into paper batteries for potential applications
in its electronic devices. Specialized paper batteries could act as power sources for
any number of devices implanted in humans and animals, including RFID tags,
cosmetics, drug-delivery systems and pacemakers. A capacitor introduced into an
organism could be implanted fully dry and then be gradudally exposed to bodily
fluids over time to generate voltage. Paper batteries are also biodegradable, a need
only partially addressed by current e-cycling and other electronics disposal methods
increasingly advocated for by the green computing movement.

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7. CONCLUSION
One of the major problems bugging the world now is Energy crisis. Every
nation needs energy and everyone needs power. And this problem which disturbs the
developed countries perturbs the developing countries like India to a much greater
extent. Standing at a point in the present where there can’t be a day without power,
Paper Batteries can provide an altogether path-breaking solution to the same. Being
Biodegradable, Light-weight and Non- toxic, flexible paper batteries have potential
adaptability to power the next generation of electronics, medical devices and hybrid
vehicles, allowing for radical new designs and medical technologies. But India still
has got a long way to go if it has to be self-dependant for its energy solution.
Literature reflects that Indian researchers have got the scientific astuteness needed for
such revolutionary work. But what hinders their path is the lack of facilities and
funding. Of course, the horizon of inquisitiveness is indefinitely vast and this paper is
just a single step towards this direction.
In the present work, easily available low cost materials such as paper, graphite
powder, silica gel, aluminium paint are used in developing batteries. Various factors
and characteristics affecting the performance of paper battery were analyzed. It was
found experimentally that the OCV of paper battery increases appreciably with
surface area and thickness of paper. The specific combination of ordinary A4 size
thick paper coated with graphite powder as cathode and aluminium paint as anode,
dipped in electrolyte yielded the maximum OCV of about 1 V. This is appreciable,
given the easily available low cost materials being used in the development of the
paper battery.
It can be concluded from the preliminary investigations that, there is a great
potential in paper battery that need be tapped further employing advanced
technology. The theme may be able to provide a promising energy solution for future
power.