SEMINAR REPORT ON

PAPER BATTERY
Submitted in partial fulfillment for the requirement

for the award of the Degree of

Bachelor of Technology

Session:2018-2022

Odd semester (IIIrd)

Submitted to: Submitted by:

Mr. Suraj Panwar Priyanshu Chauhan

Department of computer science and engineering B.Tech.(C.S.E. IIIrd Sem.)

Department of Computer Science and Engineering

School of Engineering and Technology

HEMWATI NANDAN BAHUGUNA GARHWAL UNIVERSITY

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Before getting into the thickest of things, we would like to thank the personalities who were
parts of my project in numerous ways, those who gave me outstanding support from the birth
of the project and solely recognize our indebtedness for guidance and assistance of the project
adviser and other member of the faculty.

Courtesy demands that we also recognize specific contribution by other person or institutions
such as libraries and research foundation and internet services too. We acknowledge my
project guide Mr. Suraj Panwar sir, without his support and guidance, we couldn’t complete
this project.

We are highly indebted to Dr. Manmohan Singh Rauthan, Head of Department, Department
of Computer Science and Engineering, for this support during the tenure of this project.

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 CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that this report entitled “Paper Battery” submitted in partial fulfillment of
the degree of Bachelor Of Technology (B.Tech.) in Computer Science Engineering to the
department of computer science and engineering , school of engineering and technology
H.N.B. Garhwal University ,Srinagar ,Uttarakhand done by Priyanshu Chauhan,is an
authentic work carried out by her under my guidance. The matter embodied in this project
work has not been submitted earlier for award of any degree or diploma to the best of my
knowledge and belief.

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 SELF CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the report entitled Paper Battery is done by me is an authentic work
carried out for the partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of the degree of
Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Computer Science Engineering under the guidance of
Mr. Suraj Panwar sir. The matter embodied in the project has not been submitted earlier for
award of any degree or diploma to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Priyanshu Chauhan

(2018-2022)

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 PREFACE
For efficient and quality improvement of an educational institute, feedback plays a key role in
it. With a proper feedback mechanism in place, the growth rate of an institute shows an
upward movement. The feedback mechanism helps in catering the weaknesses and further
strengthening the strengths. The SWOT analysis of an institute can be done by ensuring a
strong feedback system is in place. For a large institute, it is impossible to manually manage a
proper feedback system.

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 CONTENTS
 Acknowledgements…….………………………………………….………..02

 Certificate…………….………..….….……………………………………..03

 Self-Certificate……….….……….….……….……………………………..04

 Preface…………………………...…….…….……………………….……..05

 Contents.………………………...………….……………………………….06

 Working and construction………………....………………………………..07

 Reasons why paper batteries are better than conventional counterpart…….11

 Electrolyte and applications of paper battery……………………………....12

 Advantages and limitations of paper battery……………………….............16

 References………………………………………...………………………..17

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 PAPER BATTERY

Working and Construction: -

A paper battery is basically a device which can act both as a capacitor and as a battery.  It is a
flexible, light weight device made up of carbon nano tubes emboldened on paper (cellulose).
It is basically formed by combination of cellulose with carbon nanotubes.  It consists of
infusion of carbon nanotubes with paper consisting of an ionic liquid as an electrolyte. It is
an electric battery engineered to use a spacer formed largely of cellulose (the major
constituent of paper). It incorporates [nanoscopic scale] structures to act as high surface-
area electrodes to improve conductivity.

In addition to being unusually thin, paper batteries are flexible and environmentally-
friendly, allowing integration into a wide range of products. Their functioning is similar to
conventional chemical batteries with the important difference that they are non-corrosive and
do not require extensive housing.

Fig.01 Paper battery

Paper Battery Construction:

Actually, there are many ways to construct paper batteries.

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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 materials would fall
apart when flexed. 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 nanotubes bonded tightly to the paper
fibers and a highly conductive sheet of paper were created.

Given below are three ways to create paper batteries:

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 a
specially formulated ink of carbon nanotubes 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.02 Parts of paper battery

4. The fourth method involves coating substrate of stainless steel with carbon nanotubes. The
coated substrate is the dried at 80 degree Celsius for five minutes, after which the material is
peeled off. A pair of films are used for each paper battery with each film being pasted to
different electrolytes like LTO and LCO. A paper is then sandwiched between the two films
using glue.

Fig.03 Construction process of Paper battery

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Paper Batteries working Process:

Internal operation of paper batteries is similar to that of conventional batteries with each
battery generating about 1.5V.

If one can recall traditional batteries work in the manner where positive charged particles
called ions and negative charged particles called electrons move between positive electrodes
called anode and negative electrode called cathode. Current flows as electrons flow from
anode to the cathode through the conductor, since the electrolyte is an insulator and doesn’t
provide a free path for electrons to travel.

Fig.04 Working of Paper battery

Similarly in some paper batteries, carbon nanotubes act as cathode, the metal is the anode and
paper is the separator.

Chemical reaction between metal and electrolyte results in production of ions whereas
chemical reaction between carbon and electrolyte results in production of electrons. These
electrons flow from the cathode to the anode through the external circuit.

Reasons why Paper Batteries are better than their

Conventional Counterparts:
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 1. Paper batteries have long lasting time.
2. They are non toxic as they do not involve harmful chemical reactions.
3. They are flexible and can be folded or cut without any effect on their efficiencies. This
is because of the fact that they are made up of materials like cellulose and carbon
nanotubes which have high tensile strength.
4.  They are disposable as they are made up of cellulose which is bio degradable and non
toxic.
5. They can be used in harsh climate conditions like heat and cold. This is because the
electrolyte does not involve water which makes the battery operate in the range of -73
to 149 degree Celsius.
6. They utilize carbon nanotubes, which are one of the most highly efficient conductors of
electricity. 

Electrolytes: -

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 This cellulose based spacer is compatible with many possible electrolytes. Researchers
used ionic liquid, essentially a liquid salt, as the battery’s electrolyte, as well as
naturally occurring electrolytes such as human sweat, blood and urine. Use of an ionic
liquid, containing no water, would mean that the batteries would not freeze or
evaporate, potentially allowing operation in extreme temperatures. The operating
conditions (e.g. temperature, humidity, static pressure) of such batteries would depend
on the physical and chemical properties of the electrolyte, as well as the durability of
the cellulose mesh; both potentially limiting factors.

Applications of Paper Battery: -

Paper battery can actually prove beneficial for applications where portability and size is the
main requirement. Modern day electronic equipments like smart cards, digital watches
facilitate the requirement of thin batteries which are long lasting and non toxic.

Wearable Computers – One of the latest real time examples of wearable computers is Google
Glass.  It actually is a normal spectacle with an optical head mounted display and Glass is a
computer in the form of a pair of eyeglasses and includes an optical head-mounted display
which allows the user to use a smart phone.

It can also be used for low power devices like calculators, wrist watches and wireless
communication devices like mouse, Bluetooth headphones, keypads etc.

The paper-like quality of the battery combined with the structure of the nanotubes embedded
within gives them light weight and low cost, offering potential for portable
electronics, aircraft, automobiles and toys (such as model aircraft).

The batteries employ nanotubes, potentially slowing commercial adoption due to excessive
cost. Commercial adoption also requires larger devices. E.g., a newspaper-sized device could
be powerful enough to power a car.

Paper can be integrated into several different forms of batteries, such

as electrochemical batteries, biofuel cells, lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors,
and nanogenerators.

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Electrochemical Batteries

Electrochemical batteries can be modified to integrate the use of paper. An electrochemical

battery typically uses two metals, separated into two chambers and connected by a bridge or a
membrane which permits the exchange of electrons between the two metals, thereby
producing energy. Paper can be integrated into electrochemical batteries by depositing the
electrode onto the paper and by using paper to contain the fluid used to activate the battery.
Paper that has been patterned can also be used in electrochemical batteries. This is done to
make the battery more compatible with paper electronics. These batteries tend to produce low
voltage and operate for short periods of time, but they can be connected in series to increase
their output and capacity. Paper batteries of this type can be activated with bodily fluids
which makes them very useful in the healthcare field such as single-use medical devices or
tests for specific diseases. A battery of this type has been developed with a longer life to
power point of care devices for the healthcare industry. The device used a paper battery made
using a magnesium foil anode and a silver cathode has been used to detect diseases in patients
such as kidney cancer, liver cancer, and osteoblastic bone cancer. The paper was patterned
using wax printing and is able to be easily disposed of. Furthermore, this battery was
developed at a low cost and has other practical application.

Lithium-ion Batteries

Paper can be used in lithium-ion batteries as regular, commercial paper, or paper enhanced
with single-walled carbon nanotubes. Enhanced paper is used as the electrode and as the
separator which results in a sturdy, flexible battery that have great performance capabilities
such as good cycling, great efficiency, and good reversibility. Using paper as a separator is
more effective than using plastic. The process of enhancing the paper, however, can be
complicated and costly, depending on the materials used. A carbon nanotube and silver
nanowire film can be used to coat regular paper to create a simpler and less expensive
separator and battery support. The conductive paper can also be used to replace traditionally
used metallic chemicals. The resulting battery performs well, while simplifying the
manufacturing process and reducing the cost. Lithium-ion paper batteries are flexible,
durable, rechargeable, and produce significantly more power than electrochemical batteries.
In spite of these advantages, there are still some drawbacks. In order for paper to be

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integrated with the Li-ion battery, complex layering and insulating techniques are required
for the battery to function as desired. One reason these complex techniques are used is to
strengthen the paper used so that it does not tear as easily. This contributes to the overall
strength and flexibility of the battery. These techniques require time, training, and costly
materials. Additionally, the individual materials required are not environmentally friendly
and require specific disposal procedures. Paper lithium-ion batteries would be best suited for
applications requiring a substantial amount of energy over an extended period of
time. Lithium-ion paper batteries can be composed of carbon nanotubes and a cellulose based
membrane and produce good results, but at a high price tag. Other researchers have been
successful using carbon paper manufactured from pyrolyzed filter paper. The paper is
inserted in between the electrode and cathode. The use of a carbon paper as an interlayer in
Li-S batteries improves the batteries efficiency and capacity. The carbon paper increases the
contact area between the cathode and the electrode which allows for greater flow of electrons.
The pores in the paper allow the electrons to travel easily while preventing the anode and the
cathode from being in contact with one another. This translates into greater output, battery
capacity and cycle stability; these are improvements to conventional Li-S batteries. The
carbon paper is made from pyrolyzed filter paper which is inexpensive to make and performs
like multi-walled carbon nanotube paper used as a battery.

Biofuel Cells

Biofuel cells operate similarly to electrochemical batteries, except that they utilize

components such as sugar, ethanol, pyruvate, and lactate, instead of metals to facilitate redox
reactions to produce electrical energy. Enhanced paper is used to contain and separate the
positive and negative components of the biofuel cell. This paper biofuel cell started up much
more quickly than a conventional biofuel cell since the porous paper was able to absorb the
positive biofuel and promote the attachment of bacteria to the positive biofuel. This battery
capable of producing a significant amount of power after being activated by a wide range of
liquids and then be disposed of. Some development must take place, since some components
are toxic and expensive.

Naturally occurring electrolytes might allow biocompatible batteries for use on or within

living bodies. Paper batteries were described by a researcher as “a way to power a small

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device such as a pacemaker without introducing any harsh chemicals – such as the kind that
are typically found in batteries — into the body.”

Their ability to use electrolytes in the blood make them potentially useful for medical devices
such as pacemakers, medical diagnostic equipment, and drug delivery transdermal patches.
German healthcare company KSW Microtech is using the material to power blood supply
temperature monitoring.

Supercapacitors

Paper battery technology can be used in supercapacitors. Supercapacitors operate and are

manufactured similarly to electrochemical batteries, but are generally capable of greater
performance and are able to be recharged. Paper, or enhanced paper can be used to develop
thin, flexible supercapacitors that are lightweight less expensive. Paper that has been
enhanced with carbon nanotubes is generally preferred over regular paper because it has
increased strength and allows for easier transfer of electrons between the two metals. The
electrolyte and the electrode are embedded into the paper which produces a flexible paper
supercapacitor that can compete with some commercial supercapacitors produced today. A
paper supercapacitor would be well suited for a high-power application.

Nanogenerators

Nanogenerators are a more recent devices that convert mechanical energy to electrical
energy. Paper is desirable as a component of nanogenerators for the same reasons discussed
above. Such devices are able to capture movement, such as body movement, and convert that
energy into electrical energy that could power LED lights, for example.

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Advantages of Paper battery: -

The composition of these batteries is what sets them apart from traditional batteries. Paper is
abundant and self-sustaining, which makes paper cheap. Disposing of paper is also
inexpensive since paper is combustible as well as biodegradable. Using paper gives the
battery a great degree of flexibility. The battery can be bent or wrapped around objects
instead of requiring a fixed casing. Also, being a thin, flat sheet, the paper battery can easily
fit into tight places, reducing the size and weight of the device it powers. The use of paper
increases the electron flow which is well suited for high performance applications. Paper
allows for capillary action so fluids in batteries, such as electrolytes, can be moved without
the use of an external pump. Using paper in batteries increases the surface area that can be
used integrate reagents. The paper used in paper batteries can be supplemented to improve its
performance characteristics. Patterning techniques such as photolithography, wax printing,
and laser micromachining are used to create hydrophobic and hydrophilic sections on the
paper to create a pathway to direct the capillary action of the fluids used in batteries. Similar
techniques can be used to create electrical pathways on paper to create paper electrical
devices and can integrate paper energy storage.

1. Used as both battery and capacitor.

2. It is flexible.
3. It is ultra-thin energy storage device.
4. Long lasting.
5. Non-toxic.
6. Steady power production

Limitations of Paper Batteries: -

1. Since cellulose has low shear strength, these batteries have low strength.
2. Prone to tearing.
3. Nanotubes made from carbon and are expensive due to use of procedures like
electrolysis and laser ablation.
4. Should not be inhaled, as they can damage lungs

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 REFERENCES: -

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paper_battery
 https://www.electronicshub.org/paper-battery-construction-working/
 https://www.edgefx.in/paper-battery-working-and-construction/
 https://www.newscientist.com/article.ns/?id=dn1069

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