Scientists from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore have created a soft and stretchable battery powered by human perspiration that could be used for wearable technology. The battery could help reduce harmful electronic waste, as it does not contain heavy metals or toxic chemicals.
The battery consists of printed silver flake electrodes that generate electricity in the presence of sweat. Measuring 2 cm by 2 cm and as flat as a small paper bandage, the battery can be affixed to a flexible and sweat absorbent textile. It is then stretchable and attachable to wearable devices, like watches, wrist bands or arm straps.
A patent for the sweat-powered battery has been filed through NTU’s enterprise and innovation company, NTUitive.
To demonstrate its potential use when it becomes incorporated in wearable biosensors and other electronic devices, the team of scientists tested their device with artificial human sweat.
In a separate trial, the team reported that an individual wearing the battery around their wrist and cycling on a stationary bicycle for 30 minutes was able to generate a voltage of 4.2 V and output power of 3.9 mW that was sufficient to power a commercial temperature sensor device and send the data continuously to a smartphone via Bluetooth.
