How Paper Batteries Charged by Bacteria Could Power Internet of Things

In a paper published in the journal Advanced Sustainable Systems, the authors write that lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors offer a high energy density, are light weight, and are capable of being integrated into flexible substrates. But they point out that Li-ion batteries also are made with nonbiodegradable and often toxic materials that often require energy-intensive and potentially environmentally damaging manufacturing processes.

Alternative energy harvesting techniques such as solar cells, nanogenerators, and thermoelectric generators contain large amounts of nonrenewable and nonbiodegradable heavy metals and polymers.

Good-old-fashioned office paper may offer a more sustainable option, Choi argues, once some sophisticated engineering is applied.

Innovative engineering techniques can be used to manipulate the diameter of paper’s cellulose fibers, smoothing out roughness and controlling transparency to enable a number of applications. Combining paper with organic, inorganic, and biological entities widens the range of engineering possibilities, and makes paper a viable platform for next-generation electronics.

Choi’s work, funded in part with a $300,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, focuses on integrating bacteria into paper both to generate electricity and to dispose of the battery. His initial work, first reported in 2015, created a paper-based battery. His most recent report, which was presented August 19 at the 256th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society, describes how the biobattery can be activated and how its shelf life can be improved. His report also explains how on-demand energy can be delivered even in places with no electricity to power a light-emitting diode and an electric calculator.