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A Non-Toxic, Paper Battery / Supercapacitor

Posted by kdawson on from the i'll-take-a-ream dept.

jcr writes "Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a combination battery/capacitor by infusing carbon nanotubes and electrolytes into a paper substrate. The material can be folded, rolled up, or molded to any convenient shape with no effect on power capacity. Operating temperature range is -100 to 300 degrees F. One of the co-authors is quoted: 'We're not putting pieces together — it's a single, integrated device. The components are molecularly attached to each other: the carbon nanotube print is embedded in the paper, and the electrolyte is soaked into the paper. The end result is a device that looks, feels, and weighs the same as paper.'" The researchers haven't yet developed a high-volume way to manufacture the devices. They envision ultimately printing sheets between rollers like newsprint.

19 of 228 comments (clear)

  1. So... by What+the+Frag · · Score: 5, Funny

    Instead of a paper-cut you get a electric paper-shock?

    1. Re:So... by Linker3000 · · Score: 5, Funny

      Science labs around the world will soon migrate from the 'leave a charged capacitor lying around' trick to the 'can you take that note over there to Mr Smith' trick.

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      AT&ROFLMAO
    2. Re:So... by hcdejong · · Score: 4, Funny

      Think of the things you can do with a paper airplane...

    3. Re:So... by MacEnvy · · Score: 5, Funny

      Think of the things terrorists can do with a paper airplane... Fixed that for you.
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  2. Hmmm by growntree · · Score: 2, Funny

    Like the sound of an mp3 player getting a paper jam.

  3. Just like Sony Laptop batteries by maroberts · · Score: 2, Funny

    They combust at Farenheit 451

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    Donte Alistair Anderson Roberts - hi son!
    Karma: Chameleon

    1. Re:Just like Sony Laptop batteries by theuedimaster · · Score: 3, Funny

      FTA: "Another key feature is the capability to use human blood or sweat to help power the battery."

      Human blood to power batteries? Oh shit... beware the machines!

  4. Re:Your purpose, Mr. Anderson? by iamdrscience · · Score: 3, Funny

    So it begs the question: what do we - as a species - want to do?
    I suppose I can't answer for everyone, but to me, the choice is clear: Make a flying car.
  5. Re:Your purpose, Mr. Anderson? by Wonko+the+Sane · · Score: 5, Funny

    what do we - as a species - want to do?
    If the new technology is used in the future the same way it was used in the past, the first priority is probably to make better porn.
  6. Needs a name ... by ScrewMaster · · Score: 3, Funny

    It's a battery. It's a capacitor. It's the battacitor!

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    The higher the technology, the sharper that two-edged sword.
  7. Vampire Paper! by Sabathius · · Score: 3, Funny

    Another key feature is the capability to use human blood or sweat to help power the battery. Jesus Christ! Has anyone else noticed the alarming trend of devices made to run on human fluids!
    1. Re:Vampire Paper! by AlXtreme · · Score: 3, Funny

      They will pry my precious bodily fluids out of my cold dead... oh wait, never mind.

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      This sig is intentionally left blank
  8. Re:Your purpose, Mr. Anderson? by sharkey · · Score: 2, Funny

    So it begs the question: what do we - as a species - want to do?

    Sex.
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    "Outlook not so good." That magic 8-ball knows everything! I'll ask about Exchange Server next.
  9. Scary fuel by Alain+Williams · · Score: 2, Funny

    Another key feature is the capability to use human blood or sweat to help power the battery.

    I can see Stephen King starting on a new novel ...

  10. Yes, but.... by hcdejong · · Score: 2, Funny

    does it flux?

  11. Re:How hard are nanotubes to create? by ElephanTS · · Score: 4, Funny

    I do some research with CNTs


    I've been doing research with CNTs all my life too. It never gets any better.

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    spoonerize "magic trackpad"
  12. Re:biodegradeable? by vigmeister · · Score: 3, Funny

    Unless Dumbledore dies, it's not a spoiler.

    Cheers!

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    Atheist: Buddhist in a Prius
  13. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 2, Funny

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  14. Obligatory... by AnomaliesAndrew · · Score: 2, Funny

    Sure, this idea looks good on paper... but...

    *ducks*

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    Move all sig!