A Non-Toxic, Paper Battery / Supercapacitor

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.

Comments

So...

[What the Frag]

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

Re:So...

[Linker3000]

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.

Re:So...

[hcdejong]

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

Re:So...

[MacEnvy]

Think of the things terrorists can do with a paper airplane... Fixed that for you.

Re:Your purpose, Mr. Anderson?

[Wonko the Sane]

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.

Re:How hard are nanotubes to create?

[ElephanTS]

I do some research with CNTs

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