Multifunctional Electric Fish-Inspired Hydrogel Batteries
Abstract
We propose a fundamentally new, scalable manufacturing approach to produce miniature and multifunctional electric eel-like batteries with modular voltage and increased power density. These batteries will be comprised of repeating hydrogel-based electrocyte units, each producing between 150-240 mV with internal resistivity that can be geometrically and chemically tuned to optimize power and energy densities. Each electrocyte unit (~50-300 mm in thickness) will consist of a cation- and an anion-selective hydrogel membrane separating high- and low-salt hydrogel layers to generate ion gradients, closely emulating the mechanism by which electric eels generate power. These batteries uniquely meet all the required criteria for power supply in biological domains- they are biocompatible, biodegradable, flexible, transparent, stimuli- responsive, and capable of recharging using chemical energy available within biological systems. The proposed electric eel-like batteries could serve as a disruptively innovative technology for the safe and extended powering of implantable devices serving to monitor and record physiological data on soldiers and pilots during missions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 29, 2024
- Source ID
- FA95502310291
Entities
People
- Joseph S Najem
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Pennsylvania State University
- United States Air Force