Abstract
Paper-based batteries are an alternative to traditional batteries due to their low cost, portability, and simplicity to operate. In the present work, we demonstrate an improved and inexpensive paper-based aluminum-air battery employing KOH as the electrolyte with sufficient energy to power small devices. The dimensions of the device, electrode size, and electrolyte concentration were optimized with respect to amperage and reproducibility. The maximum amperage of 17.4 mA and maximum power of 3.0 mW was achieved with a 9 cm2 battery with anode and cathode electrode areas of 5.1 cm2 and 3.75 cm2 respectively, using 1.5 M potassium hydroxide (KOH). In a series configuration, the batteries generate sufficient energy to power light-emitting diodes (LEDs), a flashlight, a glucometer, and a pregnancy test.
Highlights
Alternative sources of power have become essential due to increasing global energy demand
Aluminum was first introduced as a viable electrode for batteries in the 1850s by Hulot, when it was used as a cathode material in a zinc battery [2]
The low cost and ubiquitous nature of aluminum makes it appealing for use as an anode for a variety of devices
Summary
Alternative sources of power have become essential due to increasing global energy demand. There have been a myriad of paper electronic devices to date, which include electrochemical batteries, FCs, lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and nanogenerators [10]. In the work of Zhang, the batteries were used to power a glucose assay, demonstrating the potential application of this technology These include providing sustainable power for point-of-care (POC) diagnostic devices, and other one-time use devices that currently employ button-cell batteries. The resulting alumina is used for the production of aluminum metal [17] In this manuscript, we demonstrate a facile, cost-effective, and recyclable method of fabricating a paper-based aluminum-air flow battery with four fabrication steps, while generating power that is on par with other paper-based aluminum-air batteries (1.27 V and 3.4 mA/cm2) [15,16]. When connecting the devices in series to power small devices, it was important to have high power, and have high reproducibility in order for the devices to avoid being significantly affected by the weakest link
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