Implementation of a design concept of a moulded, soft battery cell

Abstract

In this work, a moulded electrochemical battery cell made completely of soft silicone rubber is designed. A wet cell battery, similar to the galvanic cell, was fabricated using soft and stretchable silicone rubber impregnated with filler metal powders. The capacity to produce electrical power is demonstrated by measuring the voltage. The battery can produce between 0.2 – 0.4V per cell. This demonstrated concept has application in using the skin of a soft robot in powering low energy sensors attached to a soft robot and in medical applications. The moulded soft cells can be connected in series and parallel to increase the current or voltage capacity. Finally, the possible potential applications of this demonstrated concept is discussed.