STORY: Chinese scientists fabricate wearable batteries that can charge cellphone
SHOOTING TIME: April 22, 2024
DATELINE: April 27, 2024
LENGTH: 0:01:06
LOCATION: SHANGHAI, China
CATEGORY: SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of researchers
2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): PENG HUISHENG, Professor at Fudan University's Department of Macromolecular Science and Institute for Fiber Electronic Materials and Devices

STORYLINE:

A team of Chinese scientists has developed a soft and breathable piece of clothing that can not only store energy but also power personal electronic devices such as smartphones and watches.
   
Replacing conventional liquid electrolytes with polymer gel electrolytes is a highly effective strategy for enhancing the flexibility of wearable batteries.
   
However, the inadequate wetting at the interface between the polymer gel electrolyte and the electrode degrades the electrochemical performance, particularly when the battery undergoes deformation.
   
The researchers from Fudan University have crafted channel structures within electrode designs, an innovative approach that creates intimate and stable interfaces, thereby enhancing the performance and reliability of wearable batteries.
   
They have drawn inspiration from the natural phenomenon where ivy and plant vines are tightly entwined to form multiple electrode fibers rotated together to form aligned channels. The surface of each electrode fiber was designed with networked channels.

According to the study published this week in the journal Nature, the monomer solution was then infiltrated along the aligned channels and then into the networked channels to form a gel electrolyte.

SOUNDBITE (Chinese): PENG HUISHENG, Professor at Fudan University's Department of Macromolecular Science and Institute of Fiber Electronic Materials and Devices
"The technology addresses security concerns while enhancing energy storage performance, paving the way for large-scale production and widespread utilization. The clothing is crafted from fibers. It's capable of charging devices, integrated with wireless charging technology. By wearing such clothing, you can conveniently charge your phone by placing it in your pocket, offering substantial electrical power. For instance, a single piece of clothing may potentially charge over a dozen phones, catering effectively to the power needs of commonly used electronic devices."
   
The team managed to fabricate fiber lithium-ion batteries with lengths of several kilometers and a high energy density that can effectively provide power for electrical devices like drones.
   
They have established a pilot production line and achieved a production capacity of 300 watt-hours per hour, which is equivalent to the battery produced per hour capable of charging 20 mobile phones simultaneously, said Peng Huisheng, the paper's corresponding author.
   
This fiber battery shows promise for applications in firefighting, disaster relief, polar expeditions, and aerospace, added Peng.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Shanghai, China.
(XHTV)