South Korean researchers discover secret to flexible batteries

South Korean researchers discover secret to flexible batteriesIn an innovation which marks a notable advance in the direction of flexible smartphones, researchers in South Korea have revealed that they have discovered the secret to flexible, shape-conforming lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries.

According to a Tuesday report by Yonhap News Agency, researchers from the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology - in collaboration with nine other scientists from foreign institutes - have been successful in developing a new rechargeable battery technology which uses nanomaterials.

As per the report, the nanomaterials used in the new Li-ion batteries developed by the researchers - led by Prof Lee Sang-young of the Ulsan National Institute - are applied to any surface to create `fluid-like' polymer electrolytes, which are different from the liquefied electrolytes used in traditional batteries.

The `fluid-like' or `shape-conformable' polymer electrolytes make the battery more flexible, as well as improve its stability vis-a-vis the traditional batteries, in which liquefied electrolytes placed into nonflexible, square-shaped cases are used.

With the creation of the new Li-ion batteries largely being a result of the spreading of the polymer electrolytes on electrodes and their subsequent blasting with ultra-violet rays for 30 seconds, the Yonhap report said that the South Korean Science Ministry has asserted that the discovery of the secret to flexible batteries would "help enhance the development of new flexible mobile devices, such as cellular phones."