POLYMER RECHARGEABLE BATTERY
Scientists at the
Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi, have developed
a re-chargeable conducting polymer-based dry cell battery. It
is a cheap, safe and compact alternative to the conventional dry
cells, highly useful for portable micro-electronic devices and
household appliances like radio, transistors, tape-recorders etc.
Already patented, the technology is poised for commercial exploitation.
Currently, conducting
polymer dry cell batteries are not available in the consumer market.
Conducting polymers are new materials whose properties can be
designed to meet the need of the applications and tailored from
insulating to semi-conducting and metallic. These materials called
"synthetic metals" are slowly replacing many metals
and inorganic semiconductors in a big way in many devices like
energy sources, display devices, control of electromagnetic radiations,
sensors etc.
These batteries give
more energy density, and more charge-discharge cycles, with improved
features such as longer shelf-life, weighing 25 per cent less
than the conventional ones, environmental stability, and a high
degree of processability. A unique separator makes it technologically
superior.
The new technology
is expected to result in the further development of other improved
rechargeable polymer dry cell batteries. The new battery weighs
55 gm with a voltage of 1.34 V.
