Today, the main factor hindering the development of smart clothes and wearable electronics is the lack of light, versatile and at the same time durable power sources, because traditional lithium-ion batteries are not suitable for these purposes. But very soon everything can change thanks to the development of scientists from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. They developed a method for creating an energy storage system that seamlessly integrates into clothing by “embroidering batteries”.
Behind the development is a group of researchers led by chemist Trisha Andrew. Their product is a solid-state battery based on a mini-supercapacitor and electrically conductive vacuum-coated filaments wrapped in a polymer film. In fact, purely outwardly, such a material is similar to ordinary threads, which in this case are also the keepers of electricity. According to the researchers, their development can be used to power, for example, various portable biosensors.
“The fact is that while various miniature electronic circuit components were developed, the charge storage devices only got bigger. We solved this problem. We can literally embroider batteries on any fabric. In our opinion, supercapacitors are very good elements for use in the manufacture of wearable electronics, and in combination with polymer threads they become just the perfect tool for creating the smart clothes of the future. ”
The size of the fibers. As you can see, they do not interfere with folding fabric
According to the authors of the work, at the moment they are engaged in the production of various devices based on their technology. For example, in the near future, scientists want to “embroider” a pedometer, a sensor to monitor work, and also a sensor to obtain data on the work of the joints.
