An optimized microfluidic paper‐based NiOOH/Zn alkaline battery

Abstract

In this paper, an alkaline nickel oxide hydroxide/zinc (NiOOH/Zn) battery featuring a cellulose matrix separator between electrodes is presented. The metallic electrodes and the paper separator are inserted in a layer-by-layer assembly that provides mechanical stability to the system resulting in a lightweight and easy-to-use device. The battery was optimized for the amount of NiOOH-ink used at the cathode (11.1 mg/cm ) and thickness of the paper membrane separating the electrodes (360 μm). The battery was able to function using a small volume (75 μL) of 1.5 M potassium hydroxide (KOH) producing a maximum voltage, current density, and power density of 1.35 ± 0.05 V, 10.62 ± 0.57 mA/cm², and 0.56 ± 0.01 mW/cm², respectively. The system displayed a maximum current of 23.9 mA and a maximum power of 1.26 mW. Moreover, four batteries connected in series were able to power a small flameless candle for approximately 22 min. This work has potential in fulfilling the demands for short-term and lightweight power supplies.

Advances in Microfluidic Technologies for Energy Storage and Release Systems

“…In addition, there was no need for an external pump to drive fluid in the microfluidic device, further illustrating the potential of utilizing the paper‐based microfluidic concept in creating next‐generation high‐efficiency and low‐cost batteries [3a] . Besides aluminum–air batteries, nickel–zinc batteries [ 33 ] and redox flow primary batteries using quinone chemistry [ 34 ] were successfully developed on a paper‐based microfluidic device as well.…”

Production of a NiO/Al primary battery employing powder‐based electrodes

“…The anode pastes were made by mixing the Zn and Al powders separately with CP in a 2:1 ratio that had been optimized in earlier work [36]. The cathode paste was composed of NiO powder, CP and PVDF-HFP that was mixed in a 70:20:10 ratio, respectively.…”

“…NiO was used in this study since nickel is a copious element and is also sturdy and corrosion resistant. Furthermore, NiO allows for comparison of the two anodes since Ni has also been used as a cathode for Zn [35,36].…”