Advances and future challenges in printed batteries

There is an increasing interest in thin and flexible energy storage devices to meet modern society needs for applications such as, radio frequency sensing, interactive packaging and other consumer products. Printed batteries comply these requirements and are an excellent alternative to conventional batteries for many applications. Flexible and micro-batteries are also included in the area of printed batteries whenever fabricated by printing technologies. The main characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, developments, and printing techniques of printed batteries are presented and discussed in this review. The state-of-art takes into account both the research and industrial levels. In the academic one, the research progress of printed batteries is summarized divided in lithium-ion battery (Li-ion), zinc-manganese dioxide (Zn-MnO2), and other battery types with emphasis on the different materials for anode, cathode and separator as well as in the battery design. With respect to the industrial state-of-art, materials, device formulations and manufacturing techniques are presented. Finally, the prospects and challenges of printed batteries are discussed.

This work is funded by FEDER funds through the “Programa Operacional Factores de Competitividade-COMPETE” and by national funds from FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, in the framework of the strategic project Strategic Projects PEST-C/FIS/UI607/2014 and grant SFRH/BD/68499/2010 (C.M.C.). The authors thank funding from Matepro-Optimizing Materials and Processes, ref. NORTE-07- 0124-FEDER-000037, co-funded by the “Programa Operacional Regional do Norte” (ON.2-O Novo Norte), under the “Quadro de Referência Estratégico Nacional”(QREN), through the “Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional” (FEDER).