Algae Batteries
Salt and Paper Batteries
A new battery has been developed to replace lithium batteries for things like smart cards, RFID tags, and other low power portable devices. Created by researchers at Uppsala University in Sweden, it is made of pressed mats of intertwined cellulose fibers, which act as an electrode, and a salt solution as the electrolyte. It is a simple salt and paper battery.
The cellulose that comprises the paper layers is made from a polluting algae found in seas and lakes. Even better, the composition of the cellulose helps it to charge as much as 100 times faster than lithium. It is extraordinarily lite and has set new charge-time and capacity records for polymer-cellulose-based batteries. For more information see www.treehugger.com/files/2009/09/batteries-made-from-salt-and-paper-could-replace-lithium.php?dcitc=daily_nl