Xizheng Liu, the study's leading author from Tianjin University of Technology, highlights the significance of oxygen, a vital life source, as a continuous power supplier for the battery, potentially overcoming the limitations faced by traditional batteries in implantable devices. This new battery is built using electrodes made from a sodium-based alloy and nanoporous gold, recognized for its biocompatibility and efficient electrical generation through interaction with bodily oxygen.
Encased in a soft, flexible porous polymer film, the battery was implanted in rats, exhibiting stable electrical outputs between 1.3 and 1.4 volts over a two-week period. While currently not powerful enough for medical devices, the results open the door to using internal oxygen as a viable energy source.
The team also monitored the battery's biological integration, noting no significant inflammation or harmful metabolic effects. Interestingly, the implantation site showed complete hair regrowth and blood vessel regeneration around the battery, suggesting additional benefits in monitoring wound healing.
The research paves the way for enhancing the battery's power output through material and design improvements. Liu envisions a range of applications beyond medical devices, including novel biotherapies where the oxygen-consuming battery could potentially starve or heat to kill cancer cells.
Research Report:Implantable and Bio-compatible Na-O2 battery
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