When it comes to 3D printing, the sky is the limit. As 3D printing technology continues to advance, applications can be as far reaching as airplane and automobile parts to medical devices and even anatomically correct, biocompatible models. Although 3D printing technology is developing at a rapid pace, the technology itself is not new. It emerged in the 1980s as a means of creating rapid prototypes. In recent years the applications for 3D printed models have evolved with the available hardware, software, and printable materials. Evolving technology, paired with the creative and innovative minds of scientists, engineers, and physicians, has been the launching pad for developments within 3D printing technology specific to healthcare. One way 3D printing technology is poised to create better patient outcomes is in creating an anatomically and patient-specific models to aid in surgery and medical procedures. With the capability to 3D ...
Researchers at the U.K.’s University of Leeds have developed a polymer gel for producing rechargeable lithium-ion batteries more safely and inexpensively than traditional ones. This advance could lead to lighter laptop computers and more efficient electric cars that run on lower-cost batteries without the risk of “thermal runaway.”
In 2006, Dell recalled numerous laptops because the batteries overheated and could catch fire. Dell’s redesigned batteries addressed the safety, but the batteries were bigger. Apple redesigned its batteries too, but power output suffered. Electric car makers have designed batteries with safeguards that ended up adding significant cost and weight to the vehicles.
Hamish Pritchard, a science reporter for the BBC, writes that the new batteries are safe and cost 10-20% less than traditional lithium batteries. He adds:
The secret to their success lies in blending a rubber-like polymer with a conductive, liquid electrolyte into a thin, flexible film of gel that sits between the battery electrodes.
Traditional lithium-ion batteries have sealed containers filled with electrolytes, and the containers are separated by a porous polymer film. Lithium ions carrying charge flow between the two electrodes. The film also prevents short-circuiting by acting as a barrier and holding the electrodes apart.
Ian ward's team at Leeds developed the gel and its patented manufacturing process. The high-speed extrusion/lamination process sandwiches the gel between an anode and cathode and seals the electrodes together so there is no excess flammable solvent and liquid electrolyte. The resulting strip is highly conductive, flexible, and is nanometers in thickness. It can be cut to any size as well as shaped and bent to fit the geometry of any device, in addition to being safe and tolerant to damage, according to a press release.
“The polymer gel looks like a solid film, but it actually contains about 70% liquid electrolyte,” Ward said in a statement. “It’s made using the same principles as making a jelly: you add lots of hot water to ‘gelatine’ — in this case, there is a polymer and electrolyte mix — and as it cools it sets to form a solid but flexible mass.”
The technology has been licensed to the American company Polystor Energy Corporation, which is conducting trials to commercialize cells for portable consumer electronics, according to a press release.
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