VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

Jnana Sangam, Belgaum-590014

A Technical seminar report on

PAPER BATTERY
Submitted in the partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of degree

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
In
ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING
Submitted by:
GIRIDHAR SINGH G [1ST10EC032]

Dept of Electronics and Communication Engineering

SAMBHRAM INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

M.S Palya, Bengaluru-560097

SAMBHRAM INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

M.S Playa, Bengalore-560097

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATION

ENGINEERING

CERTIFICATE
Certified that the Seminar work entitled SOLAR TRACKER carried out by Mr./Ms.
GIRIDHAR SINGH G USN 1ST10EC058 a bonafide student in partial fulfillment for
the award of Bachelor of Engineering / Bachelor of Technology in ELECTRONICS
AND COMMUNNICATIONS of the Visveswaraiah Technological University,
Belgaum during the year 2013-14 It is certified that all corrections/suggestions
indicated for Internal Assessment have been incorporated in the Report deposited in the
departmental library. The seminar report has been approved as it satisfies the academic
requirements in respect of Seminar work prescribed for the said Degree.

Seminar Co-ordinater
ECE

HOD,

(Prof.RAVATAPPA.A.B)
C.V.RAVISHANKAR

Prof

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am extremely grateful to Mr C.V RAVI SHANKAR.., Head Of

the Department Electronics and Communications for providing me
with best facilities and encouragement .

I would like to thank my coordinator Mr. RAVATAPPA ..,Asst

Professor Electronics and communications for creative work
guidance and encouragement.

I would also take this opportunity to express my gratitude and

sincere thanks to Mrs.VISALAKSHI
Communications, for her valuable support.

lect. Electronics and

(Giridhar Singh G)

ABSTRACT
This paper gives a thorough insight on this relatively revolutionizing and
satisfying solution of energy storage through Paper Batteries and provides
an in-depth analysis of the same. A paper battery is a flexible, ultra-thin
energy storage and production device formed by combining carbon
nanotubes with a conventional sheet of cellulose-based paper. A paper
battery can function both as a high-energy battery and super capacitor ,
combining two discrete components that are separate in traditional
electronics . This combination allows the battery to provide both long-term
steady power production as well as bursts of energy. Being Biodegradable,
Light-weight and Non-toxic, flexible paper batteries have potential
adaptability to power the next generation of electronics, medical devices
and hybrid vehicles, allowing for radical new designs and medical
technologies. The paper is aimed at understanding & analyzing the
properties and characteristics of Paper Batteries; to study its advantages,
potential applications, limitations and disadvantages. This paper also aims
at highlighting the construction and various methods of production of
Paper Battery and look for alternative means of mass-production.

SL NO

NAME OF THE TITLE

PAGE NO

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION

[1]

[2]

LITERATURE REVIEW

[3]

NEED FOR SOLAR TRACKER

10

[4]

TYPES OF SOLAR TRACKER

11

[5]

DESIGN OF SOLAR TRACKER

13

[5.1]MATHEMATICAL MODEL

14

[5.2]SYSTEM DESIGN

17

[6]

DC MOTOR AND MOTOR DRIVER THEORY

19

[7]

MICROCONTROLLER

20

[8]

REFERENCE

23

1. INTRODUCTION
The basic problems associated with the present Electro-Chemical batteries
are: (1) Limited Life- Time: Primary batteries irreversibly (within limits of
practicality) transform chemical energy to electrical energy. Secondary
batteries can be recharged; that is, they can have their chemical reactions
reversed by supplying electrical energy to the cell, restoring their original
composition. But, Rechargeable batteries are still costlier than Primary
Batteries in the markets of developing countries like India. (2) Leakage: If
leakage occurs, either spontaneously or through accident, the chemicals
released may be dangerous. For example, disposable batteries often use
zinc "can" as both a reactant and as the container to hold the other
reagents. If this kind of battery is run all the way down, or if it is recharged
after running down too far, the reagents can emerge through the
cardboard and plastic that forms the remainder of the container. The
active chemical leakage can then
damage the equipment that the batteries were inserted into.
(3)Environmental Concerns: The widespread use of batteries has created
many environmental concerns, such as toxic metal pollution. Metals such
as Cadmium, Mercury, Lead, Lithium and Zinc have been identified as
highly toxic metals. Also, batteries may be harmful or fatal if swallowed.
Small button/disk batteries can be swallowed by young children. While in
the digestive tract the battery's electrical discharge can burn the tissues
and can be serious enough to lead to death.

LITERATURE REVIEW
There has to be a compromise between the charge producing device
(Battery) and a charge storing device(Capacitor). Batteries (whether
primary or secondary) cannot possess indefinite recyclability. Same is the
case with capacitors. So, if a balance be sought between them in such a
way so as to utilize the properties of both, the results would be more
rewarding. Owing to this fact and to the miraculous properties of the
Carbon nanotubes, there has been a steady and progressive interest in
the global scientific community aimed at its utilization in the production of
Paper Batteries. Significant works have been carried out independently,
notable among which are by Pushparaj et al.[2007] and Yi Cui et al.[2010]
in the field of preparing the first prototypes. Previous designs of flexible
energy-storage devices have been based on separated thin-electrode and
spacer layers, proving less-than-optimum in performance and handling
because of the existence of multiple interfaces between the layers.
Pushparaj et al. demonstrated the fabrication of electrodespacerelectrolyte integrated nanocomposite units to build a variety of
thin flexible energy-storage devices. The robust integrated thin-film
structure allows not only good electrochemical performance but also the
ability to function over large ranges of mechanical deformation, record
temperatures and with a wide variety of electrolytes. The attempt to
integrate the components on to a single unit was revived by Yi Cui et al.
with a much simpler and more promising approach. In this paper, they
integrated all of the components of a Li-ion battery into a single sheet of
paper with a simple lamination process. Although a paper-like membrane

has been used as the separator for other energy storage systems
including super capacitors, it was the first demonstration of the use of
commercial paper in Li-ion batteries, where paper is used as both
separator and mechanical support. Another significant attempt to exploit
the properties of Paper batteries was made by Dr. Mangilal Agrawal,
Louisiana Tech University. Having done much work with biosensors and
bio-capacitors, he successfully demonstrated how the relative proportion
of CNT and Paper could be used to customize the voltage output of the
Paper Battery. Since the field is so promising and potent, there has been a
huge amount of work done over CNTs and Paper Batteries. However, the
entire work in literature is neither lucidly arranged nor easily accessible.
This paper is solely aimed at analyzing and accumulating the available
works on Paper
Batteries and then evaluating their properties, applications, advantages
and disadvantages in depth.The paper also throws some light on the
production methods of CNTs and on the work that is being carried out in
Indian scenario

PAPER BATTERIES-BASICS
Definition
A paper battery is a flexible, ultra-thin energy storage and production
device formed by combining carbon nanotubes with a conventional sheet
of cellulose based paper. A paper battery acts as both a high-energy
battery and super capacitor, combining two discrete components that are
separate in traditional electronics.
Paper Battery=Paper (Cellulose) + Carbon Nanotubes
Cellulose is a complex organic substance found in paper and pulp; not
digestible by humans. A Carbon NanoTubes (CNT) is a very tiny cylinder
formed from a single sheet of carbon atoms rolled into a tiny cylinder.
These are stronger than steel and more conducting than the best
semiconductors. They can be Single-walled or Multi-walled.

MATERIALS AND DESCRIPTION

This energy storage device is based on two basic, materials: carbon
nanotubes and cellulose. Also an ionic liquid provides the third

component: electrolyte. Engineered together, they form nano

composite paper. It is as thin and flexible as a piece of paper- Paper as a
medium is well designed structure of millions of interconnected fibers in it,
which can hold CNT easily. The paper battery can also be stacked to
boost the total power output.

CARBON NANOTUBES
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are allotropes of carbon with a cylindrical
nanostructure. Nanotubes have been constructed with length-todiameter ratio of up to 132,000,000:1,significantly larger than for any
other material. Nanotubes are members of the Fullerene structural
family. Their name is derived from their long, hollow structure with the
walls formed by one-atom-thick sheets of carbon, called Graphene.
Nanotubes are categorized as Single wall nanotubes (SWNTs) and
Multiwalled nanotubes (MWNTs). The O.C.V. of Paper Batteries is
directly proportional to CNT concentration. Stacking the Paper and CNT
layers multiplies the Output Voltage; Slicing the Paper and CNT layers
divides the Output Voltage The Nanotubes, which colour the paper black,
act as electrodes and allow the storage devices to conduct electricity.

Carbon nanotube structure

PROPERTIES OF NANOTUBES
Ratio of Width: Length: 1:107
High tensile Strength (Greater than Steel).
Low Mass density & High Packing Density.
Very Light and Very Flexible.
Very Good Electrical Conductivity (better than Silicon).
Low resistance (~33 ohm per sq. inch).
Output Open Circuit Voltage(O.C.V): 1.5-2.5 V (For a postage stamp sized
Specimen)
The O.C.V. of Paper Batteries is directly proportional to CNT
concentration.
Stacking the Paper and CNT layers multiplies the Output Voltage; Slicing
the Paper and CNT layers

divides the Output Voltage.

Thickness: typically about 0.5-0.7mm.

Nominal continuous current density: 0.1 mA/cm2/ active area.
Nominal capacity: 2.5 to 5 mAh/cm2/ active area.
Shelf life (RT): 3 years.
Temperature operating range: -75C to +150C.
No heavy metals (does not contain Hg, Pb, Cd, etc.)

 No safety events or over-heating in case of battery abuse or mechanical

damage
No safety limitations for shipment,

CONSTRUCTION OF PAPER BATTERY

As shown in Figure 1a, the double layer LCO/CNT or LTO/CNT film was lifted off by
immersing the SS in DI water followed by peeling with tweezers. Figure 1b shows a
LTO/CNT film with a size of 7.5 cm _12.5 cm on a SS substrate (left) being peeled off in

water (middle) and in a free-standing form (right). Previously,CNT thin films have been
coated mainly on plastic substrate for use as transparent electrodes in various device
applications, including solar cells and lightemittingdiodes.3,5,10,11 In this study, we found
that CNT shave weaker interaction with metal substrates when compared with plastic or
paper substrates, which allows us to fabricate free-standing films with integrated current
collector and battery electrodes. The double layer films obtained with this method are
lightweight, with _0.2 mg/cm2 CNT and _2 _10 mg/cm2 electrode material. The freestanding double layer film shows a low sheet resistance (_5 Ohm/sq) and excellent flexibility,
without any change in morphology or conductivity after bending down to 6 mm (Mandrel).
Due to the excellent mechanical integrity of the double layer film and the loose interaction
between the CNT film and SS, peeling off the double layer film from the SS is highly
reproducible.
After integrating the battery electrode materials on the lightweight CNT current collectors, a
lamination process was used to fabricate the Li-ion paper batteries on paper. A solution of
polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer was Mayer-rod-coated on the paper substrate with
an effective thickness of 10 _m. The wet PVDF functions as a glue to stick the double layer
films on paper. The concentration of PVDF in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) was 10% by
weight. As shown in Figure 1c, the double layer films were laminated on the paper while the
PVDF/NMP was still wet. During this process, a metal rod rolls over the films to remove air
bubbles trapped between films and the paper separator. After laminating LTO/CNT on one
side of the paper, the same process was used to put LCO/CNT on the opposite side of the
paper to complete the Li-ion battery fabrication. Figure1d,e shows the scheme and a final
device of the Li-ion paper battery prior to encapsulation and cell testing. Although a paperlike membrane has been used as the separator for other energy storage systems including
supercapacitors, it is the first demonstration of the use of commercial paper in Li-ion
batteries,12 where paper is used as both separator and mechanical support.

Figure 1. (a) Schematic of fabrication process for free-standing

LCO/CNT or LTO/CNT double layer thin films. The CNT film is
doctor-bladed onto the SS substrate and dried. An LTO or LTO
slurry is then doctor-blade-coated on top of CNT film and dried.
The whole substrate is immersed into DI water, and the double
layer of LTO/CNT or LCO/ CNT can be easily peeled off due to the
poor adhesion of CNTs to the SS substrate. (b) (Left) 5 in. _ 5 in.
LTO/CNT double layer film coated on SS substrate; (middle) the
double layer film can be easily separated from the SS substrate in
DI water; (right) the final free-standing film after drying. (c)
Schematic of the lamination process: the freestanding film is
laminated on paper with a rod and a thin layer of wet PVDF on
paper. (d) Schematic of the final paper Li-ion battery device
structure, with both LCO/CNT and LTO/CNT laminated on both
sides of the paper substrate. The paper is used as both the
separator and the substrate. (e) Picture of the Li-ion paper
battery before encapsulation for measurement.

MAKING OF PAPER BATTERY

The materials required for preparation of PAPER BATTERY are -:

copier paper

carbon nano ink

oven

The steps required in the preparation of paper battery are as follows-:

STEP 1: The copier paper is taken.
STEP 2: Carbon nano ink which is black in colour is taken. carbon nano ink is a solution of
nano rods ,surface adhesive agent and ionic salt solutions.
STEP 3:carbon nano ink is spread on one side of paper.
STEP 4:Paper is kept inside the oven at 150C temp .This evaporates the water content on
paper. Thus paper and the nano rods get attached to each other.
STEP 5: Now place the multi meter on the sides of the paper and we can see voltage drop is
generated.
After drying the paper becomes flexible, light weight in nature.The paper is scratched and
rolled to protect nano rods on paper

WORKING OF PAPER BATTERY

A very brief and concise explanation has been
provided.
Cathode: Carbon Nanotube (CNT)
Anode: Lithium metal (Li+)
Electrolyte: All electrolytes (incl. bio
electrolytes like blood, sweat and urine)
Separator: Paper (Cellulose)

Schematic of a Paper Battery

1.While a conventional battery contain number of separate components, the paper battery
integrates all of the battery components in a single structure, making it more energy efficient.
2.Unlike traditional batteries, paper batteries have one electrode made of conductive carbon
nanotubes, the separator is made from plant cellulose (the main ingredient is paper), and the
second electrode is made by coating the opposite side of the paper separator with lithium
oxide
3.To provide the electrolyte, the paper is saturated with an ionic liquid that is an organic salt
that is liquid at room temperature.
4. Since the ionic liquid does not contain water, the batteries do not contain anything that will
freeze or evaporate, enabling them to withstand extreme temperatures, ranging from -75C to
150C.
5.Electricity is the flow of electric power or electrons,ions flow from the positive electrode to
the negative one, while electrons travel through the external circuit, providing current.

6. Chemical reaction in the paper battery is between electrolyte and carbon nanotubes.
Electrons collect on the negative terminal of the battery and flow along a connected wire to
the positive terminal.
7. Electrons must flow from the negative to the positive terminal for the chemical reaction to
continue.

ADVANTAGES
1. Biodegradable & Non Toxic: Since its major ingredients are of organic
origin, it is a biodegradable and non toxic product.
2. Biocompatible: They are not easily rejected by our body's immune
system if implanted into human body.
3. Easily Reusable & Recyclable: Being cellulose based product it is easily
recyclable and reusable, even with the existing paper recycling
techniques.
4. Durable: It has a shelf life of three years (at room temperature). Under
extreme conditions it can operate within -75 to +150C.
5. Rechargeable: It can be recharged upto 300 times using almost all
electrolytes, including bio-salts such as sweat, urine and blood.
6. No Leakage & Overheating: Owing to low resistance, it does not get
overheated even under extreme conditions. Since there are no leaky
fluids, so even under spontaneous or accidental damage, there is no
leakage problem.
7. Very Light Weight & Flexible.
8. Easily Mouldable Into Desired Shapes & Sizes.
9. Customizable Output Voltage:
By varying CNT concentration.
By stacking & slicing.

DISADVANTAGES
It would not be logical only to ponder over the miraculous properties and
applications of Paper
Batteries .Things need to be discussed at the flip side as well. Following
are some of them:
Have Low Shear strength: They can be torn easily.

 The Techniques and the Set-ups used in the production of Carbon

Nanotubes are very Expensive and very less Efficient. These are:
(i)Arc discharge
(ii)Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD)
(iii) Laser Ablation
(iv)Electrolysis
When inhaled, their interaction with the Microphages present in the
lungs is similar to that with Asbestos fibers, hence may be seriously
hazardous to human health.

APPLICATIONS
With the developing technologies and reducing cost of CNTs, the
paper batteries will find applications in the following fields:
In Electronics:
in laptop batteries, mobile phones, handheld digital cameras: The
weight of these devices
can be significantly reduced by replacing the alkaline batteries with lightweight Paper
Batteries, without compromising with the power requirement. Moreover,
the electrical hazards related to recharging will be greatly reduced.
in calculators, wrist watch and other low drain devices.
in wireless communication devices like speakers, mouse, keyboard
,Bluetooth headsets etc.
in Enhanced Printed Circuit Board(PCB) wherein both the sides of the
PCB can be used: one for the circuit and the other side (containing the
components )would contain a layer of customized Paper Battery. This
would eliminate heavy step-down transformers and the need of separate
power supply unit for most electronic circuits.
In Medical Sciences:
in Pacemakers for the heart
in Artificial tissues (using Carbonnanotubes)
in Cosmetics, Drug-delivery systems
in Biosensors, such as Glucose meters,

Sugar meters, etc.

3. In Automobiles and Aircrafts:
in Hybrid Car batteries
in Long Air Flights reducing Refueling
for Light weight guided missiles
for powering electronic devices in Satellite
Programs

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

One of the major problems bugging the world now is Energy crisis. Every
nation needs energy and everyone needs power. And this problem which
disturbs the developed countries perturbs the developing countries like
India to a much greater extent. Standing at a point in the present where
there cant be a day without power, Paper Batteries can provide an
altogether path-breaking solution to the same. Being Biodegradable,
Light-weight and Nontoxic, flexible paper batteries have potential
adaptability to power the next generation of electronics, medical devices
and hybrid vehicles, allowing for radical new designs and medical
technologies. But India still has got a long way to go if it has to be selfdependant for its energy solution. Literature reflects that Indian
researchers have got the scientific astuteness needed for such
revolutionary work. But what hinders their path is the lack of facilities and
funding. Of course, the horizon of inquisitiveness is indefinitely vast and
this paper is just a single step towards this direction.

FUTURE ASPECTS
The black piece of paper can power a small light.
Flexible battery could meet the energy demand of next generation
gadgets.
The ambition is to produce reams of paper that could one day power a
car.

The paper battery was a glimpse into the future of power storage and it
can one day be used in IC cards, wearable computers .

PAPER BATTERY:INDIAN SCENARIO

Unfortunately, not much work has been carried out India, except for a few
notable ones.The work is carried out as a joint research project of the
Kalasalingam University in Krishnankovil, India; the Indian Institute of
Technology ,Mumbai; and IMRAM Tohoku University in Japan, assisted by
Indias Department of Science and Technology. Kalasalingam Universitys
G. Hirankumar brought optimized cathode materials (CNT) to Tohoku
Universitys laboratories for three months of joint
development.Research is ongoing.

REFERENCES
Pushparaj V. L, Manikoth S. M., Kumar A., Murugesan S., Ci L., Vajtai R.,
Linhardt R. J., Nalamasu O., Ajayan P. M.."Flexible Nanocomposite Thin Film
Energy Storage Devices". Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
USA 104, 13574-13577, 2007.. Retrieved 2010-08-08.
Hu, L. C., J.; Yang, Y.; La Mantia, F.; Jeong, S.; Cui, Y. Highly Conductive
Paper for Energy Storage. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.U.S.A. 2009, 106, 21490
21494.
"Beyond Batteries: Storing Power in a Sheet of Paper". RPI. August 13,
2007. Retrieved 2008-01-15.

 "Paper battery offers future power". BBC News. August 14, 2007.
Retrieved 2008-01-15
Katherine Noyes. "Nanotubes Power Paper-Thin Battery".
TechNewsWorld. Retrieved 2010-10
Ng, S. H. W., J.; Guo, Z. P.; Chen, J.; Wang, G. X.; Liu, H. K. Single Wall
Carbon Nanotube Paper as Anode for Lithium-Ion Battery. Electrochim.
Acta 2005, 51, 2328.
Hu, L.; Hecht, D.; Gru ner, G. Carbon Nanotube Thin Films: Fabrications,
Properties, and Applications. Chem. Rev.2010, doi: 10.1021/cr9002962.