New Self-Healing Battery Technology Offers Flexibility and Durability for Wearables
Eindhoven, Friday, 18 April 2025.
Researchers have developed a self-healing, stretchable battery that can endure punctures and cuts, making it ideal for flexible wearable gadgets and ensuring consistent performance and durability.
Revolutionary Design Breakthrough
Scientists from the United States and Hong Kong have achieved a significant breakthrough in battery technology, developing a hydrogel-based battery that maintains functionality even when stretched to 1348 percent of its original size [1][4]. The innovation employs a specialized polymer design with both positive and negative charges that effectively captures and retains water molecules, preventing typical failure modes seen in conventional water-based batteries [1].
Technical Specifications and Performance
The battery demonstrates remarkable performance metrics, achieving an ion conductivity of 41 millisiemens per centimeter and maintaining stability through 500 charge-discharge cycles with a 95% efficiency rate [4]. Operating with approximately 19% water content, the system remains stable even in high-humidity environments [1]. The battery’s tensile strength measures 407 ± 57 kPa, comparable to human skin, making it particularly suitable for wearable applications [4].
Safety and Practical Applications
Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries that can pose safety risks due to potential leakage or mechanical damage [2], this new technology offers enhanced safety through its self-healing capabilities. The battery can recover approximately 90% of its original capacity after being cut, requiring only a brief 10-minute healing period at 70°C [4]. This innovation addresses a critical gap in the market for flexible electronic devices, particularly in applications such as smart clothing and wearable health monitors [1].
Future Market Impact
While this technology represents a significant advance in flexible power sources, it’s important to note that it’s not intended to replace traditional lithium-ion batteries in high-power applications [1]. Instead, it creates new possibilities for specialized applications in wearable technology, where current rigid batteries present limitations [1]. The technology has already been recognized in technical circles, with the term ‘jelly battery’ being added to the Cambridge Dictionary in 2024, highlighting its growing significance in the field [5].