Researchers from China have unveiled a groundbreaking study recently introducing a potential game-changer for patients relying on implanted medical devices like pacemakers and neurostimulators. In the study, conducted by specialists from Tianjin University of Technology, Fudan University, and Hebei University, a new type of battery-powered by oxygen naturally present in the body was successfully created and tested in animal studies. This innovative "implantable, flexible, and bio-compatible" battery harnesses the oxygen-rich blood in the body to significantly extend its lifespan, providing much longer-lasting power compared to conventional batteries.
The battery's design incorporates a nanoporous gold electrode and a sodium-alloy electrode separated by an ion-selective membrane, encased within a flexible, porous polymer film. By utilizing oxygen from the blood alongside solid components, the battery achieves extremely high energy densities, surpassing current battery technologies by 5-10 times. Despite initial challenges with unstable electricity output, subsequent tests demonstrated stable performance, showcasing the potential for oxygen-powered batteries to revolutionize medical devices and potentially serve as a tool for monitoring wound healing and even as a therapeutic approach in cancer treatment.
