The Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) has demonstrated a photo-rechargeable system that merges zinc-ion batteries with perovskite solar cells.
Based at the University of Surrey, ATI says the integrated battery and solar cell allows it to demonstrate high energy and volume density comparable to micro-batteries and supercapacitors.
Jinxin Bi, a PhD candidate at ATI and the first author of the paper, said the technology provided a promising strategy for use of clean energy and enabled wearable electronics to be operated continuously without plug-in charging.
He said: “Our prototype could represent a step forward to how we interact with wearables and other internet-of-things devices, such as remote real-time health monitors.”
Dr Yunlong Zhao, project co-lead and expert in batteries for wearables and implantables from the ATI, said: “The unique features in our ultrafast photo-rechargeable system could promote wide applications in self-powered wearable internet-of-things, autonomous power systems and emergency electronics.
“In addition, it will broaden the perception and insight of designing the next generation of miniaturised flexible photo-rechargeable systems.”
The research was published in international multidisciplinary journal Energy Storage Materials.
