Paper Battery vs. Conventional Battery: Differences Explained

This article compares paper batteries with conventional batteries, outlining their construction, operation, and key differences.

Paper Battery

Figure 1: Paper Battery Construction and Operation

A paper battery is a novel energy storage device constructed using a cellulose paper sheet and carbon nanotubes. The fundamental composition is:

Conventional Battery

Figure 2: Conventional Battery Construction and Operation

Conventional batteries consist of three main components: an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte. The anode and cathode are connected to an external electrical circuit or device.

Chemical reactions within the battery cause an accumulation of electrons in the anode, creating an electrical potential difference between the cathode and anode. Electrons naturally seek to redistribute themselves to eliminate this difference.

To neutralize this potential difference, electrons repel each other and attempt to flow towards the area with fewer electrons, which is the cathode. The electrolyte prevents the direct flow of electrons from the anode to the cathode within the battery.

Consequently, when an external circuit is completed (i.e., a wire connects the cathode and anode), electrons flow from the anode to the cathode through the circuit. This flow of electrons constitutes an electric current, which can power a device, like lighting a bulb.

Due to these electrochemical processes, the chemical composition of the anode and cathode changes over time. Eventually, they can no longer effectively supply electrons, leading to a depletion of the battery’s power. This necessitates recharging.

During recharging, the electrochemical processes are reversed. This restores the anode and cathode to their original state, allowing them to deliver power once again.