Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have succeeded in developing hi-tech rechargeable batteries that could in the future be woven into clothing to power portable electronic devices. Discussed at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS), the new power source can produce electricity by converting chemical energy into electrical energy using two electrodes — an anode and cathode, which are separated by an electrolyte.
The team has engineered a virus called M13 bacteriophage for preparing lithium ion battery anodes and cathodes. Presently, the virus-enabled battery material is in the beginning stages of testing and scaling up. The scientists see the rechargeable clothing woven out of light-weight and long-lasting batteries as a great benefit to both military personnel and civilians. So, now soldiers can drop on the heavy batteries and juice up their high-tech devices using uniforms that incorporate these light, high-performance, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
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Via: Physorg