At Waseda University, three scientists by the names of Hiroyuki Nishide, Hiroaki Konishi and Takeo Suga have developed a new polymer-based 200 nanometres thick rechargeable battery that incorporates a high charge/discharge capacity, yet it is still durable enough to survive the rigors of recharging. The battery is composed of a redox-active organic polymer film which is then combined with nitroxide radical groups. Unlike some other radical polymer battery solutions that have been developed in the past, this new battery does not have problems with self-discharging. The technology used in the polymer-based battery still is still in the prototype stage, but Dr. Nishide believes that it could find a home in electronic devices within the next three years.
"This is just one of many advantages the "organic radical" battery has over other organic based materials which are limited by the amount of doping. The power rate performance is strikingly high - it only takes one minute to fully charge the battery. And it has a long cycle life, often exceeding 1,000 cycle. In the future, these batteries may be used in applications that require high-power capability rather than high-energy density, such as a battery in electronic devices and motor drive assistance in electric vehicles," said Dr. Nishide.