Engineers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have recently developed a tiny battery that has the potential to revolutionize the world of microelectronics. This new device is incredibly small, with a length of only 0.1 millimeters and a thickness of 0.002 millimeters, roughly equivalent to the thickness of a human hair.
What sets this battery apart is its unique ability to extract oxygen from the air and use it to oxidize zinc, resulting in the generation of an electric current with a voltage of up to 1 volt. This level of power is sufficient to operate small circuits, sensors, and actuators.
The MIT team has already begun integrating various robotics functions into the battery and combining components to create more complex devices.
Traditionally, one of the major challenges in developing microscopic robots has been providing them with a reliable source of energy. While previous solutions involved solar energy, requiring a laser or alternative light source, the MIT battery eliminates the need for external power sources, allowing robots to move autonomously over longer distances.
This new development falls under the category of zinc-air batteries, known for their high energy density and long lifespan, making them popular for applications such as hearing aids.
The battery design incorporates zinc and platinum components embedded in a strip of polymer SU-8, commonly used in microelectronics. When zinc interacts with oxygen molecules, it oxidizes and releases electrons that flow to the platinum element, generating a current.
In experiments, the scientists successfully demonstrated the battery’s ability to power various microbot components, including an actuator that controls a robotic hand, a memory cell that stores information by altering electrical resistance, and a timekeeping circuit for tracking the passage of time.
The battery was also able to power two different types of sensors that change their electrical resistance upon exposure to specific chemicals in the environment. One sensor is made from atomic thin sulfide molybdenum, while the other is composed of carbon nanotubes.
A promising application for this groundbreaking technology is the development of microscopic robots for drug delivery within the human body. These devices could autonomously locate target areas and administer medications like insulin. The goal is to create biodegradable medical microbots that self-destruct after completing their assigned tasks.
Currently, the researchers are focused on enhancing the battery’s voltage, which could expand its utility across various scientific and technological fields.