U.S. Uses 3D Printers to Create Sand-sized Microbatteries

2025-08-10 11:14:41

On June 18, the Physicist Organization Network reported that a team of researchers from Harvard University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have developed a groundbreaking 3D-printed lithium-ion microbattery. This tiny power source is as small as a grain of sand and has performance comparable to commercial batteries. These microbatteries could revolutionize fields such as medicine, communications, and more, especially for devices still in development that lack a suitable power source. The findings were recently published online in the journal *Advanced Materials*.

Over the past few years, engineers have created a variety of micro-devices, including medical implants, flying insect robots, and ultra-small cameras or microphones. However, the batteries needed to power these devices are often larger than the devices themselves, which contradicts the goal of miniaturization. Traditional methods of creating electrodes result in solid-state microcells with limited energy storage due to their thin design. To overcome this, scientists aimed to develop ultra-thin electrodes that can be stacked in multiple layers, allowing for greater energy capacity.

The project was led by Jennifer Lewis, a professor at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard. Her team designed a range of functional "inks" with unique chemical and electrical properties. Using these inks and specialized 3D printers, they can fabricate complex structures with electrical, optical, or biological functions, significantly expanding the potential of 3D printing technology.

To create microelectrodes, the researchers developed and tested several custom "inks" that can act as anodes and cathodes, similar to traditional electrochemical materials. These inks are extruded like toothpaste and then hardened into thin films. They used lithium oxide nanoparticles for the anode ink and another material for the cathode ink, forming a multi-layered structure with tightly interwoven layers, each thinner than a human hair. Once printed, the electrodes were placed into tiny containers and filled with electrolyte to complete the battery.

The team also evaluated the microbattery's charge capacity, charging time, and overall performance. According to Xin Dillon, an associate professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Illinois and co-author of the study, “In terms of charge and discharge rates, cycle life, and current output, the electrochemical performance is on par with commercial batteries. We’ve just scaled it down.”

Donald Ingber, director of the Wyss Institute, added, “The Jennifer Lewis team has redefined the design of microbatteries, pushing the boundaries of 3D printing and opening up new possibilities for smaller, more efficient devices across many industries.” (Chang Lijun)

Electric Mosquito Swatter

Electric mosquito swatter is a kind of small household appliance products, mainly used to kill mosquitoes, ‌ flies, ‌ moths and other insects. ‌ It through the electronic high voltage technology, the use of 1850V high voltage to effectively destroy these pests, has the advantages of practical, convenient, no chemical pollution, safety and health, so it is widely welcomed, become the summer best-selling small household appliances products. The electric mosquito bat is usually composed of three layers of metal mesh, the outer metal mesh and the middle layer are not directly connected, and maintain a certain distance. When the switch is pressed, the direct current in the battery passes through the oscillation circuit and the boost circuit, eventually reaching a high voltage above 2000 volts. This design allows the mosquito to be waved through the electrostatic field and electrical grid discharge to destroy the insect, without causing harm to the human body. ‌
The main advantages of electric mosquito swatting include:
‌Efficient pest control: can kill a variety of insects in a short time, including mosquitoes, flies and moths.
Safety and health: the use of high voltage electricity instead of chemical agents, to avoid chemical pollution, more environmental protection and safety.
‌Portable and convenient: compact size, easy to carry and use, suitable for home and outdoor use.
No chemical pollution: will not produce harmful chemicals, more friendly to the environment and human body.
The following points should be noted when using an electric mosquito swatter:
‌Avoid using ‌ in humid environment, so as not to affect its high pressure effect.
‌Keep the electric mosquito bat dry ‌ to avoid short circuit or damage caused by moisture.
‌Avoid using ‌ in flammable and explosive environments to prevent accidents.
‌Children should use ‌ under adult supervision to prevent accidental handling or risk of electric shock.
In short, with its high efficiency, safety and environmental protection characteristics, the electric mosquito has become an ideal choice for summer pest control.

Electric Rechargeable Mosquito Killer,Mosquito Swatter Racket,Portable Mosquito Killer Lamp

Guangdong Dp Co., Ltd. , https://www.dp-light.com