In a futuristic leap for wearable tech and robotics scientists in Sweden have developed a “toothpaste-texture” battery that can be molded into nearly any shape. The innovation led by researchers at Linköping University could revolutionize how batteries are designed and used especially in stretchable electronics medical implants and next-gen devices.
Unlike conventional batteries that rely on rigid often environmentally harmful materials this new battery uses a mix of conductive plastics and lignin a sustainable byproduct from paper manufacturing. The result? A soft, deformable battery that performs reliably even when stretched or twisted.
Aiman Rahmanudin, co-author of the study published in Science “The texture is a bit like toothpaste, You can 3D print it into any shape. This opens up entirely new possibilities for how we design future tech.”
Until now stretchable batteries had a major limitation: the more active material added for performance the stiffer the battery became. But this new design breaks that link. “We’re the first to show that battery capacity is no longer tied to rigidity,” added Rahmanudin.
Previous attempts at stretchable batteries often relied on rare-earth materials and complex composites that weren’t eco-friendly. This new battery uses abundant and sustainable materials, making it both cost-effective and planet-friendly.
According to Mohsen Mohammadi, the lead researcher, the prototype battery can be recharged and discharged over 500 times, retains performance even when stretched to twice its original length, and could pave the way for “form factor-free” power sources in wearables and medical tech.
However, the current version stores just 1 volt, far less than a typical car battery. But the researchers are optimistic. By incorporating widely available metals like zinc or manganese, they believe it’s possible to increase the voltage without compromising flexibility.
While commercial use is still a few steps away, the toothpaste-like battery could redefine energy storage by blending form, function, and sustainability—a trio that might just power the gadgets of tomorrow.