Information technology and network solutions giant NEC sparked a wave of excitement in the info-communications industry recently when it announced the development of an ultra-thin, flexible, rechargeable battery. Since the December announcement, the product has been showcased at several industry trade shows. A mere 0.3 mm thick, this wafer-thin battery holds great promise for wearable computers and other applications. Thousands of Transmissions on a Single Charge This new battery is one application of organic radical battery technology, which uses a type of plastic known as organic radical polymer, first proposed by NEC in 2000. An organic radical polymer assumes an electrolyte-permeated gel state, which makes the battery remarkably pliant, and with electrodes developed using thin-film technology, the battery is a paper-thin 0.3 mm. Full Article
