Printed batteries result from the combination of functional inks and printing technologies. To identify a battery as a printed battery, one or more components (current collectors, electrodes, or separator/electrolyte) must be produced by printing technologies [ 7 ].
Printing techniques for printed batteries allow obtaining compatible layers with controlled thicknesses on different substrates as well as to print large-areas and high-volumes at low-cost [ 6 ]. Examples of printing technologies for batteries include screen-printing and inkjet printing [ 9 ].
Researchers have developed a way to make high-power, flexible, and stretchable batteries by the dozens using a screen-printing technique much like that used for printing T-shirts (Joule 2020, DOI: 10.1016/j.joule.2020.11.008 ).
Considering the recent advances in 3D printing technologies [10,11], these techniques are increasingly being use for the development of printed batteries as well . One of the main challenges of printed batteries is the development of functional inks, as schematically represented in Fig. 1, for the different battery components.
Examples of printing technologies for batteries include screen-printing and inkjet printing . Considering the recent advances in 3D printing technologies [10,11], these techniques are increasingly being use for the development of printed batteries as well .
New manufacturing concepts allow higher active material loads and greater freedom in electrode design. Completely printed batteries help on the one hand to break free from the limitations of current manufacturing technology and on the other hand to reduce the use of solvents and subsequent drying processes.