Recent Advances in Printed Thin-Film Batteries

The rapidly increasing demand for wearable electronic devices has motivated research in low-cost and flexible printed batteries with diverse form factors and architectures. In the past, technological achievements in the field have been emphasized, overlooking the industrial and market requirements. However, different applications require different battery chemistries and formats, that greatly impacts the manufacturing process and competition landscape. These chemistries and formats should therefore be selected carefully to maximize the chances for commercial success. As some of these technologies are starting to be marketed for portable electronics, there is a pressing need to evaluate different printing technologies and compare them in terms of the processing constraints and product requirements of specific electronic devices. By evaluating the intrinsic strengths and current limitations of printed battery technologies, development pathways can be prioritized, and potential bottlenecks can be overcome to accelerate the path to market.