Scientists develop ultra-thin battery that could be charged by tears
What is the thickness of the ultra-thin battery developed for smart contact lenses, and how does it compare to the thickness of the contact lenses themselves?
The ultra-thin battery developed for smart contact lenses is about 0.2 millimeters thick. In comparison, the contact lenses themselves are extremely thin, at 0.5 millimeters. The battery's thinness, which is about twice the thickness of a human hair, makes it suitable to fit inside a contact lens without causing discomfort to the user.
What inspired Scientist Lee Seok Woo to develop batteries for smart contact lenses?
Scientist Lee Seok Woo was inspired to develop batteries for smart contact lenses after watching a scene from the fourth "Mission Impossible" movie. In the scene, an agent wears contact lenses capable of facial recognition and eye tracking. This inspired Lee to think about how he could work in the field of smart contact lenses and create safe and compact batteries for such devices.
What are the potential safety benefits of using a biocompatible saline solution in the battery as opposed to lithium-ion batteries?
The potential safety benefits of using a biocompatible saline solution in the battery as opposed to lithium-ion batteries are numerous. Lithium-ion batteries are known to be extremely flammable, which can lead to fires or explosions if the batteries are damaged or improperly used. In contrast, a biocompatible saline solution is non-flammable and non-toxic, making it a much safer alternative for use in wearable devices like smart contact lenses.
Additionally, lithium-ion batteries contain heavy metals, which can be harmful to the environment and human health if not disposed of properly. A biocompatible saline solution avoids these environmental and health concerns, as it does not contain any toxic materials4.
Overall, the use of a biocompatible saline solution in the battery reduces the risk of fire, explosion, and environmental harm, making it a much safer option for powering smart contact lenses and other wearable devices.