Researchers Develop Solid But Flexible Electrolyte For Bendable Batteries

hypnosec writes "Korean scientists have developed a 'fluid-like' polymer electrolyte used in lithium-ion batteries that would pave way for flexible batteries and flexible smartphones. The discovery was made by a joint team of researchers that was led by Professor Lee Sang-young of Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology. The new electrolyte, though flexible, is made of solid materials hence making the batteries more stable than the lithium-ion batteries used today." Paper, but full text is paywalled.

Why do we need flexible phones?

[Yarhj]

I've seen flexible phones given as the justification for dozens of research projects over the last few years, but does anyone actually want them? I have no real need or desire to roll my phone up and put it in my pocket -- it would just fit worse than it does now. I'd much rather have a battery that lasts through an entire day.

Re:Why do we need flexible phones?

[Anonymous Coward]

A flexible battery might allow 'more' battery to be inserted in an available space. If your device has space leftover that isn't nicely cubical, finding a battery to fill it is difficult. This could reduce that problem.

There's also flexible keyboards you can roll up, so a flexible tablet could have its uses.
There was also a story long time ago about clothes that generated power from movement or some such thing. Having the batteries in the clothing would be easier to use than a separate battery pack.