Our transition towards low carbon technologies, especially in the energy sector, is a difficult one. Our heavy dependence on high-carbon energy generation like fossil fuels, coupled with the intermittent supply of renewable energy, dramatically limits the potential adoption of clean energy. One key limitation of the renewable energy sector is the lack of a dependable electricity storage system such as sustainable batteries. 

Resource circularity in the renewable energy sector 

Rechargeable batteries are key to a sustainable future. The renewable energy sector is heavily reliant on battery storage systems to store excess electricity generated during peak periods. Technological advancements in consumer electronics have also created an array of products that rely on modular rechargeable batteries. Think smart watches, laptops, smart phones, and power banks. However, the rechargeable battery sector heavily relies on lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries have been the go-to solution for the past few decades, boasting several advantages such as high energy density and low maintenance requirement. However, it also has its fair share of constraints that have severely limited the innovation and growth of the electronics and technology sector. Namely, the issue on safety due to the potential fire risks, the transportation of the batteries due to their mass, as well as the difficulty in recycling lithium-ion batteries to be reused in the manufacturing of new batteries, which prevents the sector from achieving circularity of resources.  

Paper batteries  

This is where Flint comes into the picture. As a youth-led startup, we aspire to revolutionize the battery storage industry with the use of paper-based batteries. These paper batteries are wholly compostable at the end of their lifespans when buried. They comprise three core materials: zinc, manganese, and hydrogel-reinforced cellulose papers. At the end of the battery’s lifespan, the zinc will naturally be oxidised into a non-toxic, stable hydroxide. The manganese will remain in its oxide or hydroxide forms, which are also found in naturally occurring minerals. The cellulose paper will be decomposed by bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms in a matter of weeks.  

Beyond the ease of recycling the batteries, Flint’s paper batteries also boast multiple properties that are novel, with the potential to disrupt the consumer electronics sector. Utilizing the same infrastructure to produce conventional lithium-ion batteries, the production of our paper batteries can be as low as half the conventional production cost of lithium-ion batteries. Since existing infrastructure and facilities can also be adopted and finetuned to cater to manufacturing demands, there’s only minimal disruption to operations. Given that this battery is potentially half the cost of the ones used in the existing market, the technology can effectively change how accessible electricity can be, especially in rural communities where access to electricity is limited by cost. 

Paper batteries also effectively mitigate any potential safety concerns attributed to the use of solid electrolytes, which makes it leak-proof. The flexibility and lightweight properties of our paper batteries also open limitless potentials in the fields of wearable electronics, energy storage systems, and electric vehicles. Paper batteries can also be created in any shape and size, maintain its usability when cut, and dissipate heat quickly due to the large surface area. With adaptive design as the key attribute, the potential is only limited by imagination. 

Cross-functional collaboration 

The team at Flint is working towards the commercialization of our paper battery technologies. With the goal of integrating paper batteries into our own line of consumer electronics, we aim to create the world’s first product that utilizes paper batteries as the energy storage system. At our core, we believe that creating a sustainable future is one of the greatest challenges we face today. We are a youth-led collective of one heart and many hands –scientists, technologists, entrepreneurs, designers, environmentalist, lawyers –joining forces to accomplish together what we cannot accomplish alone. Our small yet dedicated team is committed to making this vision a reality – and we invite you to join us on this phenomenal journey to change the world.