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Imagine a future where your clothes, bags, and even hats can generate their own power—charging your phone whenever you need it. No more bulky power stations or large solar panels. Just a small device that can produce electricity anytime, anywhere. Researchers at Fudan University have taken a major step toward this vision by developing aligned carbon nanotube fibers, paving the way for a fully fibrous energy system. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of solar fiber batteries that allow us to harness solar energy efficiently and on the go.
Professor Peng Huisheng from Fudan University’s Advanced Materials Laboratory and Department of Polymer Science has developed a new flexible, integrated fibrous energy device. This innovation features a fiber-like solar cell with a diameter as thin as a human hair—just 60 to 100 microns wide (1 mm equals 1,000 microns). These ultra-thin fibers can be woven into fabrics, making clothing act like large-scale solar panels. With this technology, everyday items could become power generators, providing energy whenever and wherever needed.
What makes this technology even more impressive is its ability to both convert sunlight into electricity and store the energy within the same fiber. Unlike traditional systems that require separate batteries or storage units, these solar fiber batteries integrate energy conversion and storage in one compact unit. This means even in the dark or during nighttime, users can still access stored solar energy, offering a continuous and reliable power source.
This development marks a significant leap forward in wearable energy technology, bringing us closer to a world where our daily attire powers our devices seamlessly. It's not just a scientific achievement—it's a glimpse into a future where sustainability and convenience are effortlessly combined.