Wearable electronics and sensors are being extensively developed for several applications such as health monitors, watches, wristbands, eyeglasses, socks and smart clothing. Energy storage devices such as rechargeable batteries make wearable devices to become more independent from power outlets, or in other words, make device portability. Battery energy density determines how long a battery powered device will work before it needs a recharge. Longer the time before battery needs recharge, better it is for device applications. Therefore, the goal of battery researchers and engineers is to develop a battery that can provide high energy density and longer device operation. The state-of-the-art battery is the lithium-ion battery (LIB) technology outperforming any other battery for the aforementioned applications. Even LIB is limited in energy storage (energy density ~200 Wh/kg) and requires frequent battery charge. Some other major challenges associated with LIBs are high cost, low cycle life (restricted to 500 - 1000 cycles), safety, and negative environmental impacts. Further improvement in LIB is very limited as the technology is reaching the theoretical limit and therefore new battery technology with greater energy density and overall better performance must be developed in order to match the ever increasing power demand in fast growing electronics. Lithium sulfur battery (LSB) (energy density ~2600 Wh/kg) is one of the most promising batteries for next generation energy storage, enabling approximately 10 times more energy storage in LSB than LIB. Furthermore, sulfur is inexpensive, abundant and environmental friendly. Therefore, LSB is expected to be more economical, safe and environmentally sustainable compared to LIB. However, performance (cycle life, thermal stability and safety) of current LSB technology do not meet commercialization standards at current development stage and thus, open for further technological advancements. My thesis focuses on the development of novel materials that when successfully developed will improve the overall performance of LSB and can meet commercialization standards by combining thermal and dendrite-proof solid ion conducting ceramic based electrolyte (no liquid spillage) along with solid state and flexible S-cathode being developed in the Electrochemical Energy Systems Laboratory at the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) of University of Dayton (UD).

With its inclusion of the fundamentals, systems and applications, this reference provides readers with the basics of micro energy conversion along with expert knowledge on system electronics and real-life microdevices. The authors address different aspects of energy harvesting at the micro scale with a focus on miniaturized and microfabricated devices. Along the way they provide an overview of the field by compiling knowledge on the design, materials development, device realization and aspects of system integration, covering emerging technologies, as well as applications in power management, energy storage, medicine and low-power system electronics. In addition, they survey the energy harvesting principles based on chemical, thermal, mechanical, as well as hybrid and nanotechnology approaches. In unparalleled detail this volume presents the complete picture -- and a peek into the future -- of micro-powered microsystems.

Flexible and stretchable energy storage devices are increasingly being needed for a wide variety of applications such as wearable electronics, electronic papers, electronic skins, smart clothes, bendable smart phones and implantable medical devices. Wearable Energy Storage Devices discusses flexible and stretchable supercapacitors and batteries, stretchable and self-healing gel electrolytes, and hybrid wearable energy storage-harvesting devices.

Offers the first comprehensive account of this interesting and growing research field Printed Batteries: Materials, Technologies and Applications reviews the current state of the art for printed batteries, discussing the different types and materials, and describing the printing techniques. It addresses the main applications that are being developed for printed batteries as well as the major advantages and remaining challenges that exist in this rapidly evolving area of research. It is the first book on printed batteries that seeks to promote a deeper understanding of this increasingly relevant research and application area. It is written in a way so as to interest and motivate readers to tackle the many challenges that lie ahead so that the entire research community can provide the world with a bright, innovative future in the area of printed batteries. Topics covered in Printed Batteries include, Printed Batteries: Definition, Types and Advantages; Printing Techniques for Batteries, Including 3D Printing; Inks Formulation and Properties for Printing Techniques; Rheological Properties for Electrode Slurry; Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Printed Batteries; Printed Battery Design; and Printed Battery Applications. Covers everything readers need to know about the materials and techniques required for printed batteries Informs on the applications for printed batteries and what the benefits are Discusses the challenges that lie ahead as innovators continue with their research Printed Batteries: Materials, Technologies and Applications is a unique and informative book that will appeal to academic researchers, industrial scientists, and engineers working in the areas of sensors, actuators, energy storage, and printed electronics.

Textile-Based Energy Harvesting and Storage Devices for Wearable Electronics Discover state-of-the-art developments in textile-based wearable and stretchable electronics from leaders in the field In Textile-Based Energy Harvesting and Storage Devices for Wearable Electronics, renowned researchers Professor Xing Fan and his co-authors deliver an insightful and rigorous exploration of textile-based energy harvesting and storage systems. The book covers the principles of smart fibers and fabrics, as well as their fabrication methods. It introduces, in detail, several fiber- and fabric-based energy harvesting and storage devices, including photovoltaics, piezoelectrics, triboelectrics, supercapacitors, batteries, and sensing and self-powered electric fabrics. The authors also discuss expanded functions of smart fabrics, like stretchability, hydrophobicity, air permeability and color-changeability. The book includes sections on emerging electronic fibers and textiles, including stress-sensing, strain-sensing, and chemical-sensing textiles, as well as emerging self-powered electronic textiles. Textile-Based Energy Harvesting and Storage Devices for Wearable Electronics concludes with an in-depth treatment of upcoming challenges, opportunities, and commercialization requirements for electronic textiles, providing valuable insight into a highly lucrative new commercial sector. The book also offers: A thorough introduction to the evolution from classical functional fibers to intelligent fibers and textiles An exploration of typical film deposition technologies, like dry-process film deposition and wet-process technologies for roll-to-roll device fabrication Practical discussions of the fabrication process of intelligent fibers and textiles, including the synthesis of classical functional fibers and nano/micro assembly on fiber materials In-depth examinations of energy harvesting and energy storage fibers, including photovoltaic, piezoelectric, and supercapacitor fibers Perfect for materials scientists, engineering scientists, and sensor developers, Textile-Based Energy Harvesting and Storage Devices for Wearable Electronics is also an indispensable resource for electrical engineers and professionals in the sensor industry seeking a one-stop reference for fiber- and fabric-based energy harvesting and storage systems for wearable and stretchable power sources.

Flexible and stretchable energy storage devices are increasingly being needed for a wide variety of applications such as wearable electronics, electronic papers, electronic skins, smart clothes, bendable smart phones and implantable medical devices. Wearable Energy Storage Devices discusses flexible and stretchable supercapacitors and batteries, stretchable and self-healing gel electrolytes, and hybrid wearable energy storage-harvesting devices.

Distilling complex theoretical physical concepts into an understandable technical framework, Next-Generation Batteries and Fuel Cells for Commercial, Military, and Space Applications describes primary and secondary (rechargeable) batteries for various commercial, military, spacecraft, and satellite applications for covert communications, surveillan