mPhase Technologies, which is commercialising a new battery technology based on electrowetting, has made a video demonstrating that a liquid electrolyte can be controlled on a man made surface.
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"This video shows the control of a liquid on a surface. In this case the liquid represents the electrolyte which is kept separated by the membrane surface until power is needed," says mPhase CEO, Ron Durando.
This process allows the activation of the battery to be controlled. The video demonstration shows a liquid electrolyte droplet as it passes through a porous silicon membrane so that the electrolyte can come in contact with the battery's electrodes. This process of the liquid electrolyte coming in contact with the electrodes is what provides power to the battery.
In its inactive state, the electrolyte rests on mPhase's proprietary porous silicon membrane separator. The membrane's function is to keep the liquid electrolyte separate from the battery's positive and negative electrodes. Although the membrane is porous, the surface energy properties of the structure's materials do not allow the liquid electrolyte to pass through and come into contact with the electrodes, preventing the battery from activating prematurely.
The liquid electrolyte begins to pass through the membrane once it is told to do so. This is one example of the battery's "smart" capabilities.
The electrolyte completely passes through the membrane almost immediately, providing power. The video concludes with the electrolyte having completely passed through the membrane where it comes in complete contact with the electrode. At this point, the battery is active and creates a voltage that can power a device.