Working Process

Internal operation of paper batteries is similar to that of conventional batteries with each battery generating about 1.5V.

If one can recall traditional batteries work in the manner where positive charged particles called ions and negative charged particles called electrons move between positive electrodes called anode and negative electrode called cathode. Current flows as electrons flow from anode to the cathode through the conductor, since the electrolyte is an insulator and doesn’t provide a free path for electrons to travel.

Similarly in some paper batteries, carbon nanotubes act as cathode, the metal is the anode and paper is the separator.

Chemical reaction between metal and electrolyte results in production of ions whereas chemical reaction between carbon and electrolyte results in production of electrons. These electrons flow from the cathode to the anode through the external circuit.