(307b) Transient Batteries for Self-Powered Bioelectronics

While conventional batteries are widely used for energy storage, they are often non-degradable, use toxic components, and are harmful to the environment and humans, which discourages their use in biocompatible applications. As energy demand continues to soar, the need for viable environmentally friendly, implantable, and biocompatible transient battery solutions is required, which are limited in translational application due to their low operating voltage and energy density in contrast to conventional batteries. Transient materials fully degrade after a period of stable operation in the human body and/or environment, minimizing waste after delivering reliable performance. The emergence of transient materials in recent years presents an opportunity to develop transient batteries, which can safely power on-body electronics with minimal risk and be safely disposed of after use. For implantable transient batteries, no retrieval surgery is required after the electronic system performs the designated function. In this oral presentation, we will introduce different types of transient and/or bioresorbable batteries and compare their operating voltage and energy density. Demonstrations with our transient batteries span a spectrum of energy-demanding applications, including cardiac pacemaking in live animal models, powering Bluetooth modules and microcontrollers, and operating as a heating element.