Scientists Roll Out Paper Batteries

Scientists have come up with a paper-like substance that can act as a power source, Scientific American reports. The thin, flexible substance—composed of cellulose, carbon nanotubes, and liquid salts—can be used as both a battery and a supercapacitor, which can deliver quick bursts of high power. What's more, it can be cut, rolled up, or bent just like paper.

The paper batteries also can withstand temperatures as high as 350 F, without bursting into flames, and might eventually be able to be rolled off of a printing press.  The battery is the product of a team effort by three separate labs at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute—biopolymers, nanotubes and electronics. (More battery stories.)