A team of researches has managed to create flexible paper batteries, which could end up powering future generations of gadgets. The paper batteries use carbon nanotubing and ionic liquids to store energy, which means they don’t contain the toxic materials found in batteries currently available.

What’s more, the batteries integrate all components into one structure, which makes them more efficient. In regular batteries power is lost every time it is transferred from one component to another.

The amount of power the batteries can currently generate is modest, but the design is flexible and might eventually end up powering cars as well as gadgets. Some experts are however skeptical about what the design will eventually achieve, but the creators of the paper battery remain optimistic, though even they admit the design is still some way from breaking through in the commercial market.

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