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Ever wish there was an easier way to charge your phone on the go? Well, one day, you might be able to charge your devices using only the shirt on your back. Scientists are working on a t-shirt with individual fibers that store electrical power. The scientists see that we are approaching a future where cell phones and computers are as flexible and thin as paper. So, they set out to create a charging method to match, where you could, for example, roll up your phone and put it in your pocket to charge. They started by taking a t-shirt and soaking it in a fluoride solution. Then they baked the t-shirt at a very high temperature. During the process, the fibers in the fabric converted from cellulose to activated carbon. Small parts of the fiber were then used as electrodes and were able to act as capacitors, which store electrical charges. Simple, right? And it’s environmentally friendly to boot.
About Shelly Palmer
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with AI strategy, implementation and governance, as well as technology, media and marketing. Named one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in Technology, he is a bestselling author, covers tech and business for Fox 5’s Good Day New York, is a regular commentator on CNN, and writes the popular daily business blog Think About This. Follow @shellypalmer or visit shellypalmer.com.