At Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), researchers are using new materials to build new and more efficient batteries to put in the vests that will wear next-generation soldiers. For example, the future Army’s Power Vest will use lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries which will deliver almost twice energy as current Li-ion ones.

But Argonne scientists are also developing implantable batteries. These rechargeable batteries, which are 100 times smaller than a standard AA battery, can power implantable microstimulator systems designed to help patients with neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, or muscular impairments.

These batteries are currently under evaluation by industrial partners and should soon be available. Read more for other details and references about these implantable batteries.