Researchers from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have developed ultra-thin batteries for smart contact lenses that can be charged from tears.
Smart contact lenses similar to those shown in the movie “Mission Impossible” have become a reality thanks to this new invention. Professor Lee Seok-woo of Nanyang Technological University shared with CNBC that a scene from this movie inspired him to create smart contact lenses.
Ultra-thin batteries as thin as 0.2 mm can be charged from a tear, providing enough energy for the operation of the device with augmented reality. This technology can also be used to monitor sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Batteries can be charged by either conductive or chemical methods. The chemical method is based on the reaction between glucose, which is on the surface of the battery, and sodium and chloride ions in a salt solution. After 8 hours of charging, the battery can fill up to 80% of its capacity, which provides several hours of contact lens use.