Here we discuss two alternative approaches for building flexible batteries
for applications in smart textiles. The first approach uses well-studied
inorganic electrochemistry (Al-NaOCl galvanic cell) and innovative packaging in
order to produce batteries in a slender and flexible fiber form that can be
further weaved directly into the textiles. During fabrication process the
battery electrodes are co-drawn within a microstructured polymer fiber, which
is later filled with liquid electrolyte. The second approach describes Li-ion
chemistry within solid polymer electrolytes that are used to build a fully
solid and soft rechargeable battery that can be furthermore stitched onto a
textile, or integrated as stripes during weaving process
