A team of Chinese scientists has developed an implantable battery that continuously utilizes the body’s oxygen to power medical implants like pacemakers.
The battery, known as a sodium-oxygen (Na-O2) battery, uses safe chemicals like gold and sodium in electrodes to interact with body oxygen, generating electricity. Initial tests in lab rats showed promising results, with no signs of inflammation and outputs of 1.3 to 1.4 volts.
While insufficient for complex medical devices, the concept demonstrates the potential for biologically safe, self-powering batteries for future implantable technologies, reducing the need for battery replacement surgeries.