Thin-film/printable batteries market to reach $5.6 billion

The value of the thin-film and printed battery market will reach $5.6 billion by 2015, according to a report from NanoMarkets, an industry analyst firm.

The report, Thin Film and Printed Battery Markets, is the next in an ongoing series that covers the emerging markets for thin-film, organic and printable electronics.

According to the report, thin-film and printed batteries with their customisable shapes, flexible form factors and ultra-low weight are enabling new functionality to be added to a broad range of electronic products, such as smartcards, RFID and sensors, both increasing their usefulness and the size of their addressable markets.

In terms of market potential, the report projects that the thin-film and printed battery markets will be driven primarily by RFID which by 2015 will generate $4.6 billion revenues, smart cards which will generate $346 million in revenues and sensors that will create $434 million in revenues.

The study predicts that printing will have a growing role in the next generation of smart batteries resulting in the growth in demand for zinc manganese dioxide or carbon zinc inks. The study also predicts that there will be a growing number of alternatives for the dominant LiPON electrolytes, with improved conductivity and thermal properties.

While thin-film batteries using conventional lithium-based materials will remain the dominant factor, non lithium battery revenues will grow to $2.5 billion by 2015

For more information, visit NanoMarkets.