Disclosed is a paper battery that includes a cellulosic substrate having absorbed thereon an electrolyte material and first and second barrier substrates disposed on opposite sides of the cellulosic substrate. Each of the first and second barrier substrates have an electrode printed thereon. At least one of the first and second barrier substrates includes first and second polymer layers. Further disclosed is a method of manufacturing a paper battery that includes the steps of absorbing an electrolyte material onto a cellulosic substrate and disposing on opposite sides of the cellulosic substrate first and second barrier substrates. Each of the first and second barrier substrates have an electrode printed thereon. At least one of the first and second barrier substrates includes first and second polymer layers.