Periodic Reporting for period 1 - IONOLOGIC (Ultracapacitor Logic Gates)
Berichtszeitraum: 2023-03-01 bis 2025-08-31
Today’s electronics are dominated by solid-state technologies relying on fast electron movement in semiconductors. This has enabled powerful computing, communication, and automation. However, as demand grows for smaller, energy-efficient systems, especially in wearables, implants, environmental sensors, and IoT, traditional electronics face serious limitations. Silicon-based devices are rigid, power-hungry, and not ideal for soft, bio-integrated, or flexible systems. Further miniaturization also leads to performance and thermal issues.
The IONOLOGIC project addresses these challenges by exploring iontronics, devices that use ions alongside electrons to store, sense, and process information. Iontronic devices can function in wet, flexible environments, adapt to stimuli, and combine multiple functions in a single component.
This work aligns with several needs:
• The need for green, sustainable electronics.
• Growth of flexible and printed electronics.
• Advancement in neuromorphic and adaptive computing.
• Demand for energy-autonomous, distributed systems.
IONOLOGIC focuses on developing printed iontronic devices using electrochemical phenomena such as redox reactions and electroadsorption. These devices are fabricated via scalable, additive manufacturing.
Key goals include:
1. Designing multifunctional devices (e.g. CAPodes, G-Caps, G-CAPodes) for energy storage and signal control.
2. Developing printable, non-toxic materials with high electrochemical performance.
3. Understanding ion–electron interactions at hybrid interfaces.
4. Demonstrating scalable fabrication methods, printing and rapid prototyping.
5. Exploring applications in AC filtering, logic, wearables, and soft robotics.
IONOLOGIC aims to unlock a new class of adaptive, sustainable, and bio-compatible electronics, contributing to Europe’s technological leadership in printed systems.
The IONOLOGIC project addresses these challenges by exploring iontronics, devices that use ions alongside electrons to store, sense, and process information. Iontronic devices can function in wet, flexible environments, adapt to stimuli, and combine multiple functions in a single component.
This work aligns with several needs:
• The need for green, sustainable electronics.
• Growth of flexible and printed electronics.
• Advancement in neuromorphic and adaptive computing.
• Demand for energy-autonomous, distributed systems.
IONOLOGIC focuses on developing printed iontronic devices using electrochemical phenomena such as redox reactions and electroadsorption. These devices are fabricated via scalable, additive manufacturing.
Key goals include:
1. Designing multifunctional devices (e.g. CAPodes, G-Caps, G-CAPodes) for energy storage and signal control.
2. Developing printable, non-toxic materials with high electrochemical performance.
3. Understanding ion–electron interactions at hybrid interfaces.
4. Demonstrating scalable fabrication methods, printing and rapid prototyping.
5. Exploring applications in AC filtering, logic, wearables, and soft robotics.
IONOLOGIC aims to unlock a new class of adaptive, sustainable, and bio-compatible electronics, contributing to Europe’s technological leadership in printed systems.
The IONOLOGIC project developed a new class of printed iontronic devices that combine energy storage, signal processing, and logic functionalities. Key achievements include innovations in device architecture, materials development, fabrication techniques, and fundamental understanding of iontronic behavior.
1. Device development (CAPodes and G-CAPodes): CAPodes integrate capacitor and diode functionalities to enable simultaneous energy storage and unidirectional charging/discharging. G-CAPodes feature a gate-controlled structure allowing dynamic tuning of device behavior. Both were fabricated using redox-active electrolytes and porous electrodes, showing promising performance in AC filtering and low-power applications.
2. New materials: The project developed high-performance, printable materials:
• New electrolytes with fast ion transport and long-term stability.
• Porous carbon electrodes with enhanced surface area and ionic conductivity.
• Environmentally friendly inks compatible with scalable printing methods (piezo-printing).
3. Understanding ionotrnic mechanisms: Studies revealed how ionic and electronic charges interact at interfaces, highlighting non-linear and time-dependent behaviors. This deepened knowledge enables improved device performance and reliability.
4. Demonstrations and applications: Devices were successfully explored in:
• AC filtering circuits, allowing tunable cutoff frequencies.
• Energy-autonomous systems, acting as combined storage and signal-processing units, ideal for IoT and portable electronics.
Project outcomes:
• Functional ionotronic devices combining storage and logic.
• Scalable, eco-friendly fabrication techniques.
• Advanced insights into ionic-electronic charge transport.
• Prototype validation for real-world use cases in wearables, soft robotics, and distributed electronics.
These achievements pave the way for future research and commercialization in sustainable, flexible, and bio-compatible iontronics.
1. Device development (CAPodes and G-CAPodes): CAPodes integrate capacitor and diode functionalities to enable simultaneous energy storage and unidirectional charging/discharging. G-CAPodes feature a gate-controlled structure allowing dynamic tuning of device behavior. Both were fabricated using redox-active electrolytes and porous electrodes, showing promising performance in AC filtering and low-power applications.
2. New materials: The project developed high-performance, printable materials:
• New electrolytes with fast ion transport and long-term stability.
• Porous carbon electrodes with enhanced surface area and ionic conductivity.
• Environmentally friendly inks compatible with scalable printing methods (piezo-printing).
3. Understanding ionotrnic mechanisms: Studies revealed how ionic and electronic charges interact at interfaces, highlighting non-linear and time-dependent behaviors. This deepened knowledge enables improved device performance and reliability.
4. Demonstrations and applications: Devices were successfully explored in:
• AC filtering circuits, allowing tunable cutoff frequencies.
• Energy-autonomous systems, acting as combined storage and signal-processing units, ideal for IoT and portable electronics.
Project outcomes:
• Functional ionotronic devices combining storage and logic.
• Scalable, eco-friendly fabrication techniques.
• Advanced insights into ionic-electronic charge transport.
• Prototype validation for real-world use cases in wearables, soft robotics, and distributed electronics.
These achievements pave the way for future research and commercialization in sustainable, flexible, and bio-compatible iontronics.
The IONOLOGIC project delivered pioneering results in the field of printed iontronic devices, components that combine ionic and electronic charge control for multifunctional operation. Key scientific and technical achievements include:
• AC filtering circuits, allowing tunable cutoff frequencies.
• Development of printed capacitor-diode devices (CAPodes) that combine energy storage and signal rectification.
• Implementation of gate-controlled diodes (G-CAPodes) allowing dynamic tuning and programmable signal control.
• Formulation of printable, redox-active electrolytes and porous electrode inks.
• Demonstration of scalable fabrication techniques such as stencil and roll-to-roll printing, suitable for industrial production.
• New insights into ionic/electronic transport, non-linear behavior, and asymmetric electrode design.
• Application-level demonstrations in AC filtering, signal modulation, and flexible electronics for wearables and distributed systems.
Potential Impacts: IONOLOGIC opens a new pathway for sustainable, multifunctional electronics that address the rigidity and energy intensity of silicon-based technologies.
1. Green and flexible electronics: The use of non-toxic materials and low-temperature processing supports sustainable platforms for disposable sensors, smart packaging, and e-textiles.
2. Energy-efficient signal processing: CAPodes reduce component count and energy loss, benefiting ultra-low-power electronics for IoT and neuromorphic systems.
3. Wearable/implantable devices: Soft and aqueous-compatible devices are ideal for bio-integrated medical sensors and flexible electronics.
4. Energy-autonomous systems: Integrated energy storage and logic functions support self-powered platforms for agriculture, logistics, and infrastructure monitoring.
5. New logic paradigm: Electrochemical logic using redox-based charge control sets the foundation for future post-silicon computation and material-level intelligence.
Key Needs for Further Uptake:
1. Research and optimization:
• Further miniaturization and benchmarking vs. conventional technologies.
• Long-term testing under real-world conditions.
• Modeling tools for full-system simulation.
• Mechanistic understanding
2. • Demonstration and prototyping:
• Realization of systems with higher complexity (system integration)
• Integration into real-world applications like wearable sensors or autonomous modules.
• Validation via pilots with industrial or healthcare partners.
3. Market access and funding:
• Seed investment or venture capital for spin-off ventures.
• Licensing opportunities for device designs and materials.
4. Commercialisation and IPR:
• Protection of core innovations (device structures, inks, printing processes).
• Technology transfer and market-specific business development.
5. Internationalisation and collaboration:
• Exploration of Bionterfaces
• Global partnerships for co-development and application expansion.
• Participation in printed electronics standardisation efforts.
6. Regulatory framework:
• Compliance strategies for healthcare and consumer markets.
• Cooperation on certification of printed electrochemical devices.
• AC filtering circuits, allowing tunable cutoff frequencies.
• Development of printed capacitor-diode devices (CAPodes) that combine energy storage and signal rectification.
• Implementation of gate-controlled diodes (G-CAPodes) allowing dynamic tuning and programmable signal control.
• Formulation of printable, redox-active electrolytes and porous electrode inks.
• Demonstration of scalable fabrication techniques such as stencil and roll-to-roll printing, suitable for industrial production.
• New insights into ionic/electronic transport, non-linear behavior, and asymmetric electrode design.
• Application-level demonstrations in AC filtering, signal modulation, and flexible electronics for wearables and distributed systems.
Potential Impacts: IONOLOGIC opens a new pathway for sustainable, multifunctional electronics that address the rigidity and energy intensity of silicon-based technologies.
1. Green and flexible electronics: The use of non-toxic materials and low-temperature processing supports sustainable platforms for disposable sensors, smart packaging, and e-textiles.
2. Energy-efficient signal processing: CAPodes reduce component count and energy loss, benefiting ultra-low-power electronics for IoT and neuromorphic systems.
3. Wearable/implantable devices: Soft and aqueous-compatible devices are ideal for bio-integrated medical sensors and flexible electronics.
4. Energy-autonomous systems: Integrated energy storage and logic functions support self-powered platforms for agriculture, logistics, and infrastructure monitoring.
5. New logic paradigm: Electrochemical logic using redox-based charge control sets the foundation for future post-silicon computation and material-level intelligence.
Key Needs for Further Uptake:
1. Research and optimization:
• Further miniaturization and benchmarking vs. conventional technologies.
• Long-term testing under real-world conditions.
• Modeling tools for full-system simulation.
• Mechanistic understanding
2. • Demonstration and prototyping:
• Realization of systems with higher complexity (system integration)
• Integration into real-world applications like wearable sensors or autonomous modules.
• Validation via pilots with industrial or healthcare partners.
3. Market access and funding:
• Seed investment or venture capital for spin-off ventures.
• Licensing opportunities for device designs and materials.
4. Commercialisation and IPR:
• Protection of core innovations (device structures, inks, printing processes).
• Technology transfer and market-specific business development.
5. Internationalisation and collaboration:
• Exploration of Bionterfaces
• Global partnerships for co-development and application expansion.
• Participation in printed electronics standardisation efforts.
6. Regulatory framework:
• Compliance strategies for healthcare and consumer markets.
• Cooperation on certification of printed electrochemical devices.