Periodic Reporting for period 1 - 3D-APP (High-energy micro-supercapacitors based on low-cost materials)
Reporting period: 2022-05-01 to 2023-10-31
In a world increasingly reliant on miniaturized electronic devices, the need for efficient energy storage solutions for self-powered microsystems has become paramount. These microsystems, including wearable electronics, MEMS, and WSNs, serve critical functions in various sectors, from healthcare to environmental monitoring and the Internet of Things (IoT). However, the challenge lies in providing these small-scale devices with reliable and long-lasting energy autonomy.
The traditional approach of using micro-batteries, such as Li-ion batteries, faces limitations, including inefficiency for high-power demands and finite lifetimes. These drawbacks make them impractical for applications involving numerous network nodes, where maintenance and component replacement become problematic. As an alternative, micro-supercapacitors have emerged as a promising solution. These devices, unlike micro-batteries, offer rapid charging and discharging, along with a nearly unlimited lifespan.
Three-dimensional pseudocapacitive ruthenium oxide led to the development of all-solid-state micro-supercapacitors with exceptional energy density. However, the use of ruthenium in these micro-supercapacitors raised concerns about cost and sustainability. To address these issues, the 3D-APP project proposed a shift to manganese dioxide (MnO2) electrodes, a cost-effective and abundantly available alternative. The goal is to deposit MnO2 as a thin film on nickel-based nanostructures, overcoming MnO2's low conductivity and achieving stability over extended periods.
Using ionic liquid electrolytes further extended the potential of MnO2 micro-supercapacitors by enabling extended cell voltage. The groundbreaking nature of this project comes with inherent risks, mainly concerning the achievement of performance targets.
The traditional approach of using micro-batteries, such as Li-ion batteries, faces limitations, including inefficiency for high-power demands and finite lifetimes. These drawbacks make them impractical for applications involving numerous network nodes, where maintenance and component replacement become problematic. As an alternative, micro-supercapacitors have emerged as a promising solution. These devices, unlike micro-batteries, offer rapid charging and discharging, along with a nearly unlimited lifespan.
Three-dimensional pseudocapacitive ruthenium oxide led to the development of all-solid-state micro-supercapacitors with exceptional energy density. However, the use of ruthenium in these micro-supercapacitors raised concerns about cost and sustainability. To address these issues, the 3D-APP project proposed a shift to manganese dioxide (MnO2) electrodes, a cost-effective and abundantly available alternative. The goal is to deposit MnO2 as a thin film on nickel-based nanostructures, overcoming MnO2's low conductivity and achieving stability over extended periods.
Using ionic liquid electrolytes further extended the potential of MnO2 micro-supercapacitors by enabling extended cell voltage. The groundbreaking nature of this project comes with inherent risks, mainly concerning the achievement of performance targets.
Preliminary experiments with MnO2 on 3D Ni current collectors demonstrated promising capacitance. While lower than RuO2, MnO2's affordability and sustainability make it a compelling choice for large-scale applications. The development of highly porous Ni current collectors using the dynamic hydrogen bubble template (DHBT) method enable efficient utilization of MnO2.
In parallel, innovative Na-based ionic liquid electrolytes are explored to extend the cell voltage of MnO2. Experiments indicate the potential to achieve cell voltages exceeding 2.5 V, a critical advancement for MnO2-based micro-supercapacitors.
In parallel, innovative Na-based ionic liquid electrolytes are explored to extend the cell voltage of MnO2. Experiments indicate the potential to achieve cell voltages exceeding 2.5 V, a critical advancement for MnO2-based micro-supercapacitors.
The results achieved in this project hold significant promise for advancing micro-supercapacitor technology. The shift from expensive and less sustainable materials like ruthenium to abundant manganese dioxide offers cost-effective solutions for micro-supercapacitors.
These micro-supercapacitors have the potential to revolutionize various industries, from wearable electronics to IoT devices. They can provide reliable, long-lasting energy storage with rapid charge-discharge capabilities. Moreover, the use of innovative ionic liquid electrolytes extends their operating voltage range.
To ensure the success and widespread adoption of these micro-supercapacitors, further research, demonstration, and access to markets and finance are essential. Efforts focus on optimizing the deposition of MnO2 and scaling up production. Additionally, strategies for commercialization and intellectual property protection are necessary to support the growth of this technology.
In conclusion, the 3D-APP project represents a significant step forward in the development of low-cost, high-performance micro-supercapacitors based on MnO2. These micro-devices have the potential to transform the landscape of energy storage for embedded electronics, wearables, and IoT applications, offering sustainable, reliable, and powerful energy solutions for the future.
These micro-supercapacitors have the potential to revolutionize various industries, from wearable electronics to IoT devices. They can provide reliable, long-lasting energy storage with rapid charge-discharge capabilities. Moreover, the use of innovative ionic liquid electrolytes extends their operating voltage range.
To ensure the success and widespread adoption of these micro-supercapacitors, further research, demonstration, and access to markets and finance are essential. Efforts focus on optimizing the deposition of MnO2 and scaling up production. Additionally, strategies for commercialization and intellectual property protection are necessary to support the growth of this technology.
In conclusion, the 3D-APP project represents a significant step forward in the development of low-cost, high-performance micro-supercapacitors based on MnO2. These micro-devices have the potential to transform the landscape of energy storage for embedded electronics, wearables, and IoT applications, offering sustainable, reliable, and powerful energy solutions for the future.