3D micro-supercapacitors for embedded electronics

Project Information

3D-CAP

Grant agreement ID: 771793

DOI

10.3030/771793

Project closed

EC signature date 28 March 2018

Start date 1 April 2018

End date 30 September 2023

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)

Total cost

€ 1 673 438,00

EU contribution

€ 1 673 438,00

Coordinated by

CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS
France

Periodic Reporting for period 4 - 3D-CAP (3D micro-supercapacitors for embedded electronics)

Reporting period: 2022-10-01 to 2023-09-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The realization of high-performance micro-supercapacitors remains a significant challenge, despite the growing demand for miniaturized energy storage devices in applications ranging from wearable electronic gadgets to wireless sensor networks and the Internet of Things. While micro-supercapacitors offer rapid charge and discharge capabilities with a quasi-unlimited lifetime, their energy storage capacity has been a limiting factor. In the 3D-CAP project, we introduce a paradigm shift in micro-supercapacitor design, aiming to enhance energy storage capacities.

As a significant achievement, the project successfully developed micro-supercapacitor electrodes using hydrous ruthenium dioxide (RuO2), a pseudocapacitive material known for its high capacitance. A thin film of ruthenium oxide was conformally deposited onto a high-surface-area 3D current collector, prepared using an innovative dynamic template constructed with hydrogen bubbles. The structural features of these 3D architectures were precisely tailored through advanced processing methodologies, employing deposition methods such as Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) or electrodeposition for the ruthenium oxide. The electrodes were combined with a groundbreaking solid electrolyte (protic ionogel) capable of operating over an extended cell voltage. Notably, prototypes demonstrate a huge electrode areal capacitance of 24 F/cm2, showcasing a significant leap in performance.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The project unfolded through four main tasks: the fabrication of 3D current collectors, modeling and deposition of pseudocapacitive material, development of a protic ionogel electrolyte, and realization of all-solid-state microsupercapacitor prototypes. All work packages were successfully implemented, resulting in highly porous metallic current collectors and 3D microsupercapacitor electrodes with exceptional capacitance. Notably, prototypes with diverse designs were invevestigated.
Additionally, a better understanding of the pseudocapacitance mechanisms in hydrous ruthenium dioxide electrodes was achieved through ab initio Molecular Dynamics Simulations, providing valuable insights into the electrochemical reactions occurring in these materials.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The anticipated outcome of the 3D-CAP project is the creation of 3D micro-supercapacitors exhibiting exceptionally high power and extended lifetime. A major breakthrough has been achieved, with electrode areal capacitance reaching an impressive 24 F/cm2, surpassing previous expectations. The project envisions pushing these boundaries further, with ongoing efforts to optimize the design and characteristics of prototypes. These achievements mark a significant advancement beyond the current state of the art in micro-supercapacitor technology.
The project aims to contribute valuable insights into the field of energy storage and micro-supercapacitor development. Exploitation and dissemination efforts are underway to share these advancements with the scientific community and industry stakeholders. The better understanding of pseudocapacitance mechanisms through ab initio Molecular Dynamics Simulations further enhances the project's scientific impact. The project team looks forward to the next phase, building upon the knowledge gained and technological innovations to unlock new possibilities in micro-supercapacitor applications.

Micro-supercapacitor device based on porous RuO2 for on-chip electronics