Carbon Nano-Ink Composition for Printable Flexible Micro-Supercapacitors
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in scaling up the production of graphene-based energy storage devices like micro-supercapacitors and micro-batteries due to interparticle resistance, mechanical instability, and the need for controlled surface area exposure, limiting their application in emerging fields such as IoT and wearable electronics.
Innovation Solution
Formulation of graphene aerosol gel ink using catalyst-free detonation of hydrocarbons, combined with carbon nanotubes and a specific liquid vehicle, to create stable nano-inks suitable for inkjet printing on flexible substrates, enhancing surface area and electrochemical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If graphene is used for energy storage applications to exploit its large surface area, then energy storage capacity is improved, but interparticle resistance and mechanical instability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines graphene with carbon nanotubes and conductive polymers to create composite materials that maintain the high surface area of graphene while adding mechanical strength and electrical conductivity through the other components, thereby resolving the contradiction between surface area and mechanical stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different treatments to different regions of the graphene structure, such as functionalizing specific areas with conductive polymers or combining with carbon nanotubes at strategic locations, to locally enhance mechanical and electrical properties without sacrificing overall surface area
2Quantity of substance
If graphene is modified to increase surface area exposure, then energy storage capacity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the manufacturing process into separate stages: first creating the graphene structure, then adding functional components like carbon nanotubes and conductive polymers in subsequent steps, which simplifies each individual step while achieving the cumulative effect of increased surface area and improved properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dispersants and binders as intermediary substances to facilitate the incorporation of graphene and other nanomaterials into the energy storage device structure, simplifying the manufacturing process by enabling easy mixing and deposition without requiring complex handling of raw nanomaterials
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional printing methods are used for manufacturing energy storage devices, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but scalability and productivity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inkjet printing technology, which uses pneumatic and hydraulic principles to deposit precise patterns of conductive inks containing graphene and other nanomaterials, enabling scalable manufacturing while maintaining process simplicity and flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the ink formulations, such as viscosity, conductivity, and drying characteristics, to optimize them for high-speed printing processes, thereby enabling scalability without sacrificing manufacturing simplicity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The resulting nano-inks enable the production of flexible energy storage devices with superior electrochemical performance, demonstrating high capacity retention and efficient charge-discharge cycles, suitable for scalable manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
Nano-inks, and methods of making such nano-inks, comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of a very stable suspension containing a hybrid structure of 2D graphene, 1D nanotubes and/or quasi-3D aerosol gels
Implementation Method 2
graphene aerosol gel ink has been formulated and used in inkjet printing of micro-supercapacitors. In certain embodiments, the graphene aerosol gel used was synthesized by controlled environment detonation of hydrocarbons
Data Source
AI summary
Electrically conductive ink compositions are provided that comprise at carbon nanomaterials of one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and quasi-three-dimensional nanostructures and/or their combinations, and/or doping with elements such as nitrogen, boron, sulfur, in certain ratios. The carbon nanomaterials are selected from the group consisting of graphene and graphene oxide particles, carbon nanotubes, and graphene aerosol gels.