Cu3Bi2I9 Light-Harvesting Supercapacitor With Gel Electrolyte Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated energy harvesting and storage devices face issues such as high cost, bulkiness, and inefficient fabrication processes, limiting their practical application in off-grid power sources and IoT devices.
Innovation Solution
A light harvesting supercapacitor is developed using a gel electrolyte and copper bismuth nanoparticles, comprising Cu3Bi2I9 nanoparticles with a polyvinylpyrrolidone-based electrolyte, which enhances energy storage and conversion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If integrated energy harvesting and storage devices are fabricated using conventional methods, then energy storage capacity is achieved, but device bulkiness and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines light harvesting and energy storage functions into a single integrated device by depositing copper bismuth iodide perovskite layer directly onto the supercapacitor electrodes, eliminating the need for separate photovoltaic cells and external wiring, thus reducing device bulkiness while maintaining energy storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The use of thin film perovskite layer (Cu3Bi2I9) deposited on the supercapacitor electrodes enables light harvesting functionality without adding significant volume, as the active layer is only a few hundred nanometers thick, thereby achieving high energy storage capacity in a compact form factor
2Use of energy by moving object
If metal halide perovskites are used for light harvesting, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost and fabrication complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The copper bismuth iodide perovskite layer serves dual functions: it acts as both the light harvesting active layer and the electrode material for the supercapacitor, eliminating the need for separate electrode fabrication and reducing manufacturing steps, thus lowering fabrication complexity and cost while maintaining high energy conversion efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copper bismuth iodide (Cu3Bi2I9) perovskite, a composite material combining copper and bismuth elements, which provides both excellent light harvesting properties and electrochemical stability, achieving high energy conversion efficiency while being suitable for cost-effective solution processing
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate energy harvesting and storage devices are integrated, then functional versatility is improved, but fabrication process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light harvesting layer and supercapacitor electrodes into a single fabrication process by depositing copper bismuth iodide perovskite directly onto the electrode substrates, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and external circuitry, thus achieving functional versatility with simplified fabrication
Solution Approach 2:
The copper bismuth iodide perovskite layer performs multiple functions simultaneously: it absorbs light to generate charge carriers, serves as the electrode material for electrochemical energy storage, and provides structural integrity, thereby achieving multi-functionality without increasing fabrication process complexity
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 supercapacitor achieves specific capacitances of 200-700 mF/g, energy densities of 35-95 mW·h/Kg, and power densities of 1-20 kW/Kg, with improved efficiency and reduced bulkiness.
Implementation Method 1
MHPs manifest broad absorbance across the ultraviolet (UV) light, visible light, and near-infrared regions of the solar spectrum
Implementation Method 2
Photovoltaic (PV) cells, capable of directly converting sunlight into electricity
Implementation Method 3
The ionic and opto-ionic properties allow the migration and/or diffusion of ionic species within the ABX3 crystals without deformation
Implementation Method 4
In battery applications, MHPs may provide metal ion intercalation. Further, MHPs were used as anode electrode in Li-ion battery. The researchers suggested topotactic insertion as the mechanism by which Li+ intake/release proceeded within the halide perovskite host
Data Source
AI summary
A light harvesting supercapacitor includes a first transparent substrate, a first active layer including copper bismuth iodide (Cu3Bi2I9) nanoparticles on the first transparent substrate. The light harvesting supercapacitor further includes an electrolyte layer including a gel electrolyte disposed on the first active layer, a second active layer including Cu3Bi2I9 nanoparticles on the electrolyte layer, and a second transparent substrate on the second active layer. The gel electrolyte includes polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), an organic solvent, and an ion-forming substance.