3D Hybrid Microsupercapacitor Array for High-Voltage Energy Density

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current supercapacitors face limitations in energy density, power density, calendar life, cycle life, and production cost, which hinder their further development and widespread adoption in high-performance energy storage applications.

Innovation Solution

The development of a planar array of interconnected electrochemical cells using a laser-scribed graphene (LSG)-MnO2 configuration, which enhances the electrochemical performance by improving ionic and electronic transport and increasing the active surface area for charge storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If traditional supercapacitor structures are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but energy density and power density are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy densityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supercapacitor is divided into multiple individual cells connected in series and parallel configurations. Each cell contains separate electrodes, electrolyte layers, and separators. This segmentation allows achieving high energy density through multiple cells while managing structural complexity through modular assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from planar two-dimensional electrodes to three-dimensional porous electrode structures with interconnected networks. This dimensional change increases the active surface area for charge storage, thereby improving energy density while the porous structure also facilitates better electrolyte penetration and ionic transport

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Power

If conventional electrode configurations are used, then manufacturing is easier, but ionic and electronic transport is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower densityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electrodes are constructed using porous materials with controlled pore sizes and distributions. This porous structure dramatically improves ionic transport by providing numerous pathways for electrolyte penetration and ion diffusion, thereby increasing power density. The porous structure is achieved through established fabrication techniques that balance manufacturing feasibility with performance enhancement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite electrode structures combining conductive materials with active energy storage materials. This composite approach enhances electronic conductivity while maintaining high capacitance, improving power density. The composite structure integrates multiple functional components that work synergistically

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If simple cell structures are used, then production cost is lower, but cycle life and calendar life are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecycle lifeVSAvoidcell structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Separators with appropriate thickness and porosity are placed between electrodes to prevent direct contact and short circuits. These separators act as protective barriers that cushion mechanical stresses and prevent dendrite formation during cycling. The careful selection of separator materials and dimensions provides beforehand protection against failure modes, extending cycle life and calendar life

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs chemically stable electrolyte solutions and conducts operations in controlled atmospheres to prevent degradation reactions. This creates an inert environment that protects the electrodes from unwanted chemical reactions, thereby improving reliability and extending operational life

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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

This configuration achieves high energy and power densities, superior cycle stability, and reduced production costs, making it suitable for high-voltage applications and integration with solar cells for efficient energy harvesting and storage.

Implementation Method 1

laser-scribed graphene (LSG)-MnO2 configuration, which enhances the electrochemical performance by improving ionic and electronic transport

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

laser-scribed graphene (LSG)-MnO2 configuration, which enhances the electrochemical performance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 3

integration with solar cells for efficient energy harvesting and storage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3433865B1Devices and methods for high voltage and solar applications
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 NANOTECH ENERGY INC
  • EP3433865B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1D
  • EP3433865B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3433865B1 patent drawingFigure 2C~2E

AI summary

Provided herein are devices comprising one or more cells, and methods for fabrication thereof. The devices may be electrochemical devices. The devices may include three-dimensional supercapacitors. The devices may be microdevices such as, for example, microsupercapacitors. In some embodiments, the devices are three-dimensional hybrid microsupercapacitors. The devices may be configured for high voltage applications. In some embodiments, the devices are high voltage microsupercapacitors. In certain embodiments, the devices are high voltage asymmetric microsupercapacitors. In some embodiments, the devices are integrated microsupercapacitors for high voltage applications.