3D Microelectrode Supercapacitors for Fast Charging at High Charge Density
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery technologies, particularly batteries, have limitations in energy density and capacity, hindering the advancement of portable electronics and renewable energy devices, as they require longer charge times and lower charge densities.
Innovation Solution
The development of supercapacitors with improved design and integration of hybrid materials for microfabrication of 3D microelectrodes, featuring an array of electrodes with a current collector and active material, allowing for reduced charge time and increased charge density, utilizing materials like carbon, graphene, and conducting polymers, and electrolytes such as tetraethyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate in acetonitrile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional battery materials are used, then energy storage capacity is limited, but charge time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of energy storage by transitioning from battery chemistry to supercapacitor technology, utilizing electrostatic energy storage mechanisms that enable rapid charging while maintaining high energy density through optimized electrode structures and materials
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite electrode structures combining conductive polymers with carbon-based materials (graphene, carbon nanotubes) to achieve both high charge density and rapid charge rates by leveraging the complementary properties of different materials
2Productivity
If battery technology is advanced according to Moore's law, then electronic device performance improves, but energy density advancement is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the energy storage mechanism from chemical (batteries) to electrostatic (supercapacitors), enabling energy densities that can keep pace with the rapid performance improvements in electronic devices governed by Moore's law
3Quantity of substance
If supercapacitor electrode array is manufactured with hybrid materials, then charge density increases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode manufacturing process into modular components (current collector, active material layers, conductive additives) that can be independently optimized and assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining high charge density
Solution Approach 2:
The invention develops universal electrode structures and material compositions that can be applied across different supercapacitor configurations and scales, simplifying manufacturing by eliminating the need for custom-designed solutions for each application
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 approach enables the creation of high-voltage supercapacitors with rapid charge and discharge capabilities, enhancing energy storage efficiency and power density, suitable for portable electronics and renewable energy applications.
Implementation Method 1
supercapacitor device comprising an array of electrodes, wherein each electrode comprises a current collector; and an active material on a portion of first surface of the current collector
Implementation Method 2
electrolytes such as tetraethyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate in acetonitrile
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides supercapacitors that may avoid the shortcomings of current energy storage technology. Provided herein are supercapacitor devices, and methods of fabrication thereof comprising the manufacture or synthesis of an active material on a current collector and/or the manufacture of supercapacitor electrodes to form planar and stacked arrays of supercapacitor electrodes and devices. Prototype supercapacitors disclosed herein may exhibit improved performance compared to commercial supercapacitors. Additionally, the present disclosure provides a simple, yet versatile technique for the fabrication of supercapacitors through masking and etching.