Nanochannel Capacitor Energy Density via Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage devices, particularly capacitors, face limitations in achieving high energy density due to their design and materials, which restrict their application in portable devices and electronic circuits.
Innovation Solution
The development of a capacitor with nanochannels formed in a dielectric material, where a conductive film is deposited over the interior surfaces, and an electrolytic solution is used to create a charge barrier, enabling the formation of a coaxial capacitor structure with enhanced charge storage capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional capacitor design is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but energy density is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor is segmented into multiple nanoscale channels, each acting as an independent storage unit. This segmentation increases the total surface area for charge storage while maintaining a compact overall device structure, thereby achieving high energy density without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where conductive films are deposited inside nanochannels that are themselves formed within a dielectric material. This nested arrangement maximizes the use of available space, allowing multiple functional layers to coexist in a compact volume, thus increasing energy density without linearly increasing device complexity
2Quantity of substance
If nanochannel structure is implemented, then energy density is increased, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric material with nanochannels is formed first using anodic aluminum oxidation (AAO) before any conductive films are deposited. This preliminary structuring creates a ready-made template that guides subsequent manufacturing steps, making the complex nanochannel formation process more manageable and repeatable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical drilling or etching methods for creating nanochannels with an electrochemical anodic oxidation process. This substitution enables precise nanoscale channel formation with better control over dimensions and uniformity, reducing manufacturing complexity compared to mechanical approaches
3Quantity of substance
If standard capacitor materials are used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but specific energy density remains below 100 Wh/kg
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor employs a composite structure combining dielectric material, conductive films, and electrolytic solution within nanochannels. This composite approach leverages the advantages of each material type to achieve high specific energy density exceeding 100 Wh/kg while maintaining compatibility with existing manufacturing techniques for each individual material component
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 results in a high-density capacitor capable of storing significantly more energy than standard ultracapacitors, with estimated specific energy densities exceeding 100 Wh/kg, making it suitable for advanced electronic and portable device applications.
Implementation Method 1
processing an Aluminum film to form a dielectric material with nanochannels therein by using anodic aluminum oxidation (AAO)
Implementation Method 2
an electrolytic solution is disposed in the nanochannels... A charge barrier is formed over the conductive film
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitor includes a plurality of nanochannels formed in a dielectric material. A conductive film is formed over interior surfaces of the nanochannels, and a charge barrier is formed over the conductive film. An electrolytic solution is disposed in the nanochannels. An electrode is coupled to the electrolytic solution in the nanochannels to form the capacitor.