Self-Charging Supercapacitor with Metal-Electrode Ohmic Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Supercapacitors are limited to only storing energy and cannot harvest energy, which restricts their functionality and efficiency in energy storage applications.
Innovation Solution
A self-charging supercapacitor design that incorporates a metal electrode and a carbon nanotube/polyaniline composite film, forming an Ohmic contact with a metal-air cell, allowing it to switch between self-charging and non-self-charging modes by using an electrolyte to facilitate energy harvesting and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a conventional supercapacitor is used, then energy storage capability is achieved, but energy harvesting capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a supercapacitor structure with a metal-air cell structure into a single integrated device. The supercapacitor electrodes serve dual purposes: as energy storage elements and as electrodes for the metal-air cell that enables energy harvesting. This merging allows the device to perform both energy storage and energy harvesting functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional device where the same components serve multiple purposes. The metal electrode and carbon nanotube/polyaniline composite film function both as supercapacitor electrodes for energy storage and as electrochemical cell components for energy harvesting, achieving versatility in a single device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a metal-air cell is added for energy harvesting, then energy harvesting capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding a separate metal-air cell as an independent component, the patent merges it with the supercapacitor structure. The metal electrode and carbon nanotube/polyaniline composite film serve as shared components between the supercapacitor and metal-air cell, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining energy harvesting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses universal components that perform multiple functions. The same metal electrode and carbon nanotube/polyaniline composite film act as both supercapacitor electrodes and metal-air cell electrodes, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing structural complexity.
3Productivity
If an electrolyte connection is used to enable self-charging mode, then energy harvesting efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service mechanism where the electrolyte automatically connects or disconnects the metal electrode and carbon nanotube/polyaniline composite film based on the device's operational state. When the device is bent or compressed, the electrolyte connection is established enabling self-charging; when returned to normal state, the connection breaks, disabling self-charging mode. This eliminates the need for external control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic control system where the electrolyte connection state changes automatically in response to mechanical deformation of the device. The connection is established during bending/compression for rapid charging and broken during normal operation, providing adaptive control without complex circuitry or external intervention.
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
Enables the supercapacitor to efficiently harvest and store energy, demonstrated by rapid charging capabilities and sufficient energy density to power wearable electronic devices, with the ability to connect multiple units in series for increased voltage output.
Implementation Method 1
a metal electrode and a carbon nanotube/polyaniline composite film, forming an Ohmic contact with a metal-air cell
Implementation Method 2
using an electrolyte to facilitate energy harvesting and storage
Data Source
AI summary
A self-charging supercapacitor is provided which includes a supercapacitor first electrode, a supercapacitor second electrode, a first electrolyte, and a metal electrode. The supercapacitor first electrode and the supercapacitor second electrode are parallel to and spaced apart front each other. The metal electrode and the supercapacitor second electrode form an Ohmic contact, the metal electrode is spaced apart from and opposite to the supercapacitor first electrode.