Single-Junction Solar Supercapacitor With TiO2-PANI Self-Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light responsive supercapacitors have limitations in terms of self-charging ability, capacitance, and energy density, necessitating the development of a device with enhanced performance characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A light harvesting supercapacitor is designed with a transparent conducting substrate, an active layer comprising TiO2 nanoparticles and polyaniline nanoparticles, an electrolyte layer including polyvinyl alcohol and specific ionic materials, and a carbon electrode, which allows for self-charging without external bias, achieving higher capacitance and energy density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional light responsive supercapacitors are used, then basic energy storage function is achieved, but self-charging ability and energy density are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a solar cell and supercapacitor into a single integrated device structure. The solar cell generates electrical energy from light, which is directly stored in the supercapacitor electrodes without external circuitry, achieving both self-charging capability and high energy density in one unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions simultaneously: the active layer serves as both the photoactive component for light conversion and one electrode for energy storage, while the electrolyte provides both ionic conduction and charge storage. This multi-functionality enables self-charging and high energy density without additional components.
2Quantity of substance
If higher capacitance and energy density are achieved, then device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell and supercapacitor are merged into a single device with shared components. The active layer serves dual purposes as both photoactive material and electrode, eliminating the need for separate solar cell and capacitor structures, thus achieving high capacitance without increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each component performs multiple functions: the active layer converts light to electricity and stores charge, the electrolyte provides ionic conduction and stores charge, and the electrodes serve both as current collectors and energy storage elements. This multi-functionality achieves high capacitance with minimal structural 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 demonstrates specific capacitance of 75 to 125 F/g, energy density of 17.5 to 27.5 Wh/kg, and power density of 11,000 to 14,000 W/kg, enabling efficient energy storage and retrieval under light exposure.
Implementation Method 1
They can be used in various applications in logic circuits and electronic wearable devices. Light responsive supercapacitors are capable of self-charging under light by converting light energy to electrical energy and store it for further use.
Implementation Method 2
an electrolyte layer including a solid separator and an electrolyte comprising polyvinyl alcohol and at least one ionic material selected from the group consisting of phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydroiodic acid, an alkali metal phosphate salt, an alkali metal sulfate salt, an alkali metal hydroxide, an alkali metal halide, and a mixture of a halogen and an alkali metal halide
Data Source
AI summary
A light harvesting supercapacitor and a method of preparing the light harvesting supercapacitor is disclosed. The light harvesting supercapacitor includes a transparent conducting substrate, an active layer including TiO2 nanoparticles and polyaniline (PANI) nanoparticles disposed on the transparent conducting substrate, an electrolyte layer including a solid separator soaked with an electrolyte comprising polyvinyl alcohol and at least one ionic material selected from the group consisting of phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydroiodic acid, an alkali metal phosphate salt, an alkali metal sulfate salt, an alkali metal hydroxide, an alkali metal halide, and a mixture of a halogen and an alkali metal halide disposed on the active layer, a carbon electrode disposed on the electrolyte layer, and a metal layer disposed on the activated carbon electrode. The light harvesting supercapacitor of the present disclosure can be used in a photovoltaic device.