The development shows supercapacitors can be produced in a small size for enabling extremely fast charging and increased battery lifespan.

Supercapacitors hold a lot of promise regarding fast charging and increased battery life (up to 4x times compared to conventional batteries). Their advanced energy storage capabilities can lead to efficient energy distribution for applications including electric cars, smartphones, industrial technologies and more. But despite the benefits, existing supercapacitors are too large for many applications. They need to be about the same size as the battery they are connected to, which is an obstacle to accommodating them in mobile phones or electric cars. [1]

Figure 1. Breakthrough Technology for Producing Small-Sized Supercapacitors

Figure 1 shows now, researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have developed a method that represents a potential breakthrough in the production of micro supercapacitors. The method addresses one of the main challenges – their compatibility with other components in a system circuit.

The researchers have developed micro supercapacitors, also known as system-on-a-chip, which are so small that they can fit on the system circuits that control various functions in mobile phones, computers, electric motors, and most consumer electronics goods. They have demonstrated a manufacturing process in which micro supercapacitors are integrated with the most common way to manufacture system circuits: complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS). [2]

“We used a method known as spin coating, a cornerstone technique in many manufacturing processes. This allows us to choose different electrode materials. We also use alkylamine chains in reduced graphene oxide, to show how that leads to a higher charging and storage capacity,” explains Agin Vyas.

“Our method is scalable and would involve reduced costs for the manufacturing process. It represents a great step forward in production technology and an important step towards the practical application of micro-supercapacitors in both everyday electronics and industrial applications.” [3]

A technique has also been formulated for making micro-supercapacitors of up to 10 different materials in one integrated manufacturing process, which means that properties can be effortlessly tailored to suit numerous diverse end applications. [4]

References:

1. https://www.electronicsforu.com/special/editor-choice/breakthrough-technology-for-producing-small-sized-supercapacitors
2. https://www.pv-magazine.com/2022/03/02/new-powerful-way-to-make-micro-supercapacitors/
3. https://www.nanowerk.com/nanotechnology-news2/newsid=59908.php
4. https://www.azom.com/news.aspx?newsID=58391

Cite this article:

Thanusri swetha J (2022), Breakthrough Technology for Producing Small-Sized Supercapacitors, Anatechmaz, pp. 208