| Project Detail |
Low-cost, high-performance micro-supercapacitors to power wearable devices
Micro-supercapacitors are efficient energy storage devices that can complement batteries in wearable devices. The global market for micro-supercapacitors is projected to reach EUR 3.5 billion by 2025. Although they have high power density and fast charge–discharge cycles, their high cost, low -dimensional accuracy and complexity have limited their widespread use. Funded by the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions programme, the LignoPrintCap project plans to develop higher-performance and lower-cost compact micro-supercapacitors through inkjet printing. The project will print these devices on flexible substrates using a lignin-derived activated carbon ink.
Micro-supercapacitors (MSCs) are efficient power sources for miniaturized wearable/portable gadgets; a projected global market of over € 35 billion by 2025. However, MSCs still suffer from high-cost, low dimensional accuracy, and complexity in the fabrication process. This project aims to develop high performance, low-cost, greener compact MSCs through inkjet printing technology. To this end, we will develop a lignin-derived nitrogen-doped activated carbon ink and print the MSCs on flexible substrates. Subsequently, the compact size of MSCs will enable us to print a high number of MSCs into a small footprint area and connect them in-series/in-parallel. This will assist us to alter the cell voltage and capacitance. In addition, to get new insights into the effect of electrode properties on electrode/electrolyte decomposition and cycle stability, we will investigate the lignin-based carbon properties and electrode/gel electrolyte interface using advanced characterization techniques e.g. XPS, NEXAFS, XANES. The world-leading expertise of Prof. Magda Titirici (host); and the state-of-the-art facilities at Imperial College London, provide the perfect environment to successfully host my project despite its challenging nature. |
