Flexible, hydrogel-based supercapacitor operable over a wide temperature range
This technology is a supercapacitor enabled by a water-based hydrogel electrolyte, enabling operability over a wide range of temperatures.
Unmet Need: Thin-film supercapacitors compatible with harsh conditions
Thin-film supercapacitors are critical electronic components for portable devices and wearable technologies due to their charging stability and portability. Many thin-film supercapacitors utilize water-based hydrogels. However, most hydrogels are not robust with regard to temperature, limiting their use in harsh conditions. There is a need for the development of water-based hydrogel electrolytes with wide temperature compatibilities in order to improve the versatility of thin-film supercapacitors.
The Technology: Durable supercapacitor with broad temperature range operability
This technology is a temperature-flexible supercapacitor enabled by a water-based hydrogel electrolyte. The electrolyte is fabricated with montmorillonite and poly(vinyl alcohol) to enable operation at temperatures ranging from -50º to 90ºC. This hydrogel composition allows for enhanced ionic conductivity and thermal stability and is also relatively cost effective ($0.29/gram). This technology has the potential to greatly increase the range of operational temperatures of hydrogel electrolytes and expand the integration of thin-film supercapacitors into functional devices.
Applications:
- Wearable and flexible electronics
- Thin-film energy storage devices
- Personalized healthcare devices
- Smart cards
- Portable display technologies
- Printed electronics
- Space missions and technology
- Electronics for extreme environments
Advantages:
- Cost-effective
- Durable
- Flexible
- Operable over wide temperature range
- High specific capacitance and current density
Lead Inventor:
Patent Information:
Related Publications:
Tech Ventures Reference:
IR CU20292
Licensing Contact: Dovina Qu