Solid-State Supercapacitors and Microsupercapacitors Derived from Printable Graphene Inks

Solid-State Supercapacitors and Microsupercapacitors Derived from Printable Graphene Inks

NU 2016-076

INVENTORS

Mark Hersam*
Lei Li
Ethan Secor

SHORT DESCRIPTION

These solid-state supercapacitors and microsupercapacitors, derived from printable graphene inks, offer a scalable, flexible, and binder-free solution for high-performance energy storage in portable electronics. The technology utilizes pristine graphene electrodes produced via innovative printing techniques to deliver high power and energy density in robust, mechanically durable devices.

BACKGROUND

The rapid evolution of portable and flexible electronic systems has exposed critical challenges in energy storage technology. Traditional supercapacitor fabrication often relies on complex, costly processes and materials that resist integration with flexible platforms. This invention addresses these hurdles by introducing a facile, scalable process for producing high-quality graphene ink-based electrodes, thereby overcoming limitations associated with conventional methods.

ABSTRACT

In response to the growing demand for miniaturized and flexible energy storage solutions, this technology presents a method for fabricating solid-state supercapacitors (SCs) and microsupercapacitors (MSCs) using printable graphene ink. The process involves printing pristine graphene inks onto flexible substrates—eliminating the need for chemically-treated graphene oxide and separate current collectors. The resulting devices exhibit exceptional electrical conductivity, high volumetric capacitance, and outstanding mechanical durability. This scalable and cost-effective approach is ideally suited for powering next‐generation portable and wearable electronic systems.

APPLICATIONS

Flexible electronics
- Enables integration of high-resolution, bendable circuits in modern devices.
Wearable biomedical and environmental monitoring
- Supports portable sensor platforms with reliable, flexible energy storage.
Energy harvesting systems
- Provides efficient storage solutions for intermittently powered devices.
Wireless identification and communication
- Offers rapid charge-discharge cycles ideal for IoT and RFID applications.
Integration with lithium ion batteries
- Complements existing battery technologies to boost overall energy performance.

ADVANTAGES

Scalable and cost-effective fabrication
- Simplified, binder-free processing reduces production complexity and cost.
Superior material performance
- Graphene electrodes provide high electrical conductivity, stability, and theoretical capacitance.
Enhanced device performance
- Devices exhibit energy density comparable to lithium thin-film batteries with dramatically higher power output.
Flexibility and integration
- Mechanical durability and flexible design facilitate direct incorporation into diverse electronic systems.