Grant: Idea to Innovation

Combining high-power density supercapacitors with batteries addresses the low-power density limitations of batteries, resulting in a potential fourfold increase in battery lifespan for large-scale applications. This trend is driving predictions of a $25 billion global market by 2030, surpassing the current valuation of $2.5 billion. Battery life is crucial for Internet of Things (IoT) devices and small gadgets, yet the integration of miniaturized supercapacitors with batteries is hindered by high electrode manufacturing costs due to the small-scale fabrication of electrodes. This challenge has led to a significant increase in scientific publications in the field since 2013. Our innovative Laser-Induced Graphitic Carbon Micro-Supercapacitor (LIGC-MSc) technique enhances gel electrolyte capacitance about 20 fold. This drastic increase in capacitance reduces cost per energy density per unit area, made possible through precise morphology and porosity control with a CO2 laser. This breakthrough has versatile applications and could reshape energy storage solutions. Our proposed work plan involves study of different electrode designs, high-voltage electrolytes, encapsulation, and scalable manufacturing. The goal of the proposed project is to design, build, evaluate, and refine next-generation commercial prototypes of this technology for emerging applications particularly defined by our industrial partners.