Hybrid Microcapacitor Promises a Sweet Spot for Energy Storage in Tiny Devices
2025-05-16
Researchers at University College London have developed a zinc-ion micro-capacitor (ZIMC) that strikes a balance between energy storage capacity and discharge rate, outperforming both microbatteries and microsupercapacitors in certain aspects. The device uses a novel 3D electrode structure and material selection to achieve high power areal density and long cycle life, making it suitable for applications in wearables, medical implants, and IoT devices. While currently using gold electrodes which are expensive, the team is exploring cost-effective alternatives for commercial viability. This hybrid approach offers a compact and efficient energy storage solution for next-generation on-chip electronics.