In a collaboration between researchers from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) and the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH), a breakthrough has been made in developing a small-scale energy storage device that is capable of stretching, twisting, folding, and wrinkling. This advancement is particularly important in the field of wearable technology, where energy storage solutions need to be flexible and adaptable to keep up with the demands of soft electronic devices. Micro supercapacitors (MSCs) have shown promise in this area due to their high-power density, rapid charging, and long cycle life. However, the challenge has been in maintaining the energy storage performance of these devices under repeated stretching and twisting, as traditionally used brittle materials like gold (Au) are not suitable for this purpose.
The research team successfully addressed this challenge by using laser patterning to fabricate fine patterns of eutectic gallium-indium liquid metal (EGaIn) and graphene layers on a stretchable polymer substrate. This approach allowed the fabrication of micro supercapacitors that are capable of maintaining their original areal capacitance even after undergoing up to 1,000 cycles of stretching. The fabricated devices were also found to operate stably under various mechanical deformations such as folding, twisting, and wrinkling. The use of laser-patterned liquid metal electrodes represents a significant step forward in the development of truly deformable energy storage solutions, which is crucial as wearable technologies continue to advance.
The flexibility and durability of the fabricated micro supercapacitors make them ideal for use in wearable technology applications, where the ability to withstand various forms of mechanical deformation is essential. The research was supported by financial resources from the National Creative Research Initiative Program of the Ministry of Economy and Finance in the Republic of Korea, as well as the Industry-leading Core Production Technology Development Project of the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology. These funding sources have enabled researchers to explore innovative solutions in the development of deformable energy storage devices that can adapt to the demands of our dynamic lifestyles.
Overall, this breakthrough in developing a small-scale energy storage device capable of stretching, twisting, folding, and wrinkling represents a significant advancement in the field of wearable technology. The successful fabrication of micro supercapacitors with laser-patterned liquid metal electrodes opens up new possibilities for the design and manufacturing of flexible energy storage solutions that can meet the evolving needs of soft electronic devices. As wearable technologies continue to evolve, innovations like these will be crucial in ensuring that our devices can keep up with the demands of our ever-changing lifestyles.
