Bio mass-derived Microsupercapacitors for IoT devices

The increasing importance of the Internet of Things (IoT) for applications within e.g. climate monitoring for agriculture, water quality measurements or industrial process control drives the development of compact microelectronic systems for portable wireless sensors. In consequence, the demand for miniaturised energy storage systems is growing rapidly.In our ERC-funded research, we have invented a novel method for fabrication of biomass-derived 3D electrodes for electrochemical energy storage with custom-made dimensions and shape. Within BioMiCap, our objective is to transition from laboratory-scale single electrode studies with aqueous electrolytes into a commercially relevant encapsulated microsupercapacitor (SC) device with thermally stable electrolytes. Compared to existing SC, our electrodes are binder-free, without metal current collector and recyclable. The use of additive manufacturing technology allows for the fabrication of custom-made miniaturized energy storage devices for specific IoT applications.We will validate the biomass-derived SC as a sustainable and green power source for IoT devices through field tests in collaboration with our industrial partners. The innovation process includes an analysis of commercial feasibility, a follow-up on the existing IP strategy and the development of a business strategy that enables the commercial exploitation of the SC by a spin-off company.