Litty Thekkekara

By Litty V. Thekkekara

Direct laser writing is a single-step fabrication technique for the micro and nanostructures even below the sub-diffraction limits. In recent times, the technique is adapted to the fabrication of on-chip energy storages with additional features of flexibility and stretchability. The major category of the energy storages taken into consideration for laser writing belongs to the family of supercapacitors which is known for the high rate of charge transfer, longer life spans and lesser charging times in comparison with traditional batteries. The technology explores the possibilities of non-explosive all solid-state energy storage integration with portable and wearable applications. These features can enable the development of self-powered autonomous devices, vehicles and self-reliant infrastructures. In this chapter, we discuss the progress, challenges and perspectives of micro-supercapacitors fabricated using direct laser writing.

Part of the book: Supercapacitors

By Litty V. Thekkekara and Imtiaz Ahmed Khan

The progress in portable technologies demands compactable energy harvesting and storage. In recent years, carbon-based lightweight and wearable supercapacitors are the new energy storage trends in the market. Moreover, the non-volatile nature, long durability, eco-friendliness, and electrostatic interaction mechanism of supercapacitors make it a better choice than traditional batteries. This chapter will focus on the progress of the wearable supercapacitor developments, the preferred material, design choices for energy storage, and their performance. We will be discussing the integrability of these supercapacitors with the next generation wearable technologies like sensors for health monitoring, biosensing and e-textiles. Besides, we will investigate the limitations and challenges involves in realizing those supercapacitor integrated technologies.

Part of the book: Supercapacitors for the Next Generation

By Imtiaz Ahmed Khan, Litty Thekkekara, Sania Waqar, Nauman Choudhry and Sabu John

Supercapacitors have surfaced as a promising technology to store electrical energy and bridge the gap between a conventional capacitor and a battery. This chapter reviews various fabrication practices deployed in the development of supercapacitor electrodes and devices. A broader insight is given on the numerous electrode fabrication techniques that include a detailed introduction, principles, pros and cons, and their specific applications to provide a holistic view. Key performance parameters of an energy storage device are explained in detail. A further discussion comprises several electrochemical measurement procedures that are used for the supercapacitor performance evaluation. The performance characterization section helps to determine the correct approach that should be utilized for supercapacitor device performance measurement and assessment.

Part of the book: Supercapacitors for the Next Generation