Microsupercapacitor project packs AAA battery voltage into a speck of ‘dust’
The researchers have succeeded in packing the same amount of voltage found in the AAA battery cell into a microscopacitor as small as a depletion of dust. This is the first time such achievement has been reported, opening the way for a small energy storage system that can be embedded safely in the human body for gadgets and biomedical care.
New technology is presented as a promising foundation for future biomedical devices that will be embedded in the body. Such a system might involve simple technology such as a small sensor to monitor blood or a larger, more sophisticated system, for example, issuing insulin or supporting failed organs.
The system embedded in the body must be safe, small, and has enough strength to operate – and power problems, mostly, the biggest obstacle for implant technology. Researchers with Chemnitz University of Technology in Germany may have developed solutions, and it comes in a very small form factor.
Researchers focus specifically on the “biosupercapacitors,” which is a very small supercapacitor made of biocompatible material and which can harvest energy from the body. Until now, the smallest of this device is measured by 3mm COBED, which has been done by the latest prototype: the volume is only 0.001mm diced.
Thus, biosupercapacitor can provide up to 1.6 volts although smaller than a speck of dust. It is important to note that while the voltage is similar to AAA batteries, the number of currents that can flow through them is much lower.
This study reported that this MicrosepaPacitor was able to power the integrated sensor system that measures the blood value of pH. In addition, the energy storage system is able to handle realistic blood vessel conditions in simulated microfluidal channels, which mimic changes in blood pressure and flow.
