Towards the identification of optimal electrolytes for micro-storage energy systems

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

The increasing demand of energy autonomy for portable electronics is triggering intensive research efforts towards the development of self-powered, sustainable electronic devices. Within this context, the coupling of electronic devices (sensors, transistors, etc.) with energy harvesters and small size energy storage systems (e.g. micro-batteries or micro-supercapacitors) is actively pursued. IREQ, the Hydro-Québec research institute, is interested in exploring the use of its patented TFSI- and FSI-based ionic liquids to establish how their properties (high conductivity, high boiling point, low viscosity, high chemical stability, wide electrochemical stability windows, wide operating temperature, low vapor pressure) can be applied in micro-electrochemical systems such as micro-batteries and micro-supercapacitors. This Engage research project brings together experts in materials chemistry/device engineering (Fabio Cicoira's research workgroup, at Polytechnique Montréal) and ionic liquids (IREQ) to create an unprecedented opportunity to generate new knowledge to develop ionic liquid-based electrolytes for small size energy storage systems. The team led by Prof. Cicoira will explore the electronic and electrochemical characteristics of devices based on ionic liquids synthesized by IREQ, incorporated into innovative architectures, i.e. Transcap, a monolithically integrated device that exhibits the storage properties of a supercapacitor and the low-voltage operation of an electrolyte-gated transistor. Two key-benefits to Canada of this Engage project are: (i) advancing the knowledge of Canadian companies to increase business opportunities and international competitiveness of the Canadian manufacturing energy-related sector and (ii) training of HQP who will be in high demand from both academia and industry and who can make educated decisions on future industrial needs. As an example, the market for self-sufficient wireless micro-/nanosystems alone will grow rapidly from $US 0.45 billion in 2011 to $US 2 billion in 2021. It is of paramount importance for Canada to be a key player at the international level, to be at the forefront in the production of materials for portable electronics.