Nanowerk February 19, 2022
The size and adequate energy storage mismatch between microbatteries and microelectronics has emerged as a fundamental barrier against the take-off of tiny intelligent systems requiring power anytime anywhere. The on-chip self-assembly process known as micro-origami is capable of winding stacked thin films into Swiss-roll structures to reduce the footprint area, which exactly mimics the manufacture of the most successful full-sized batteries—cylinder batteries. In addition to discussing in detail the technical difficulties of reducing the size of on-chip microbatteries with various structures and potential solutions, researchers in Germany highlight the following two basic requirements for eventual integration in microcomputers: minimum energy density of 100 microwatt-hour per square centimeter and monolithic integration with other functional electric circuits on the chip. They have developed the smallest battery-powered smart dust computer application in the sub-millimeter-scale prototype…read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLEÂ
Stacked thin films on the chip… Credit: Advanced Energy Materials, 09 February 2022Â