Nickel Sulfide Microrockets as Self-Propelled Energy Storage Devices to Power Electronic Circuits "On-Demand"

journal article in Web of Science

English

Miniaturized energy storage devices are essential to power the growing number and variety of microelectronic technologies. Here, a concept of self-propelled microscale energy storage elements that can move, reach, and power electronic circuits is reported. Microrockets consisting of a nickel sulfide (NiS) outer layer and a Pt inner layer are prepared by template-assisted electrodeposition, and designed to store energy through NiS-mediated redox reactions and propel via the Pt-catalyzed decomposition of H2O2 fuel. Scanning electrochemical microscopy allows visualizing and studying the energy storage ability of a single microrocket, revealing its pseudocapacitive nature. This proves the great potential of such technique in the field of micro/nanomotors. On-demand delivery of energy storage units to electronic circuits has been demonstrated by releasing microrockets on an interdigitated array electrode as an example of electronic circuit. Owing to their self-propulsion ability, they reach the active area of the electrode and, in principle, power its functions. These autonomously moving energy storage devices will be employed for next-generation electronics to store and deliver energy in previously inaccessible locations.

energy devices; electronics; micromotors; microrobots; supercapacitors

URSO, M.; IFFELSBERGER, C.; MAYORGA-MARTINEZ, C.; PUMERA, M.

1. 10. 2021

WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH

WEINHEIM

2366-9608

Small Methods

5

10

Federal Republic of Germany

2100511-1

2100511-9

9

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/smtd.202100511