Technology has shrunk over the years. Thanks to nanotechnology, the devices are shrinking to become more portable and smaller in size day by day.
Continuing this miniaturization trend, a team of researchers in Germany has created the smallest micro super-capacitor to ever exist. The size of this super-capacitor is smaller than a speck of dust but packs the same voltage as a AAA battery.
Researchers from the Chemnitz University of Technology, IFW Dresden, and IPF Dresden combined miniaturized electronics with some origami-inspired fabrication for this tiny super-capacitor.
The composition of these tiny bio-super-capacitors comprises a stack of polymers with light-sensitive photo-resist material that acts as the current collector. It also comprises a separator membrane, and electrodes made from an electrically conductive bio-compatible polymer called PEDOT: PSS. The overall volume of the sheets occupies less space than a grain of dust.
Bio-super-capacitor proved particularly effective in blood
The tiny device was tested by placing it in blood, it retained 70 percent of its capacity after 16 hours. The device worked efficiently with enzymes and other active ingredients to supercharge its charge storage reactions enhancing its performance by almost 40 percent.
To make the technology safe to use in the human body, researchers worked on removing toxic and harmful materials from its composition. Now, it’s safe to be used to power implants and sensors.
