Building fully three-dimensional (3D) electronic devices has been a challenge for more than a decade. Most of the efforts so far have relied on advanced processing techniques, which are limited in terms of material compatibility as well as process and device scalability. We propose a new method for building fully 3D interdigitated devices inside a high-surface area aerogel as substrate. The method, based on Layer-by-Layer self-assembly, is rapid (each layer is assembled within seconds), precise (allowing nanometer thickness control) and highly generic (applicable to a wide range of substrates and materials). We demonstrated two types of energy storage devices, a 3D supercapacitor and a 3D hybrid battery with a faradaic cathode. We also demonstrated the preparation of soft, and compressible 3D devices that can operate under extreme bending and extreme compressions up to 75%. The characteristics of the presented method define a new class of energy storage devices that combine softness, shock absorbance and energy storage in a single bulk material.

Soft, compressible and fully Interdigitated 3D energy storage devices built by layer-by-layer assembly inside aerogels

249th National Meeting (2015)

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